The High Value of Hiring a Real Estate Agent When Buying a Home

Home buying is an involved and often complex task, and hiring a real estate agent to lead the effort can provide buyers with peace of mind and the home of their dreams. Indeed, most agents charge a six percent or higher fee on the sale price, but their invaluable services make that expense seem rather small in the long haul for a number of reasons.

For informational purposes only. Always consult with a licensed real estate professional before proceeding with any real estate transaction.

Agents Have Access to Unknown Homes on the Market

Hiring a real estate agent may give buyers the chance to see homes they would miss otherwise. Some home sellers opt to sell quietly and don't publicly list their homes on MLS sites or by traditional means. Some don't want their neighbors or friends aware that they are selling for personal reasons like a pending divorce or financial problems. These sellers will typically list privately with agents. The benefit as a buyer with access to these listings through an agent are that many of these homes are priced to sell fast.

Pricing Expertise

Real estate agents typically have a good deal of experience working amid their local markets, so they have a good idea of a home's worth rather quickly. Buyers often don't realize that online information concerning sale prices of comparable houses isn't the end-all of determining whether a home is over or under priced. Agents work with home buyers and sellers every day, and understand how to get buyers the best deal using a combination of hard data and knowledge gained from experience.

Repair Requests

When buying a home, it's likely that some repairs will be necessary. While a buyer going solo may feel shy about even bringing these issues up, agents don't hesitate to ask sellers or their agents to include repairs or a price reduction for them in the contract's buyer contingencies. Furthermore, real estate experts know which problems are serious enough to mention and which are not, as unreasonable requests can break a deal quickly.

Agents Understand the Complexities of Paperwork

There are seemingly countless closing documents necessary in the home buying process, and agents know how to streamline the paperwork pushing process. Contracts, inspections, offers, counteroffers, contingencies, repair documents, and so on can get tiresome on home buyers fast. Real estate professionals tackle these tasks and ensure that everything is in order so buyers can simply focus on finding the ideal home.

Combat Closing Problems With an Agent

The home is chosen, contingencies have been made, financing is in place… and then as closing nears something threatens the entire deal. Just one small problem like an unclear title discovery or a lender dragging their feet can delay the closing process. Real estate agents have a keen eye and often can spot any potential troubles before the closing date. These professionals are accustomed to handling these situations and make the necessary calls to involved parties and resolve conflicts to streamline the closing.

Considering buying a Northwest Edmonton home in the near future? Avoid the pitfalls of home buying without a professional real estate agent on your side.

For informational purposes only. Always consult with a licensed real estate professional before proceeding with any real estate transaction.