1. They have loads of expertise

Want to check the MLS for a 4B/2B with an EIK and a W/D? Real estate has itsown language, full of acronyms and semi-arcane jargon, and your Realtor istrained to speak that language fluently.

Plus, buying or selling a homeusually requires dozens of forms, reports, disclosures, and other technicaldocuments. Realtors have the expertise to help you prepare a killer deal—whileavoiding delays or costly mistakes that can seriously mess you up.

2. Theyhave turbocharged searching power

The Internet is awesome. Youcan find almost anything—anything! Andwith online real estate listing sites such as yours truly, you can findup-to-date home listings on your own, any time you want. But guess what?Realtors have access to evenmore listings. Sometimes properties are available but notactively advertised. A Realtor can help you find those hidden gems.

Plus, a good local Realtor isgoing to know the search area way better than you ever could. Have your eye ona particular neighborhood, but it’s just out of your price range? Your Realtoris equipped to know the ins and outs of every neighborhood,so she can direct you toward a home in your price range that you may haveoverlooked.

3. Theyhave bullish negotiating chops

Any time you buy or sell ahome, you’re going to encounter negotiations—and as today’s housing marketheats up, those negotiations are more likely than ever to get a little heated.

You can expect lots ofcompetition, cutthroat tactics, all-cash offers, and bidding wars. Don’t youwant a savvy and professional negotiator on your side to seal the best deal foryou?

And it’s not just about howmuch money you end up spending or netting. A Realtor will help draw up apurchase agreement that allows enough time for inspections, contingencies, andanything else that’s crucial to your particular needs.

4.They’re connected to everyone

Realtors might not knoweverything, but they make it their mission to know just about everyone who canpossibly help in the process of buying or selling a home. Mortgage brokers,real estate attorneys, home inspectors, home stagers, interior designers—thelist goes on—and they’re all in your Realtor’s network. Use them.

5. Theyadhere to a strict code of ethics

Not every real estate agent isa Realtor, who is a licensed real estate salesperson who belongs to theNational Association of Realtors®, the largest trade group in the country.

What difference does it make?Realtors are held to a higher ethical standard than licensed agents and mustadhere to a Code of Ethics.

6.They’re your sage parent/data analyst/therapist—all rolled into one

The thing about Realtors: Theywear a lot of different hats. Sure, they’re salespeople, but they actually do awhole heck of a lot to earn their commission. They’re constantly drivingaround, checking out listings for you. They spend their own money on marketingyour home (if you’re selling). They’re researching comps to make sure you’regetting the best deal.

And, of course, they’re workingfor you at nearly all hours of the day and night—whether you need more info ona home or just someone to talk to in order to feel at ease with the offer youjust put in. This is the biggest financial (and possibly emotional) decision ofyour life, and guiding you through it isn’t a responsibility Realtors takelightly.

 

Credit to: Rachel Stults,realtors.com