The National Association of Realtors (NAR) recently released their 2017 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers in which they surveyed recent home buyers and sellers about their experiences. An entire section of the profile is dedicated to buyers’ experiences with their real estate agents.
If you are looking to buy in 2018, here are the top 5 benefits of using a real estate agent when buying your dream home as cited by recent buyers:
1. Helped the buyer understand the process – 60%
If you are new to the home buying process, an experienced real estate professional can explain exactly what to expect during the entire transaction so you aren’t caught off guard.
2. Pointed out unnoticed features/faults with the property – 56%
Whether it’s pointing out possible uses for an extra bedroom/office, or using their trained eye to see potentially disastrous hazards that may be hiding out of site, your agent is there to protect your interests and make sure your home buying experience is a good one.
3. Negotiated better sales contract terms – 47%
When it comes to negotiating the complex terms of your contract and coming to an agreement with the seller, it never hurts to have someone who has been there before on your side. If earlier in your search you found a couple of less than desirable features on the home you are going to purchase, your agent can make sure that contingencies are in place for you to pay the best price. Their analysis of comparable properties in the area will also help to make sure that your dream home is priced properly for the market.
4. Provided a better list of service providers – 46%
Real estate agents are titans of networking. Many have a list of preferred providers who they have worked with in the past and who they trust to work as a part of your team to make your dream come true. This can include mortgage professionals (listed as the #8 reason to use an agent at 22%), home inspectors, plumbers, contractors, painters, landscapers, home stagers, and so many more!
5. Improved the buyer’s knowledge of search areas – 44%
Local real estate professionals are often members of community organizations and are usually well versed in their area’s history. Their ties to the community make them a great resource whether you plan to relocate to a new area or across town.
Bottom Line
If your plans for 2018 include purchasing your dream home, let’s get together to discuss your options and to help you make the most powerful and confident decisions for you and your family.
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I like how you mentioned that hiring a real estate agent can help you get a better sales contract, as they will be able to analyze the property and haggle. My home is really old, so I’ve been wanting to move out of it. What qualities should I look for when hiring a real estate agent?
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Hi Taylor!
Thank you for your comment. I would suggest you interview several local real estate agents when researching to sell your property. Within the interview process, some typical questions you might ask are as follows:
1. What does the agent charge. What is his/her commission rate and other expenses you would be required to pay him/her pre or post sale; and will the agent provide professional photographs at his/her expense.
2. Ask the terms of the agreement to list your property w/ the sales agent. Will the agent represent you exclusively, or potential new purchases as well? Are you required to pay a fee if for whatever reason you decide the relationship isn’t working for you – some agents will require the Seller to pay x amount of funds if they terminate the listing agreement early (to cover any expenses they have) and some will not – it’s best if you address this during the initial interview.
3. What does the agent believe your property is worth and why. An agent should be able to provide you with basic comparables to your property for a realistic list price – too high and the house will sit.
4. How will the agent market your property other than just posting it in the MLS. The agent should provide you with a marketing plan/strategy. Today with social media, an agent that is familiar and has a presence with social media outlets and is tech savvy, provides a strong quality for marketing opportunities.
4. Will the agent help suggest staging options and/or improvements prior to listing the property which will maximize interest and top dollar for the sale.
5. Last but not least, make sure you have a good rapport with the agent b/c he/she should be communicating with you (providing you status reports) no less than once a week – communication is important.
Are you local to the Nassau County area? If you are, I’d be happy to meet with you and discuss options to listing your home for sale; and if you’re not local, I’m happy to refer an agent in your area that can meet with you. The best way to find out what’s involved with selling your home for maximum dollars is to meet with a real estate sales professional and go from there. Please let me know if you’d like to meet or if I can help you with additional concerns. You may contact me at 904.535.3997 or email at Capprice@CappriceKitchen.com. Thanks again and best of luck.
Kind Regards,
Capprice Kitchen
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I like that you pointed out that an agent will be able to help the buyer understand the process well. Like you said, these professionals can explain the exact expectations regarding the transaction that they will be facing. My sister should know this so that she will be convinced to hire one especially that it will be her first time to buy a house. She just got the money she has been waiting for due to the incentives she has been promised with after doing a great job at work last year.