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Advice
for Buyers
8 Reasons Why You Should Work With a REALTOR®
Not all real estate practitioners are REALTORS®. The term REALTOR®
is a registered trademark that identifies a real estate professional
who is a member of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION of REALTORS® and
subscribes to its strict Code of Ethics. Here's why it pays to work
with a REALTOR®.
- Navigate a complicated process. Buying or selling a home usually
requires disclosure forms, inspection reports, mortgage documents,
insurance policies, deeds, and multipage settlement statements.
A knowledgeable expert will help you prepare the best deal, and
avoid delays or costly mistakes.
- Information and opinions. REALTORS® can provide local community
information on utilities, zoning, schools, and more. They’ll
also be able to provide objective information about each property.
A professional will be able to help you answer these two important
questions: Will the property provide the environment I want for
a home or investment? Second, will the property have resale value
when I am ready to sell?
- Help finding the best property out there. Sometimes the property
you are seeking is available but not actively advertised in the
market, and it will take some investigation by your REALTOR®
to find all available properties.
- Negotiating skills. There are many negotiating factors, including
but not limited to price, financing, terms, date of possession,
and inclusion or exclusion of repairs, furnishings, or equipment.
In addition, the purchase agreement should provide a period of
time for you to complete appropriate inspections and investigations
of the property before you are bound to complete the purchase.
Your agent can advise you as to which investigations and inspections
are recommended or required.
- Property marketing power. Real estate doesn’t sell due
to advertising alone. In fact, a large share of real estate sales
comes as the result of a practitioner’s contacts through
previous clients, referrals, friends, and family. When a property
is marketed with the help of a REALTOR®, you do not have to
allow strangers into your home. Your REALTOR® will generally
prescreen and accompany qualified prospects through your property.
- Someone who speaks the language. If you don’t know a CMA
from a PUD, you can understand why it’s important to work
with a professional who is immersed in the industry and knows
the real estate language.
- Experience. Most people buy and sell only a few homes in a lifetime,
usually with quite a few years in between each purchase. Even
if you have done it before, laws and regulations change. REALTORS®,
on the other hand, handle hundreds of real estate transactions
over the course of their career. Having an expert on your side
is critical.
- Objective voice. A home often symbolizes family, rest, and security
— it’s not just four walls and a roof. Because of
this, homebuying and selling can be an emotional undertaking.
And for most people, a home is the biggest purchase they’ll
every make. Having a concerned, but objective, third party helps
you stay focused on both the emotional and financial issues most
important to you.
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