Do You Really Need a Realtor When Buying a House?

Do you need to work with a realtor? The answer is almost always yes.

Sellers may not like the realtor’s cut on their home sale.  However, a realtor can truly help a buyer.

Buyers, especially first-timers, should have an agent representing them at every point of the purchase. An agent will assist you in assessing the value of the property.  They will also be there through negotiating and setting the terms of your offer. Even if you’re considering a For Sale by Owner deal, having a realtor on your side is necessary.

Some buyers have luck with their own negotiations and home purchase.  However, the truth is that the average American is not properly educated in this area.  They need additional expertise to guide them through their home purchase.

Realtors can help you find the home of your dreams.  They are experts in helping you find the right school district and neighborhood.  A good realtor will also take into consideration  your lifestyle and your budget.

Another reason to hire a Realtor is that they can also uncover the history of a home you love.  They will also review properties nearby to make sure that the house is not overpriced, or suspiciously underpriced.

The value of a Realtor is often most apparent when it comes to potentially challenging situations which may come up after the offer is made.   There are many situations where buyers benefit tremendously by having an expert in their corner – and they’re not the kind of situations buyers can predict.

For example, realtors are used to handling unexpected seller delays.  They are also well versed in responding to tough appraisal outcomes and negotiating repairs after appraisals.  A Realtor understands the ins and outs of seller price ask vs. true value.  He or she also can be an assets when it comes to negotiation tactics and contract documentation. If you are looking in a competitive area, you don’t want to navigate a bidding war in a hot market without help.

Just as when choosing a lender, do your research. Don’t go with a realtor or company you’ve never heard of. Talk to your contacts, get referrals and choose a well-known and respected professional to assist you.

Check out all of our posts in our home buying and selling series!

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 The blog and its opinions are expressly that of its author and does not convey the opinions or strategies of the Credit Union and should not be considered financial advice. CommunityAmerica’s Mortgage offers are subject to credit approval and terms may vary based on conditions.