Special offer

REALTORS Doing Too Little?? Think Again!

Reblogger
Real Estate Agent with Keller Williams Realty

Original content by Brigita McKelvie, Associate Broker PA License #AB068077

 

I am under the impression that most consumers think that real estate agents just stick a sign in the yard, enter the listing in the local MLS, show buyers homes and their job is done.  Therefore, some feel that they can do the same job selling their own home.  Not so.  Our jobs entail much more than that.

 

REALTORS do the following:

1.  Help consumers through a complicated process.  Buying or selling a home requires numerous forms such as disclosure forms, inspection reports, mortgage documents, insurance policies, deeds and multipage settlement statements.  A knowledgeable expert will help you prepare the best deal and avoid delays or costly mistakes.

2.  Educating the consumer.  Real estate transactions tend to be very complicated and stressful.  A REALTOR will inform the consumer about the buying/selling process and what to expect.

3.  Information and opinions.  REALTORS are local experts.  They can provide local community information on utilities, zoning, schools, and more.  They'll also be able to provide objective information about each property.  A professional will be able to help you answer these 2 important questions:
                       Will the property provide the environment I want for a home or investment?
                       Will the property have resale value when I am ready to sell?

4.  Assist in finding the best property out there.  Sometimes the property you are seeking is available but not actively advertised in the market.  It will take some investigation by your REALTOR to find all the available properties.

5.  Negotiating skills.  There are many negotiating factors, including, but not limited to price, financing terms, date of possession, inclusion or exclusion of repairs, furnishings or equipment.  In addition, the purchase agreement should provide a period of time for you to complete appropriate inspections and investifations of the property before you are bound to complete the purchase.  Your agent can advise you as to which investigfations and inpsections are recommended or required.

6.  Power of marketing property.  Real estate does not sell by advertising alone.  In fact, a llarge share of real estate sal;es comes as a result of a practitioner's contacts through previous clients, referrals, friends, and family.  When a property is marketed with the help of a REALTOR, you do not have to allow strangers into your home.  Your REALTOR will generally prescreen and accompany qualified propspects through your property.

7.  Speak the real estate language.  If you don't know a CMA from a PUD, you can understand why it's important to work with a professional who specializes in the industry and knows the real estate language.

8.  Experience.  Most people buy and sell only a few homes in a lifetime, usually with a number of years in between each purchase.  Even if you have done it before, laws and regulations change.  REALTORS handle humdreds of real estate transactions over the course of their career.  Having an expert represent you is critical.

9.  Objective voice.  A home often symbolizes family, rest and security.  It is not just 4 walls and a roof.  Because of this, homebuying and selling can be an emotional undertaking.  For most people, a home is the biggest purchase they'll ever make.  Having a concerned, but objective, third party helps you stay focused on both the emotional and financial issues most important to you.

So, the next time you decide not to work with a REALTOR, think about how much time, effort and how big of a job the agent really has.  Isn't it worth it to have yourself represented by a REALTOR?

 

Comments (0)