Why use a Realtor® as your Buyer Agent
Not all real estate buyer agents are Realtors®. The term Realtor® is a registered trademark that identifies a real estate professional who is a member of the National Association of Realtors® and subscribes to its strict Code of Ethics. What follows are seven reasons why it pays to work with a Realtor®.
1. Keeps the process in check - Buying a home usually requires contracts, disclosure forms, home inspections, mortgage documentation, insurance policies, deeds, and settlement statements. A Realtor is a knowledgeable expert that will help you prepare the best deal, and avoid delays or costly mistakes.
2. Local Knowledge - Realtors® can provide an unbiased opinion on each property. They also know the local information on utilities, zoning, schools, and more. A professional Buyer’s Agent will be able to help you assess the property not only for your personal living standards, but also to view it as an investment and resale ability under different market circumstances.
3. They help find the best property for you - Although most buyers go to the web first, there is so much information available that it can be difficult to find the right property. Also, the property you may want is not currently for sale. Under both scenarios, your Realtor® will help find all available properties that best fit your needs.
4. Experience. Most people buy only one, two or a few homes in a lifetime. And even though you may have purchased before, there are legal changes that impact the sale at federal, state and local levels. A professional Buyer’s Agent is a Realtor® that handles many real estate transactions a year, so they are knowledgeable on both local laws and transactions customs. Having an expert on your side is critical to your buying success.
5. Knows the terminology and customs - The buying process has to deal with many things that most buyers have never had to deal with before. The terminology alone can be intimidating and the process can seem like a maze. This is why a Buyer’s Agent who is both experienced and active can help you throughout your buying experience.
6. Skilled negotiatorWhen buying real estate, one learns that price is only one item to negotiate. There is also financing, terms, date of possession, home inspection contingencies and associated repairs, conveyances, and much more. The contract should be contingent on satisfactory time to conduct specified inspections before you are bound to complete the purchase. The Buyer Agent can advise you as to which are appropriate inspections.
7. Objectivity - Almost anything we do is based on emotion, which we then use a rational process to justify. A Realtor will help provide that objectivity so that the property you buy is the best at achieving what you want in a property. Since this may be the biggest purchase you may ever make, it is critical to have a caring objective third party so that you stay focused on what is most important to you. If you do not yet have a Buyer’s Agent helping you, please fill out the form below and we will contact you soon.