Why Hire A Realtor?
1. Realtors adhere to a strict code of ethics: Not every real estate agent is a Realtor, who is a licensed real estate salesperson who belongs to the National Association of Realtors®, the largest trade group in the country. What difference does it make? Realtors are held to a higher ethical standard than licensed agents and must adhere to a Code of Ethics. Click on the link to learn more!
2. We understand fair market value and pricing strategy: When you work with an experienced, local Realtor, we have a great handle on what your home is worth in your area, and what kind of pricing will get buyers through the door. We will help you walk the tightrope of getting you as much money out of your house as possible, while still appealing to a wide range of buyers.
3. We are objective listing experts: Good Realtors have a deep understanding of their local market and want to show your home in the best light. We also have relationships with photographers and home stagers, who will all work as a team to highlight the amenities that local buyers want.
4. We have access to extensive market exposure: With access to the local MLS and online listing portals, social media presence, professional networks, connections with other agents, and name recognition, your Realtor will get a lot of eyes on your listing and plenty of potential buyers in the front door.
5. Buyer’s agents are more likely to show your listing to clients: Homes that are listing with a Realtor will get showings. Real estate agents are paid on commission, so most agents will not take the time to show a FSBO (for sale by owner) listing to their clients. There’s no guaranteed commission and they feel they will need to work both sides of the transaction, making this an undesirable sale.
6. We will negotiate professionally: Experienced Realtors can spot serious buyers and guide you toward the strongest offers, which eliminates the burden of calls and negotiations with less motivated shoppers. Realtors are extremely familiar with both the selling process and your local market, so they can recommend appropriate counter offers. Bottom line—we will help you get as much money as possible.
7. We have bullish negotiating chops: Any time you buy or sell a home, you’re going to encounter negotiations—and as today’s housing market heats up, those negotiations are more likely than ever to get a little heated. You can expect lots of competition, cutthroat tactics, all-cash offers, and bidding wars. Don’t you want a savvy and professional negotiator on your side to seal the best deal for you?
And it’s not just about how much money you end up spending or netting. A Realtor will help draw up a purchase agreement that allows enough time for inspections, contingencies, and anything else that’s crucial to your particular needs.
8. We know the paperwork: There’s a lot of documentation involved when you sell a home, and without a Realtor, the burden of making sure it’s complete and accurate falls on the seller. Seasoned Realtors are experts at the purchase and sale process, and all the legalese that comes with it.
9. We are your sage parent/data analyst/therapist—all rolled into one Realtors wear a lot of different hats. Sure, we’re salespeople, but we actually do a whole lot to earn our commission. We are constantly driving around, checking out listings for you. We spend our own money on marketing your home (if you’re selling). We continually research comps to make sure you’re getting the best deal.
And, of course, we are working for you at nearly all hours of the day and night—whether you need more info on a home or just someone to talk to in order to feel at ease with your transaction. This is the biggest financial (and possibly emotional) decision of your life, and guiding you through it isn’t a responsibility Realtors take lightly.
But, not all Realtors are created equally! Make sure the Realtor you hire is a full-time agent and has a proven track record!