FacebookMoney. It’s a hot topic, especially in today’s economy. Every day is a constant struggle for these little bills that we fold up and put in our pockets. We pull them out and use them to pay for things that keep us alive, or keep us entertained. We all wish we had more of them. So, when it comes to saving them, we try to do it any way we can. But let me tell you, sometimes, when you think you are saving, you’re really missing out on a larger reward. This brings me to real estate agents, and the advantages of having one when performing a real estate transaction.
A real estate agent or realtor is a licensed professional who represents buyers and sellers in real estate dealings. Most real estate professionals work on commission, so they charge fees or percentages for their services. How much the real estate agent gets paid, typically depends on the amount of the transaction. Whether your agent represents you as the buyer, or seller, he or she does an extensive amount of work.
A real estate agent will use their education, experience, and neighborhood knowledge to help you buy or sell your home. They know just how to stage and highlight features of homes, and use their professional networking to leave the buyers wanting to know more about the property. They are pricing experts, so they know exactly where you should come in at, and if there may be any wiggle room, regardless of whether you are buying or selling. You have the peace of mind knowing their ethical obligations to you, and they are there to answer all of your questions honestly and accurately. Real estate agents are also excellent at negotiations, sorting through paperwork and contracts, and spotting potential problems to make the closing process as smooth as possible.
Your agent will do whatever it takes to take the hassle out of home buying or selling. He or she is there to make it convenient for you. Let’s face it, doing it all on your own can be a part-time job. There are so many agents to choose from, so my advice is find the agent that works for you. Do your homework first. Interview the agent and make sure he or she can take care of your needs. Be clear that the agent is there to represent you, not the other way around. But, expect your agent to be honest with you too. He or she might tell you that you are asking too much for your home, or that a particular property is out of your price range. Keep the communication open. It will be worth it in the end.
