8 Reasons You Need a Realtor to Ease Your Home Purchase

If you're shopping for a home, or even just considering buying one, there's one person that you absolutely need on your side: a Realtor.  Potential buyers often think they can go it alone, but there are a number of things they may not be considering.

What is a Buyer's Agent and How are They Compensated?

A Buyer's Agent is your representative throughout the home buying process.  When you choose a Buyer's Agent to represent you, they're going to keep your best interests in mind.  They're not only legally bound to protect you throughout a real estate transaction, many Buyer's Agents are also naturally protective of their clients.

Many people are nervous about choosing a Buyer's Agent because they're under the impression that they may have to pay an extra fee for their services.  However, the fees that the real estate agent and their company earn are usually set long before you walk in the door.  Buyers don't typically pay their agent directly since the commission is figured into the price of the home, so cost is typically not an issue for a buyer.  Furthermore, your Buyer's Agent is a lot more than a taxi driver and pencil pusher.  They can help make your home purchase so much easier and less stressful in so many ways.  Here are just eight of them:

1. Knowing the market inside and out.  There's only so much you can learn about your housing market from looking at houses online.  A Buyer's Agent can tell you what part of town is popping and which areas are not so popular.  Getting in on a little-known up and coming neighborhood can mean a very happy long term financial forecast.  Remember, typically Realtors are long time members of the community(s) they service.
2. Wanting you in the right home, not just any home.  Good Realtors will listen to their client and understand their needs.  Your Buyer's Agent is going to pound the pavement looking for homes for you while you're working or having a life.  Then they'll make a short list, saving you time and energy by eliminating the homes you'd never buy, and take you shopping!  Most will keep at it until the right home appears, no matter how long it takes.
3. Being a shoulder to lean on during the stressful buing process.  There's no better way to say it, buying a home is emotionally draining.  It becomes exponentially harder when you add a spouse or partner into the equation.  Your Buyer's Agent has walked lots of people from home shopping to the closing table and will be there for you when you start to panic or the stress is just too much.
4. Giving you advice on creating a reasonable offer.  Your Buyer's Agent has typically written lots of offers, some that were accepted, some that were not.  You can take advantage of their professional experience and ask for help creating an offer that will stick.  A good Realtor will do a quick market analysis to make sure the home you are making the offer on is not overpriced.  After all, if you offer too little, the seller may not even respond and if you offer too much, the house won't appraise and you may kick yourself later.  
5. Protecting you and your rights throughout the home buying process.  Your Buyer's Agent is basically a human shield that stands between you and all the worst things in the market.  They're the ones who will point out shoddy workmanship and other defects in homes you're considering, as well as recommending home professionals who can repair these things.  They also go to bat when it's time to negotiate repairs after your home inspection.  With every step, your best interest is their first priority.
6. Fighting for you if a contract goes south.  Hiring a Buyer's Agent (or Seller's Agent when you're selling, for that matter) is a little like taking out an insurance policy.  They help you write your contract and walk you through the buying process, but they also have another vital role to play.  If things go sour, they're going to help you fix it.  Buyer's Agents are the ones helping you weave your way through messy issues, like who should be getting the fridge or whether or not certain items remain with the home.
7. Spotting value you may not see.  You've decided on a budget and certain criteria you want in a home,  Well, maybe you can achieve those goals by knocking down a wall or conveting an attic into a bedroom.  Oftentimes it is very hard for buyers, especially first time buyers, to see beyond the present space in a home.  Good Realtors have seen and experienced all kinds of renovation projects, conversions, purchases and sales - and can add perspective you may not be considering on a home that may not check every box you initially thought you needed.
8. Serving you even after closing.  Most Buyer's Agents don't just drop you once they've cashed their checks.  They're around for you no matter what it is that you need help with, real-estate wise.  Need the name of a good painter?  A place to buy architectural salvage?  Your Buyer's Agent can set you up.  

If you're thinking of purchasing a home, feel free to give us a call at (813) 359-0880 and we can walk you through the home buying process.

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