
Planning a move can take a lot out of you. The logistics of
your move may have your head swimming with all the tasks on your to-do
list—searching for the perfect home that fits your needs, attending open
houses, navigating paperwork, managing home inspections, making phone
calls, attending meetings, and handling all the other tiny details that
pop up along the way. It's enough to make you want to give up before you
have even begun. But have no fear, your real estate agent is here! More
than just skilled negotiators who know their way around paperwork, real
estate agents are your trusted guide, committed to finding you the
perfect home while saving you time and a little bit of sanity along the
way.
1. They Have Specialized Knowledge of the Market
Real
estate agents have studied the local market in more detail than you
would ever want to. They can give valuable insight into all the things
that matter to you—neighborhood safety, school districts, nearby
amenities, etc. Work with your agent on the list of things that matter
to you in a home and the surrounding neighborhood, and they will be able
to direct you to cities and/or subdivisions that match your needs and
preferences.
2. They are Supported by a Network with a Common Goal
A
real estate agent has an extensive amount of industry connections. One
of their most valuable resources is the Multiple Listing Service (MLS).
The MLS is how your agent is able to know what’s going on in your
market, minute by minute. It's where nearly all information about homes
for sale and historical sale prices originate and where agents work
together to get homes bought and sold fairly and efficiently.
Additionally, most agents have access to a list of contractors, staging
companies, title companies, plumbers, electricians, etc. that they can
supply you. This saves you from wasting time searching for yourself, and
it also gives you peace of mind in knowing you are likely receiving a
reputable referral.
3. They’re Skilled Negotiators
Negotiating
isn't a practice for the weak. One of your agent's many tools in their
toolkit is being a strategic negotiator. Like the song "The Gambler" by
Kenny Rogers says, sometimes you've got to know when to hold 'em and
when to fold 'em, and when emotions are high and you're in love with a
home, knowing when to walk away can be difficult. Your agent will be
able to ground you in reality and guide you to the best buying
decision.
4. They Aren't Afraid of a Little Paperwork
Like
peanut butter and jelly, bacon and eggs—real estate and paperwork just
go together. And for an eager buyer or seller who's just ready to get
the deal done, paperwork can be the last thing you want to tackle. Your
real estate agent will guide you through all forms and disclosures to
make sure all legal requirements are met. You only need to get your
hands ready to sign when the time comes.
5. They'll Keep You Organized
An
efficient real estate agent can almost serve as your personal assistant
throughout the process. They'll keep you on top of appointments and any
scheduled showings or inspections. Organization is their specialty,
which gives you one less thing to worry about.
Making
such a big decision, like uprooting your life to move, may never be
100% stress-free, but a real estate agent can help carry the load while
you journey to the other side of becoming a buyer or seller. They have
the resources, connections, and knowledge to make a daunting task an
adventure to remember. Think you're ready to make that move — with help,
of course? Connect with over 7,000 agents on REIN.com.
Ready to buy but not sure what you can afford? Check out the mortgage
calculator to help estimate possible monthly payments. Download the REIN.com app
and put the power of fresh and accurate listing data in the palm of
your hand. The app is available free in the Apple App Store and Google
Play Store. For local listings you can trust, start with REIN.com.
Local Home Listings You Can Trust.