Why Use a Real Estate Agent to Buy a Home?
Buying a home is not simply a matter of walking into a house and making an offer. There is so much that goes on behind the scenes that you need your own personal agent. Only this agent does not take his or her 10%. You have the benefit of someone guiding you through the process for absolutely free!
This is what your real estate agent will do for you:
Provide you with a market analysis to determine the value of the home. This is done by researching comparable properties that have recently sold in the area. They will also look at your competition, homes on the market or in escrow. Those homes that have been sitting for quite a while are most probably over-priced and the ones that went into escrow quickly should be well-priced. This information will give you a basis for your offer.
Prepare a strong offer that shows your genuine interest in purchasing the property. This will be reflected in terms and conditions that will be attractive to the Seller and reasonable to you, the buyer. You need to ensure that you are protected and know to what you are entitled to. Your agent will also submit proof that you are financially qualified to buy the property, having worked with you on getting your pre-approval from a lender and proof of funds. No Seller is going to accept an offer in this market from someone who does not demonstrate their financial viability.
Negotiate on your behalf with the Seller’s agent. Your agent will present you in the most positive light as someone who is really motivated and able to purchase the property. This is also a business of human connection. The Seller may be, and often is, still attached to their home and will want to know that the new owner is going to take care of it as they did. This can all be part of the negotiations which your agent is doing on your behalf.
Manage the process after your offer is accepted. There are several contingencies that a buyer has to meet during the escrow period and a mountain of paperwork that has to be filled out correctly. Your agent will guide you through this process and ensure that all your concerns are addressed, inspections fully satisfied and contingency periods met.
How do you feel about managing this yourself? And why would you?
Michelle Gibson of the Hansen Real Estate Group Inc. who has specialized in Wellington, Florida, real estate since 2001. She combines community knowledge with effective marketing, technology, and social media to help buyers, sellers, and renters throughout Wellington.