Published May 3, 2020
Don’t Go it Alone! Top 3 Reasons You Need a Real Estate Agent

Buying and selling
a home is an important process for homeowners. Whether this is your first
home, or if you’ve moved a few times, one thing you cannot dismiss is the important
role real estate agents play in the process. From a smooth transition for the
buyer and seller, to properly completed paperwork – their roles are expansive.
If you’ve been thinking about going through the process without
the help of a professional, you may want to pause and read the following. You will
likely save yourself a lot of time, money, and frustration.
They Know the Market
Sure there’s an abundance of information available online that anyone can access as far as home sales and prices in each area, but that information alone doesn’t equate to understanding proper pricing and the, “bigger picture.” A local agent is going to have knowledge about properties before they’re even listed and have a feel for the neighborhood – the types of schools in the area, etc. This knowledge will help make a match that results in a quicker sale and fair price for both buyer and seller.
The trust they’ve earned as a
professional in the industry also means they can easily get the keys to tour a
property. If you go it alone, what are the chances a seller will give you the
lockbox code to roam freely in their home?
They Know the Legal Stuff
Selling and buying homes comes with lots of paperwork you don’t typically hear about. That’s because a lot of it happens in the background...through the agents. But that doesn’t mean it’s not an important part of the process. Contracts stating who will pay which fees, what needs to be included with the property and how much you’ll be legally responsible to pay as part of the purchase or get as part of the sale, are all part of the legal and negotiation process involved in real estate.
Having an agent with your best interests in
mind throughout these various steps is critical. They are going to be your
advocate the whole way through, leave emotions out of the equation and ensure
you’re getting the best possible outcome.
2 Words: Negotiation Skills
Whether you’re buying a home or selling one,
you need an agent who understands the art of negotiations in this specific
field. This isn't haggling with a street vendor for a few bucks off a pair
of sunglasses; this is a practice that requires thorough knowledge of the local market,
recent selling and listing prices, and what leverage and bargaining chips can be
used to ensure both parties are satisfied with the transaction.
Regardless of where you are in the home buying and selling
process, trust the Lauren Sells Team to help you figure out your next move so
you can feel confident and closer to achieving your goal. Our team members are
highly specialized and bring expertise and dedication to the table that can’t
be beat.