WHAT A REAL ESTATE AGENT CAN DO FOR YOU

While shopping for a home can be one of the most exciting phases of homeownership, it can also feel complex and confusing. Real estate agents are there to help you find homes that meet your expectations and your budget. They’ll work with you to learn the types of things you’re looking for in a home, share listings for potential homes that match your needs, and help schedule showings to tour available homes you’re interested in. Then, once you find a home you love, they’ll work with you to negotiate and submit an offer. Keep in mind that you, as the buyer, don’t pay the real estate agent; their commission is most often paid for by the seller, so it’s worth using our preferred realtor network to help reduce your closing costs.

 

BENEFITS OF WORKING WITH A REAL ESTATE AGENT

Not only have real estate agents received special training and education to get licensed to buy and sell homes, but they may also have a lot of experience that you may not. They will be able to apply their expertise to help set expectations with features to consider and red flags to watch out for when showing you homes.

 

Real estate agents often have strong networks of lenders, home inspectors, and other professionals that they can share with you as you navigate the homebuying process. And, when you’re ready to make an offer, they’ll help you with all the paperwork, provide guidance on what that offer should look like, and what can be negotiated based on the current market. It’s important to note that real estate agents have a responsibility to act on your behalf and also to keep confidential any information given to them by you, their client.

 

THE ROLE OF YOUR REAL ESTATE AGENT IN SUBMITTING AN OFFER

As you consider making an offer, your real estate agent will help you determine an amount, but in the end, the decision is yours. Your agent will show you the prices of homes sold within the area and how high the demand is for them. If demand is high and multiple buyers show interest in the same home, your agent may suggest that you add an escalation clause to your contract, which can increase your offer under the terms of the clause and may help you win a bidding war. If the home is in high demand, be ready to move quickly. Your real estate agent may also suggest being flexible with parts of the process, such as the closing date.