Key Takeaways
- Real estate agents offer expert advice throughout the entire homebuying process.
- Agents have access to off-market properties and key local information.
- Agents negotiate on your behalf and help you secure the best deal.
While it may be tempting to bypass paying out a real estate agent’s commission, using an agent can save you time, stress, and even money.
According to the National Association of Realtors, approximately 26% of U.S. homebuyers are purchasing a home for the first time. So you may not have bought a home before, but a seasoned real estate agent will have dozens of closings under their belt and will use their experience to assist you every step of the way.
Why hire a real estate agent
1. Step-by-step support
A good agent can guide you through the entire homebuying process, from finding the right neighborhood to figuring out how many bedrooms you need. They know and understand the market, have access to properties that aren’t yet available to the public, and are experts in their field.
2. A network of contacts
In addition, they have valuable contacts in the real estate and home improvement worlds, so they can recommend everything from a title company to a contractor or home inspector.
3. Process guidance
Once you get further into the buying process, a real estate agent will read through contracts, disclosures, and documents, all while making sure you understand the fine print. Agents are trained to read and understand real estate legal jargon, and can ensure that your transaction won’t fall through.
What to expect from your agent
Real estate agents are licensed for a reason. Much of the support and services they provide require special training and detailed knowledge to ensure you’re getting the representation you deserve. Here are a few of the things you can expect from your agent, all of which are part of their job, but which go beyond the most obvious work of buying your home.
1. Personal guidance
Agents offer personalized advice, helping you assess what you need in a home and narrowing down your search accordingly.
2. Paperwork assistance
An agent ensures that every form (from purchase agreements to closing disclosures) is filled out correctly, saving you from potential legal headaches.
3. Dispassionate negotiations
When it comes to negotiating contracts and numbers, you want someone seasoned and impartial on your side. While you are emotionally invested in buying your new home, an agent serves as an unbiased negotiator, who is obligated to advocate for you and get the best deal possible. While they are incentivized to help you close a deal, they are not emotionally attached to the transaction, and can stay level headed through the process.
Real estate agents do so much more than simply showing you homes listed for sale. They provide invaluable support, market knowledge and expertise in critical areas of the homebuying process that requires specific licensing. In the end, your agent will save you time, stress and maybe even money.
FAQs
Why should I pay a commission to a real estate agent?
A good agent saves you time, reduces stress, and can negotiate a better deal, often paying for the commission itself. Plus, it’s their job to help protect you from the unknowns in the buying process.
Can I negotiate a contract without an agent?
Yes, but that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s a good idea. Agents are trained in negotiations and can often secure better terms due to their experience and lack of emotional attachment to the deal.
What should I expect from my agent after we sign a purchase agreement?
There’s actually a lot that still happens. In fact, we wrote another short article about it that you can read here.
