Selling a property on your mind? If yes, then you know it is one of the most important transactions you will ever make. Sometimes, it can be a long, tiring process, leaving you confused and frustrated. That’s why hiring a real estate agent is recommended by most real estate experts.
It is a real estate agent’s responsibility to ensure an effortless sale process, beginning from setting the price to the final closure of the deal. Some people avoid hiring real estate agents because of their high fees or because they have had a bad experience in the past. If you’re confused about hiring a real estate agent, it’s better to conduct interviews and ask relevant questions to find out whether your agent can live up to your expectations. But before we go deep into the kind of questions you can ask a prospective agent, let’s weigh why you should hire a real estate agent.
1. Agents Offer Proper Price Guidance
Real estate agents come with relevant industry experience to have real insights into the current market conditions. They are thorough with all the aspects of the market, including the difference in prices according to the location, interest rates and other factors that come in real handy while deciding to sell or purchase a property. If you’re one of those owners who want to adopt the “for sale by owner” approach, be informed that while you might get as much as you want for your home without an agent’s commission, but most FSBOs fetch almost 30% less value as compared to the agent-listed properties.
As a seller, you’ll probably have to pay a commission if your buyer has hired a real estate agent. In most deals, the buyer’s agent’s commission is a part of the package. Of course, you will save the commission that you might have to pay to an agent that you might have hired.
As a buyer, you must definitely use an agent as most of the time it’s the seller paying for their commission. But in case, the seller refuses to do so, you can ask your agent to move ahead and check out other properties.
2. They Know What You’ll Like
Buying a home is a dream of many Canadians. There are some property enthusiasts who do a detailed research and then make a firm decision on what kind of property they want to purchase. But the question is how do you know what all options are available out on sale in the market. Of course, you could check property listings on the internet. However, many sellers won’t put up an “on-sale” board at their properties. So, how do you find your dream property that will fit your budget and requirements?
Browsing homes on sale is quite tedious. You might have to go through all the available options yourself. And you realize that is one time-consuming engagement. With the help of an experienced real estate agent, you can save this time. A reliable agent will first understand your budget and your requirements and then shortlist properties that match your wishlist. Most realtors know prospective houses on sale inside out and they help you cut down the chase and buying process by showcasing listings that will fit right within your budget and need.
3. Their Superior Negotiating Skills Saves You Money
If you are not an attorney, union representative or mediator, chances of you having sharp negotiation skills are a bit low. No, we are not doubting your negotiation skills. It’s just that the job-related proficiency comes in handy. Real estate agents deal day in and day out with sellers and buyers. They not only know whether the property is worth the asking price but also have the responsibility of getting the best possible price quote for the home or the property that you want to purchase.
Realtors are trained to negotiate. Over the years of experience, they have acquired skills that help them identify the differentiating factor and to decide what’s gonna work in your favour. Since most realtors take it as their job and are not that emotionally invested in the process as you are, the chances of them saving those thousands of dollars that you were willing to shell on that dream home are higher. They might not be emotional about the property. However, they know the importance of building relationships and so they invest their emotions in their clients, trying to grasp what they need and delivering the best according to a client’s budget.
4. They Pay Attention to Details You Might Miss
While most buyers do in-depth research on the property they want to purchase, all the focus is on what the new house or the establishment looks and feels like. More than often, they don’t pay attention to the neighbourhood. An agent while looking for properties scoops in all the aspects right from street-by-street to house-to-house. They alert you for issues that you might have given a miss, like water leakage, pest and mould infestation. Any experienced realtor will update you about all the tell-tale hints and will help you in tackling these issues with ease. Thus, having an agent might save you thousands of dollars.
Further, their knowledge of a neighbourhood’s demographics, amenities, such as schools, gymnasiums and above all the crime rate saves you a lot of time, especially when you don’t know how and where to start.
5. Their Extensive Professional Network Gives Them an Edge
Networking is what keeps a real estate agent’s boat sailing in this highly competitive market. They are meticulously involved in meeting people from the fraternity and their job demands them to acquaint with everyone who is in the business of buying and selling. Most real estate agents have a list of preferred sellers and buyers whom they trust. One of the benefits of hiring a real estate agent is that they help both sellers and buyers.
Joe Maharana and his team of experienced real estate agents work diligently towards helping you find the best property that fits within your budget. We have strong references as a leading Oakville Real Estate Agent and we help buyers and sellers with equal focus. We help you find upscale properties that would bring you the optimum value for you money. Have real estate issues, call Joe Maharana!