When it comes time to buy or sell a home, many people are tempted to take the process into their own hands. After all, there’s a wealth of knowledge on the internet and tons of how-to guides available for both home buyers and home sellers. However, there’s a few things these online resources can’t do, like offer in-person assistance and advocate on your behalf. Whether it’s finding a reliable lender or home inspector or handling a price negotiation, a real estate agent will ultimately save you both time and money when it comes to house hunting and house selling.
Working With a Real Estate Professional to Buy a Home
Here are three reasons why you should work with a real estate professional to buy a home:
You’ll appreciate their local expertise: Not only do agents have first-hand knowledge of the real estate market, but they also know the local history, not to mention the best neighborhoods, the safest areas of town, and more. As you begin your search, questions are bound to pop up, and having a go-to, trustworthy real estate agent will undoubtedly come in handy.
You’ll have better access to homes: A seller won’t let an unlicensed stranger into their home, but sharing the lockbox code with an agent is standard. If you don’t work with an agent, you’ll have to wait for the seller’s agent to be available to accompany you, which means you may miss out on opportunities depending on their schedule. You can always attend open houses, but in a tough market, the competition will be fierce.
Your future will be in good hands: Ensuring that your new home is in tip-top shape is imperative, but oftentimes, finding a trustworthy and available provider can be tough. If you need a last-minute roof inspection or are worried about a potential plumbing problem, a real estate professional will know who to call. Many agents will even help you set-up the appointments.
Working With a Real Estate Professional to Sell a Home
Here are three reasons why you should work with a real estate professional to sell a home:
You’ll feel less stressed and safer: Don’t be fooled: Listing your house for sale by owner (FSBO) is a lot of work. From scheduling showings and hosting an open house to fielding offers and questions from potential buyer agents, it can be time-consuming and frustrating. Plus, it’s hard to hear people say something negative about a home that means so much to you. A real estate agent can help you navigate your emotions during a high-stress time. Another important reason to use a realtor is for your own personal safety. People with ill intent can pose as buyers and get a guided tour of a seller's home and their personal property. Realtors, however, screen their potential clients, making sure they are trustworthy, pre-qualified buyers.
You need access to the MLS: The multiple listing service (MLS) shares your house with dozens of consumer search real estate sites and real estate agents, ensuring that your home is seen by potential buyers. You must be a licensed agent in the state to list a home in the MLS. If you list your home FSBO, you’ll have to pay a flat fee to have access to the service, already cutting into the profit you’d make from not hiring a real estate professional.
You’ll make more money: Many real estate agents and home buyers alike are hesitant to pursue a home that’s FSBO, which limits the amount of interest your house will receive. Most homeowners opt to sell themselves in an attempt to save money; however, it generally doesn’t work out in their favor. According to the Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers, the typical FSBO home sold for $200,000 versus $280,000 for agent-assisted sales.
How The Urban Dog Group Can Help You
If you’re looking to buy or sell a home in Central Florida, The Urban Dog Group is here to help!With more than 20 years of commercial, residential, and investment real estate experience, including advanced selling and negotiating skills and a notable attention to detail, our team will find the perfect property for all of your family members, including your pets. Check out these recent testimonials for more insights from past clients:
Christine went above and beyond to get my house sold. She got exactly what she said she could. We had our house under contract day one on the market and couldn’t be more pleased with the services we received. - Kim, home seller
Christine is professional, unbelievably hard-working, and will ensure that you get the best price for a home you sell or the home you are looking to buy. I wouldn’t even consider suggesting anyone other than her. - Steve, home buyer and seller
For an in-depth look at the real estate market in Orlando, check out this recent Orlando Business Journal article featuring Christine Elias and The Urban Dog Group!
Let The Urban Dog Group help you with your real estate needs in Orlando and other areas of Central Florida! Contact Christine Elias at caerealestate@gmail.com.