What is a Real Estate Agent?
Ashley Kimble Slaughter: 225-235-9379
Choosing to buy a house is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make in your life. Similarly, selling your house is a decision that requires significant thought and the weighing of options. Due to the importance of these decisions, do you really want to walk these paths without a professional on your side? Naturally, you may decide to seek the help of a real estate professional. You may find yourself asking, “What is a real estate agent?” and “How can a real estate agent help me?”
There is more to buying a house than attending open houses and choosing which neighborhood fits your lifestyle. Those these are vital steps in the process of purchasing a home, the process includes specific steps that should be followed to ensure a successful transaction.
When you are selling a home, you want to make sure that your home sells as quickly as possible and for the maximum amount possible. Trying to do this on your own is a gamble because you don’t have all the market information and experience that a real estate professional possesses. Choosing to work with a real estate agent can make the home selling process smoother for everyone involved.
Do I Need a Real Estate Agent, Realtor, or Broker?
Before making the choice to work with a real estate professional, it may be helpful to know more about the distinctions within the industry when it comes to titles.
Real Estate Agent: A real estate agent has taken all the necessary classes to receive their real estate license in the state they’ve chosen to work within. They have met all the state requirements and passed the tests needed to be a real estate agent.
Realtor: A Realtor has taken all the necessary classes to receive their real estate license in a chosen state. They have met all state requirements and passed the tests needed to be a real estate agent. Additionally, they are a member of the National Association of Realtors. This grants them the privilege of using Realtor as a title. Realtors are held to a Code of Ethics that is strictly enforced.
Real Estate Broker: A real estate broker is a real estate agent that may or may not be a Realtor. This person is licensed as a real estate agent in the state of their choice. They have taken additional classes and training that allows them to carry a broker license. This person can work alone or hire other agents to work for them.
Real Estate Associate Broker: A real estate associate broker is a licensed real estate agent who may or may not be a Realtor. They have their broker license, but they work under the management of another broker instead of managing their own company.
The Power of Knowledge
Let’s stop for a moment and take everything you know about mortgages, home inspections, escrow, and real estate laws and place them in a pile over here. Now, let’s compare this pile of knowledge to the combined knowledge of a real estate agent about mortgages, home inspections, escrow, and real estate laws. Consider that those topics are only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to information you’ll need to buy or sell a house. Having a real estate agent on your side with all their knowledge and experience is one of the top motivators for finding a reputable real estate professional as soon as you know you’re interested in a real estate transaction.
Saving Time Saves Money
You could choose to do all the research needed to buy or sell a home. The internet is full of tips and information that is related to real estate. Consider the hours upon hours of research you’ll need to do on the real estate market, real estate terminology, laws involved within your state and community, finding the correct paperwork, sorting out appraisals and inspections, creating alluring listing ads, and finding a mortgage lender.
Or, you could invest your time more wisely by having a real estate agent answer questions faster than you can think to ask them. Real estate agents have minds full of the knowledge that you need to save time. Saving time will save you money in the long run.
Focus on the Financial Benefits
You not only save time when you work with a real estate agent, you have the opportunity to get the most out of the transaction when it comes to price. If you are buying a home, you want to get the most home for the amount of money you have available to spend. Real estate agents are fierce when it comes to negotiations, and they know just what to look for when it comes to hidden fees and things that will cost you extra money.
When you’re selling a home, you want to get the most for your home and sell it quickly. A real estate agent has the power of listing your home so that it’s seen by more people. They have the experience needed to make sure you reach your real estate goals.
Choosing a Real Estate Agent
When choosing a real estate agent, ask friends and family about their recommendations. If a neighbor has recently bought or sold their home, check with them to see what kind of experience they had with their real estate agent. Choose a real estate agent who is reputable, trustworthy, and has the experience you’ll need to buy or sell your house.
Ashley Kimble Slaughter would love to be your real estate agent. Her years of experience and connections within the Baton Rouge community will benefit you when it comes to your real estate needs. Give her a call at 225-235-9379 today!
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