With the flurry of homebuyers and increase in home prices in recent years, many people are reconsidering the costs of using a realtor versus purchasing or selling a home without one.
Thanks to updated technology and internet resources — and increased demand from buyers — trying “For Sale by Owner” doesn’t seem as difficult as it once was.
But, as attractive as saving money by not using a realtor might be, there are advantages to having an experienced realtor help you through the process of selling your home.
Realtors set the groundwork for you, like negotiating a contract, which then allows you to focus on moving rather than on the stresses of handling the transaction.
Among that and other things, they can help the process of selling your house run a lot smoother.
We interviewed a local realtor to gain further insight on what they do to make selling your home easier for both the sellers and the buyers:
Experienced realtors can streamline the process
“REALTORS® are in hundreds of homes a year and know what to look for,” the realtor said. “Writing and managing contracts is what we do over and over. We know the changes that come up, including the small details that can cause hiccups, all the players and paperwork involved, and the tasks and timelines. We have the negotiation skills needed for each aspect of a transaction.”
Much like mortgage lenders, realtors can help guide the buyer and seller through the transaction and navigate speedbumps.
They work and communicate directly with your lender to create a smooth process, minimizing any delays.
In fact, the relationship our Mortgage team has with your realtor can help immensely when it comes to a timely closing, an easy process, and a satisfied buyer.
Experienced realtors have built strong relationships
Our lenders cultivate and optimize relationships with realtors in a way that exponentially benefits their clients.
Realtors have gone through a variety of scenarios and can use that experience to their client’s advantage, so when a client is getting ready to have a conversation with their lender, a realtor can help prepare them for future meetings.
“There are small details sellers might not think about going forward, such as how quickly appraisals can be completed, payoffs of other loans, and where the closing will be,” the local realtor said. “This also means coordinating closing with the dominos of other buyers and sellers who are involved, which often requires a good working relationship between a lender and REALTOR®. Together, they can ensure a contract is written so it is most likely to be accepted by the seller.”
In almost all purchase transactions, the buyer will not be liable for real estate agent commissions since the seller nearly always covers the cost of both the selling and listing agents’ commission fees.
Experienced realtors have a pulse of the market
Realtors understand the market and can feel out a transaction prior to making an offer — more so than any internet source can.
They have connections with other professionals, inspectors, contractors, etc., which benefits both buyers and sellers as they search for each other in an effort to buy or sell a home.
“The lead to a potential home can come from anyone,” the local realtor said. “REALTORS® are good at asking for options of anyone they know. They often know before homes hit the market because of their connections with other real estate professionals and past clients.”
If you have any questions about the home-buying or -selling process and are looking to get started, reach out to me. I’d love to help!
