Do I Really Need a REALTOR®? YES! (Here Are 7 Reasons Why)
1: REALTORS® Have Expanded Search Power
Searching for a new home can be a lot of fun! That’s why the first thing most people do is hop onto sites like Zillow or Realtor.com. But REALTORS® have access to even more listings through the Multiple Listing Service (MLS).
The MLS is an internal database that acts as an “official” way for local REALTORS® to list your home. It’s quite literally the ultimate list of every home for sale. This database helps you find those hidden gems right as they hit the market!
2: REALTORS® Know Their Stuff
REALTORS® buy and sell homes all the time. It's what they do. They'll provide you with critical information about the house and the surrounding community, including local utility costs, nearby schools, zoning laws, and more.
They also have an eye for the most common issues that often arise in homes. This can save you time and money by addressing deal-breakers if you're the seller or avoiding the house altogether if you're the buyer.
Quick Note: REALTORS® can spot many problems with a home, but you should always hire a licensed home inspector to do a thorough inspection before buying a home.
Lucky for you, your REALTOR® will likely have a list of the best inspectors in your area and will help you set up an appointment too.
3: REALTORS® Offer Unbiased Information & Opinions
Buying or selling a home is an emotional process. For most people, it's the most significant investment they'll ever make. Having a concerned but objective third party can help you focus on the most important issues without making a purely emotional decision.
4: REALTORS® Are Expert Negotiators
Any time you buy or sell a home, you’re going to deal with negotiations. REALTORS® are there to stand in your corner the whole way.
Negotiations often include price, financing, terms, dates of possession, and repairs to the home. With today’s HOT housing market, these negotiations are likely to get complicated.
Plus, having a REALTOR® negotiate on your behalf gives you much better odds of getting the home you want! They know the tactics, communicate with the other REALTOR®, and add key language to a contract that other offers might not.
5: REALTORS® Keep You on the Right Side of the Law
Most home sales require an absolute mountain of paperwork. Each piece needs to be completed correctly and on time — with every “i” dotted and “t” crossed.
One of the most important documents is the
seller's disclosure. Put simply, a seller's disclosure statement is a form disclosing the seller's knowledge of the property's condition. If completed incorrectly, the seller can be held liable for fraud, negligence, or breach of contract.
The last thing you want is to break the law or (heaven forbid) get sued. Trust us. It's just better for everyone involved to have a REALTOR® to help you avoid any legal implications.
6: REALTORS® Follow a Code of Ethics
REALTORS® follow a strict
code of ethics based on professionalism, serving the interests of clients, and protecting the public.
As a REALTOR®, they also have a fiduciary responsibility to their clients. This means your REALTOR® legally has to put your financial interests first. If for some reason they don't, you have recourse in court.
7: WHY NOT!
Showings. Listings. Open houses. Taxes. Closing costs. Paperwork on top of paperwork on top of paperwork. And those are just the basics! Save yourself the headache and work with a REALTOR® whenever you're ready to buy or sell your home.
Ready to get started? Connect with a local Fargo-Moorhead area REALTOR® today.
