Here are 12 reasons why you need a Realtor, whether you are Buying or Selling a Home.

Buying a house is not as easy.

Here are 12 reasons why you need a Realtor, whether you are Buying or Selling a Home.  There is a mountain of paperwork and legal issues that need to be dealt with. Using professional assistance from a Realtor is the only way to go.

 1.      Your Realtor can help you determine what you can comfortably pay for a home. They   can get you in touch with a mortgage specialist.

 2.     Your Realtor has many resources to assist you in your home search. Sometimes the property you are seeking is available but not actively advertised in the market, and it will take some investigation by your agent to find all available properties. 

 3.     Your Realtor can assist you in the selection process by providing information about each property. Agents who are Realtors have access to a variety of informational resources. Your Realtor can provide local community information on utilities, zoning schools, etc. There are two things you will want to know. First, will the property provide the environment I want for a home or investment? Second, will the property have resale value when I am ready to sell?   

 4.     Your Realtor can help you negotiate and submit an offer. There are many negotiating factors, including but not limited to price, financing, terms, date of possession and often the inclusion or exclusion of repairs and furnishings or equipment. The purchase agreement should provide a period for you to complete appropriate inspections and investigations of the property before you are bound to complete the purchase. Your Realtor can advise you as to which investigations and inspections are recommended or required.  

 5.      Your Realtor provides due diligence during the evaluation of the property by recommending home inspections. Depending on the area and property, this could include inspections for termites, asbestos, faulty structure, roof condition, septic tank and well tests, just to name a few.   

 6.     Your Realtor can help you in understanding different financing options and in identifying qualified lenders.  

 7.      Your Realtor can guide you through the closing process and make sure everything flows together smoothly. You will also want to see a preliminary report on the title of the property. Title indicates ownership of property and can be mired in confusing status of past owners or rights of access. The title to most properties will have some limitations; for example, easements (access rights) for utilities.

 8.     Your Realtor, Title Company or attorney can help you resolve issues that might cause problems later.  If you are also selling your home, your Realtor can give you up-to-date information on what is happening in the marketplace and the price, financing, terms, and condition of competing properties. These are key factors in getting your property sold at the best price, quickly and with minimum hassle.   

 9.     Your Realtor markets your property to other real estate agents and the public. Often, they can recommend preparing the home for sale by repairs or cosmetic work that will significantly enhance the salability of your property. In many markets across the country, over 50% of real estate sales are cooperative sales; that is, a real estate agent other than yours brings in the buyer. Your Realtor acts as the marketing coordinator, disbursing information about your property to other real estate agents through a Multiple Listing Service (MLS) or other cooperative marketing networks, open houses for agents, etc. The Realtor Code of Ethics requires Realtors to utilize these cooperative relationships when they benefit their clients. 

 10.   Your Realtor will know when, where and how to market your property. There is a misconception that advertising sells real estate. A National Association of Realtors Studies show that 82% of real estate sales are the result of agent contacts through previous clients, referrals, friends, family, and personal contacts. When a property is marketed with the help of your Realtor, you do not have to allow strangers into your home. Your Realtor will generally pre-screen and accompany qualified prospects through your property.  

 11.    Your Realtor can help you objectively evaluate any buyer's offer without compromising your marketing position. This initial agreement is only the beginning of a process of appraisals, inspections, and financing issues. Your Realtor can help you write a legally binding, win-win agreement that will be more likely to make it through the process.  

 12.  Your Realtor can help close the sale of your home. Between the initial sales agreement and closing, questions may arise. For example, unexpected repairs are required to obtain financing or a cloud in the title is discovered. The required paperwork alone is overwhelming for most sellers. Your Realtor is the best person to help you resolve these issues and move the transaction to the closing.

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