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A Real Estate Agent is vital when you buy a home through out the process. If you’ve decided you’re ready to become a homeowner. Chances are you’re trying to figure out what to do first. Knowing where to start can feel overwhelming. The good news is you don’t have to navigate that alone.
Housing Market’s Moving Pieces
When it comes to buying a home, there are a lot of moving pieces. And that’s especially true in today’s housing market. The number of homes for sale is still low, and home prices and mortgage rates are still high. That combination can be tricky if you don’t have reliable expertise and a trusted advisor. That’s why the best place to start is connecting with a local real estate agent.
Real Estate Agent is the number one (“1”) Most Useful Source in the Buying Process
The latest annual report from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) finds recent homebuyers agree the #1 most helpful source of information they had in the home buying process was a real estate agent. Let’s break down why.
How a Real Estate Agent Helps
When you think about a real estate agent, you may think of someone taking you on home showings and putting together the paperwork, but a great agent does so much more than that. It’s not just being the facilitator for your purchase but your guide through every step.
The visual below shows examples of how an agent adds value from that NAR release. It includes the percentage of homebuyers in that report who highlighted each of these benefits:
Summary of Real Estate Agent Benefits
Here’s a bit more context on how the survey results noted an agent continually helps buyers in these situations:
- Real Estate Agents Help Buyers Understand the Process: Do you know the difference between an inspection and an appraisal, What each report tells you, and why they’re both important? Or what things you shouldn’t do after applying for a mortgage, like buying appliances or furniture? As your agent, I know all of these best practices and will share them with you so you don’t miss any critical steps by the time you get to the closing table.
- Unnoticed Features or Faults with the Home: As your agent, I have experience evaluating all types of homes. I will pinpoint some things you may not have noticed about the home that could help inform your decision or at least what repairs you ask for or be prepared for after closing.
- Provide a List of Service Providers: Many people are involved in a real estate transaction. As your agent, I have experience working with various professionals: home inspectors, lenders, attorneys, designers, cleaners, wallpaper specialists, closet installation companies, etc. I will connect you with the pros you require for a successful experience.
- Negotiate a Contract Terms and Price: Did something happen in the home inspection or with the appraisal? As your agent, I will help you re-negotiate as needed to get the best terms and price possible so you feel confident about your significant purchase.
- Improving Buyer’s Knowledge of the Search Area: Moving to a new town and you’re unfamiliar with the area or staying nearby but don’t know which neighborhoods are most affordable or meet your search requirements? Either way, I know the local area like the back of my hand and can help you find the perfect location for your needs.
- Expand the Search Area: If you’re not finding anything you’re interested in within your initial search radius, I will know other neighborhoods you should consider based on what you like, what amenities you want, and more.
Key Takeaway
If you’re looking to buy a home, don’t forget that having an agent is essential to purchasing. Any hurdle that pops up, a negotiation that needs to take place, and more, I will know how to handle it while they minimize your stress along the way. Let’s connect to tackle this together.
Other educational articles about the market and your home search are under Karen’s Blog. Additionally, explore the search bar for other topics of interest.
