A real estate agent can save you a lot of time by working to find homes in
neighborhoods you like and that are within your price range. They can also help you
get plugged in with the local schools and communities, and be your hands-on,
present guide throughout the entire home-buying or -selling process from start to
finish. And they can be a big help with negotiations, ensuring you’re getting a fair
price and that all the terms in your contract are upheld.
Real estate agents also have access to a wide range of potential buyers or sellers,
via the multiple listing service (MLS), and other broker databases. And they can use
their contacts to bring to your attention a house that may be a hidden gem or one
you wouldn’t have found on your own. Likewise, they can tell you if a house has
zoning issues or requires expensive upgrades before it’s suitable for your family.
If you’re selling, a good real estate agent can help you set an objective asking price,
free of emotions that may cloud your judgment. They’ll also help you stage your
home to appeal to the right buyers and take professional-quality photos of your
property. They’ll also drive all marketing efforts — including open houses, printed
materials and online advertising — to ensure your house gets as much exposure as
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And if you’re buying, your real estate agent can help you navigate the complicated
mortgage process by getting you preapproved and alerting you to any potential
hurdles before you start looking at homes. They’ll also be your advocate in
discussions with the seller’s agent, escrow and title companies and lenders to make
sure all parties are on the same page and moving forward quickly.
At closing, your real estate agent can make sure everything goes according to plan
— which is a tall order given that it’s easy for unexpected problems to arise in the
final hours of a deal. They can keep an eye on things like whether a seller has an
outstanding loan on the property or whether the mortgage commitment date is
being missed, and they’ll be there to negotiate if necessary.
You’ll be in a close relationship with your real estate agent for weeks and possibly
months, so you want to work with someone who you like and trust. A good agent will
be honest with you about what they can and cannot do, and be transparent about
the fees involved. They should be able to explain how they’ll help you reach your
real estate goals and provide examples of past transactions. And they’ll be there for
you every step of the way, from assisting with paperwork to attending meetings and
signings. Finally, make sure your real estate agent is a full-time professional who
works this career as their sole source of income. That’s how you can be confident
they’re invested in their success and yours. They’ll care about you and your property
as if it were their own.
