Being a Realtor, I find myself in a variety of conversations. Some are fun, like what color or theme should a person use in their living room or bathroom. Others are more serious, such as whether a property being considered will be a worthwhile investment down the road.
Lately, though, the most popular question that I’ve been asked has been “Do I really even need a Realtor?”.
The short answer is yes; yes you do.
The long answer is the same, but it dives into both sides of a transaction…
This question almost always comes from someone who is looking to maximize their profits on the sale of their property. This is completely understandable, and I never blame anyone for asking. It’s an obvious fact that anyone looking to sell wants to make money off the deal. I’ll channel my 90s self and say it – duh!
Other times, it comes from someone who has tried to use a real estate agent, and the experience left them jaded and maybe even a little bitter at Realtors as a whole. Please believe me when I say this, not one real estate agent out there will operate the exact same as another. Choosing your real estate agent should take time and I always recommend interviewing multiple agents, but that is a topic for another day…
Back on the subject. Yes, of course, you can absolutely sell your home without the assistance of a professional. Whether you will still get what you want and be happy at the end of that transaction, is another thing entirely.
Having a Realtor is a lot more than having someone put your home in an MLS and then sitting back and waiting. A true Realtor markets your property to others. We research the market and strategically put out information where we believe will bring in the buyer you are looking for. When the right buyer comes along, we remain dedicated to getting you the deal that you want while also giving insight into the best way to close the deal. A Realtor can also help you decide if an offer is worth accepting or if it will leave you with chest pains weeks down the road.
Another interesting fact to consider is this: For Sale by Owner sales attributed only 7% of the overall market last year. That’s because the vast majority of home buyers admit to being scared off by the lack of professional representation on the seller’s side. So in all reality, you could be missing out on a buyer simply by not having an agent.
On the flip side, a lot of people believe being on the buying side of a transaction is even less of a time to need an agent. This couldn’t be further from the truth. Sure, there are a million apps out there to help you find homes within your budget area, but how do you make an offer? And then, what on earth do you do when that offer is accepted? Did you know that 36% of new home buyers cite unexpected repairs and maintenance as their biggest home-buying regret? A home inspection is one of the most valuable items you can pay for when purchasing a new home, for this very reason, but many will skip it when buying on their own. Insert my visible cringe here.
A Real Estate agent works for you. That means they schedule and manage the inspections, keep a close eye on deadlines, and above all else they keep you centered and organized during what can be an incredibly stressful time. For my clients, I’ve been that voice on the other line that detailed how an inspection went, the secretary that reminds them of documents still left to be submitted to their lender, and the bodyguard of the contract who makes sure all parties live up to their end of the deal.
That can be a critical factor when you’re a working family that already has a whiteboard filled with daily tasks and deadlines as it is.
But truly, that’s why I love this job. I love helping families – especially military families - who need someone they can trust to have their back. No matter how stressful a day I’ve had, when I get a card from a former client thanking me for not just being an agent but becoming a true friend to them, it makes everything worthwhile.
It’s why I got into this business, and it’s why I’m still here.
Guest Blogger: Pamela Sleezer