What Value Does A Realtor Provide?

When deciding to sell their home, some homeowners may consider that they will save money if they don’t hire a realtor. Considering the fact that realtors do take a percentage of the sale price as their commission, this is a possibility. However, the value and benefits that come from using realtors can not only save you money but also time. Homeowners might think that selling a home is as easy as finding a buyer and signing the contract, and while it can be just that, a lot of complications may arise. It can be risky to deal with all that paperwork if you have no experience or understanding of any of it. 

The real estate industry is one of the biggest industries across the world. Not only that, but buying a home usually is the biggest investment you will make in your life due to the actual cost of a home. You go to a financial adviser for investment advice and hire a baker for your wedding cake because they know everything there is to know about their respective professions. So, why would you sell your home without a realtor if they know everything there is to know about the real estate market in your area? Realtors can bring much value to the table simply through their experience and know-how, but we’ll look into what a realtor can do for you if you decide to hire them when you’re selling or buying a home.

Market Understanding

One of the biggest values a realtor provides is their understanding of the real estate market. Through their job, they work with buyers and sellers to know exactly what the expectations are in the market. Because of this, they can advise sellers and buyers on pricing, increasing curb appeal, and finding the best options available. Without realtors, you might price your home too high or too low and either wind up waiting a long time with your home on the market or not milking your home for all it’s got. Having access to comparables and information regarding the neighborhood increases your chances of getting a fair market price for your home.

Market trends influence the value of your property and determine the best moment to sell or buy a home. Realtors are always looking for factors that can influence these market trends. For instance, a realtor may tell you that it may not be the best time to sell your home if the housing market is down or the housing market is expected to climb further. Without a realtor, you may not be aware of these changes or how to use these trends to your benefit.

Network and Knowledge

Knowing the inner workings of the real estate market gives realtors an advantage when it comes to the opportunities available. If you want your home to get the best chance at bringing you a profit, the first thing you need to understand is that simply posting an FSBO (for sale by owner) listing on any online platform will only give access to your home to those people that are looking on that platform. However, with a realtor, your home can be listed on MLS (multiple listing services), increasing the listing's visibility and reach. If you don’t have a realtor and want your home on the MLS, you need to pay a broker to have access to it which will result in you paying fees only for that service without getting everything else you’d receive from a realtor.

Due to their years of experience, realtors know all about zoning laws and housing codes and are in contact with all the professionals you might need before putting your home on the market. We’re talking about assessors, plumbers, electricians, contractors, designers, and other professionals who can complete the sale more efficiently. If you need to check the last renovation and make sure it was done according to code, they know the man. If you need to check your roof, they know the man. For every bit of the process, if you need to check something, a realtor can tell you who to call or make the call themselves. If you’re not a realtor, you’re unlikely to know every step of the process and the people you need to talk to.

Other Benefits of Using a Realtor

Dealing with the home sale process on your own will prove an enormous challenge from start to finish. You’d be responsible for deciding what is worth repairing or not. You’ll need to handle the staging, photographing, listing of your home, and arranging viewings. An open house is a challenge on its own, as simply opening your home to strangers is the bare minimum. A realtor can make it so that those that come to your open house get all the information they need and feel comfortable enough to see themselves living there. Also, if during this process you find a buyer that works with a realtor, you’ll still pay the 3% commission without actually having someone representing you for negotiations, contract readings, inspections, or any of the legal work.

With a realtor, you can rely on their expertise and benefit from it. They do all of this for a living, and their schedule will be arranged around your home’s sale as it will be their priority. You’ll be able to focus on your family and the next stage of your life. Even if you factor in the commission you’ll pay, you will still save money and time by working with a realtor simply because you won’t have to learn a new trade from scratch and test it on your home sale.