Should I Use a Local Real Estate Agent?

Whether you’re buying or selling a home, it can be hard to come to terms with the fees split among agents involved in a real estate transaction, leading many to wonder “should I use a local real estate agent at all?” In this article, we’ll cover the benefits of using a real estate agent and why using a local real estate agent is always a good idea.

Benefits to Sellers

Local real estate agents understand the local market

Real estate agents are experts at navigating national and local market shifts. They have access to and can properly interpret market data to help you make informed decisions, such as deciding your home’s listing price, offering guidance on how to prepare your home for selling, and how to market your home effectively. 

Local real estate agents understand local buyers

Although each buyer is different, local real estate agents are facilitating enough transactions to identify trends among local buyers, e.g. what buyers are looking for or are willing to compromise on. Your real estate agent will be able to anticipate common buyer concerns and be your advocate when you go toe-to-toe with buyers and their agents during negotiations (as well as every stage of the transaction thereafter)! 

Local real estate agents have large local networks

When working with a local real estate agent, you will gain access to their networks which will increase the pool of local buyers. Local real estate agents can leverage their social media presence, the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) and other resources specific to their agency to find more people that are ready to purchase a home. 

Real estate agents have proper insurance

Real estate agents have Errors and Omissions Insurance. Errors and Omissions (E&O) insurance is a form of liability protection that covers additional potential losses that wouldn’t normally be covered by most traditional liability insurance. E&O insurance allows for more protection in the selling in case something were to go awry. 

Real estate agents can handle the paperwork

There are numerous disclosure and regulation documents involved in the selling process and without experience or real estate knowledge, it can be difficult to understand all the legal jargon. Real estate agents understand all the financial documents involved in the process, making it significantly easier for them to handle hefty amounts of paperwork involved. Errors or misunderstandings that would otherwise derail a transaction can be easily avoided with a real estate agent. 

Benefits to Buyers

Local real estate agents will get you a better price

Local real estate agents are more likely to get you a better price for your home because of their knowledge of what’s fair for the area. Their experience will also help you build a strong offer and save time when it comes to negotiations, as they’ll know what else is worth negotiating aside from the purchase price. 

Local real estate agents have network advantages

Local real estate agents have broad local networks that include property owners that most buyers don’t have access to. Access to this network is incredibly valuable as a buyer and will help you discover homes that you may not have known were an option, thereby increasing your chances of finding something that checks all your boxes. 

Real estate agents are motivated to find you a house

It’s not a bad thing for real estate agents to be motivated by what they gain from the sale or purchase of a house. This keeps the process moving along! If you try to go it alone, there’s a higher chance of obstacles not being resolved as quickly as they could with an experienced real estate agent.   

Realtors® follow a code of ethics

Not everyone knows the difference between a real estate agent and a Realtor®. While both must pass the licensing requirements with the state, Realtors® take it a step further by taking the National Association of Realtors® Code of Ethics trainings to help maintain the integrity of the real estate industry. The NAR’s standards are more strict than state laws that govern real estate agents.  

If you have any questions about the process of finding a Realtor® or are currently looking, stop by our office or give us a call to learn more. We’re here to make your real estate dreams come true!