Do I need a realtor?

Do I need a Realtor(R)?  It is that time of year again when folks are getting ready to buy or sell.  They have the choise of doing in on their own or working with a Realtor(R).  Well this got me thinking about our new coffee brewer that Santa brought.

So many choices - There are lots of Realtors out there
When we opened our coffee brewer it had a variety pack included.  Yes, about 48 different kinds of coffee...some mild, some strong and some bold.  The same can be said about Realtors.  There are some that are very mild, you give them the price you want for your house and they list it for that, regardless of what the comps say.  Then you have the strong ones, they will lead you to the price that the house should sell at and then you have the bold.  You know them, this is it...take it or leave it.  Now we are all different and the personality of the buyer or seller should match with that of the Realtor(R).  You need to choose that one that works for you.

How do I know which one to choose? - The Realtor(R) interview
You need to meet them face-to-face and see who works best for you.  Now, we did this with our coffee as well...unfortunately we drank a little too much coffee at one time and got a little hyper, cranky and then the headache came on.  Yes we had a caffine high.  Now the same thing can happen when interviewing a Realtor(R).  Don't try to do all your interviewing in one day or you too will get a big headache.  You'll hear about Websites, hits, lad conversion and on and on, and after the 3 agent you will be a little hyper.  So have your questions ready and stay on course....don't let the "flavor" lead you astray.

I don't want to pay the price - The real cost of the Realtor(R)
Does it cost more then going on your own?  Well yes and no.  Back to the coffee.  For an individual cup of coffee it is a little more then just a cup from the old Mr. Coffee, but far less then a coffee shop.  With the individual brewer I get what I want, when I want it.  It hasn't been sitting there all day and it isn't $4 either. Here in Tennessee the buyer does not pay the commission unless the seller does not.  The rate of the commission is determined at the time the Buyer signs a Buyers Representation agreement.  For the seller, the fee is determined during the listing.  So does it cost more?  Study after study says no. Buyers save time and are better represented when using a realtor and those selling their homes on average get the property sold quicker and for more when using a Realtor(R).

So just like the individual coffee brewer it is up to you to decide which Realtor(R) is best for you, but to your house you need a Realtor...just like you need that cup of coffee in the morning.