Why Use a Realtor?

You have probably heard people say the main reason why you should use a Realtor is because the weight of your real estate investment is comparable to your need to hire an attorney for legal advice or an accountant for financial advice.

My reasons are more simple than that: Personalities and Market Knowledge.

Simply viewing this website shows you are in the top percentage of Buyers and Sellers because you are seeking to educate yourself. However, the two issues above can make the difference between closing a home with everyone's needs being met or having a contract unexpectedly fall apart and looking back with strong regrets.

Here's why:

Personalities: Many times, the most difficult aspect of home buying and selling is the emotional aspect. There is often tension, prompted in part because both Buyer and Seller have a huge financial stake in their investment and are fearful of the other side getting the better part of the deal.

Sellers naturally have a personal attachment to the property, often having spent many memorable years there. They view the home with pride in how it is now, while a Buyer often sees the home for how they can improve upon it.

A Buyer may have gone through dozens of houses before finding the perfect one. They are mentally placing their furniture and visualizing their own touches, excited at the prospect of calling it home.

Combined, the two sides often have difficulty setting aside emotions in order to see this home as the business transaction that it really is.

A professional Realtor can look beyond the emotions, is trained in negotiating and adept at making sure their client's desires and concerns are addressed at all stages of the contract. As the myriad decisions continue throughout the process, a Realtor's experience and ability to anticipate any potential hurdles helps to insure the transaction goes to the closing table on time and with no unpleasant surprises.

Market Knowledge: As a Buyer, you should read articles and websites to get as much information as you can. However, a professional Realtor can guide you in selecting the neighborhoods which best fit your family's needs and are appreciating in value.

As you look at homes together, they can point out the hidden assets or types of defective products which may negatively affect the value of a home. (For example, polybutylene, mold, or Synthetic Stucco.) A good Realtor will also be knowledgeable regarding which local builders have a track record for building quality into their homes, and have a practiced eye for spotting potential problems that could turn a dream home into a nightmare.

Home Sellers are often the ones who perceive that a Realtor is an expensive "extra." However, they stand to lose the most by opting to go it alone in a real estate transaction. For several years a home in Atlanta could sell with a simple sign in the yard. Selling a home in today's market requires teamwork.

A professional Realtor is experienced in analyzing your home's location and condition relative to the prevailing market. Because they know the area, Realtors can assess your specific home in light of current competition in order to price it strategically and promote it confidently.

Your home represents a huge investment of time and money. In any selling situation, the Buyer's interest will depend upon their perceived value of the product.

Professional Realtors are aware of highly-desirable home features as well as the "deal-killers" in their market. They will help you emphasize the most advantageous ones while minimizing those which might hinder a sale. If there are products which have been the target of lawsuits, they can help you find suitable repairpersons -- whether you decide to repair it now or have the numbers available for a future Buyer. Often a few dollars spent today will greatly increase your home's perceived value -- and a Realtor can help guide that decision.

As in any business transaction, time is money. In real estate, the rule of thumb is that the longer your house stays on the market, the less it will sell for. Buyer's perceive that something must be wrong with a home which has been on the market for more than a month or so and their offer price will reflect this. A Realtor's ability to market your home to the widest variety of potential Buyers gives you the best chances of reaching that perfect Buyer quickly.

Aside from these issues, there are the "hassle factors" involved in selling a home yourself. Factors such as being available to show your home at a Buyer's convenience, knowing which terms will be to your best advantage in a contract and implementing those terms in a timely manner are just a few. Hiring a professional Realtor to represent your best interests will not only protect your wallet...it may just save your sanity!

By utilizing the services of a Realtor, Buyers gain confidence that their new home was a wise decision. Sellers can rest easier knowing they have greatly increased their chances of selling their home for the most advantageous terms in the shortest possible time.