Why use a Real Estate Agent

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The question of whether or not to use a Real Estate Agent is one that comes up frequently amongst individuals looking for a new home. You don’t have to use a Real Estate Agent to purchase a home, however, it’s a bit like trying to build a deck without a hammer and nails. It’s possible to do it, but it sure makes it unnecessarily difficult. Here are a number of reasons to consider hiring a Real Estate Agent when you begin your house hunting:

1. No Cost to You

This is a common misconception, so, we’re going to say it again; No Cost To You. The Seller is responsible for paying the Real Estate Agent’s commission. If there is both a Selling and Buying Real Estate Agent involved in the deal then the Seller will be responsible for paying both commissions from the proceeds of the sale. As the Buyer you will not be responsible for these commissions. So, choosing not to use a Real Estate Agent’s expertise will not save you any money.

2. Multiple Listing Service (MLS)

The database a licensed Real Estate Agent works from is called the Multiple Listing Service (MLS). This database enables Real Estate Agents to pool information about homes available for sale. This database also allows your Real Estate Agent to narrow down the search from all potential homes to the homes that fit your goals and needs. This database is not available to anyone but a licensed Real Estate Agent. This tool can save you the headache of combing through papers, online searches, and driving through neighborhoods to find a prospective home that fits your needs. This tool can help ensure that you’re looking at the right homes and that you don’t miss an opportunity that you simply didn’t know about.

3. Making an Offer

Making the right offer can help to guarantee you get the home (making the wrong offer can also close the door on an opportunity). A critical part of making the right offer is knowing all the market data for sales and offers in the area. A Real Estate Agent will have analyzed the market data necessary to know what is the right offer, when to keep negotiating, and when it is time to come to an agreement.

4. Legal Protection

Buying a home is a legal transaction and it is a good idea to have a licensed professional in your corner to ensure that your interests are protected in the transaction. A Real Estate Agent is trained to protect your interests in both drafting agreements and reviewing agreements on your behalf. They write in contingencies that can protect you from a loss of financing, failed home inspections, or promises that may not have been met by the Seller. Often times these contingencies protect you from losing earnest monies you may have contributed, or void the contract as a whole.

5. All the Red Tape

Unfortunately, there is a lot of paperwork that goes with purchasing a home. However, when you have a Real Estate Agent the responsibility of reviewing, organizing, and executing that paperwork will fall on your Real Estate Agent’s shoulders. This gives you the peace of mind of knowing that the contracts are accurate, on time, and that they are executed properly (keeps you from signing on the wrong line). These documents are very sensitive and must be done perfectly or you could find yourself in a sea of delays and additional paperwork. This isn’t an area you want to learn as you go.

6. No Cost to You

Did we mention that you can get all of the above at No Cost to You?

The Simple Truth

There is no question that the entire process of purchasing a home can be done without the assistance of a Real Estate Agent. But why would you choose to take on this mountain of work? A Real Estate Agent has a decisive advantage in finding a home (MLS), researching the right offer, negotiating, executing the legal paperwork, and they do all of this at NO COST TO YOU.

However, not all Real Estate Agents are created the same. This is more than likely your largest investment and it behooves you to make sure your working with the best of the best. At Loan Simple we have scoured the industry to find the agents that meet our exhausting standards. They are the best of the best.

Contact us today for a Loan Simple Certified Real Estate Agent in your area.