The latest NAR Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers recently showed us a growing trend of home buyers when they are looking for a home. This year, 89% of those interviewed reported that they purchased their home with the help of a real estate agent. Back in 2001, only 69% of those interviewed used the help of a real estate agent.
Why are more buyers using a real estate agent? There are many reasons why – here are a few.
Real estate agents have access to a wider range or properties and can save you time (and especially now, gas money) by only showing homes that best fit your needs. Agents will also listen to what your needs are and help you decide the best type of home for you.
Today more than ever, a lot of people have more than one job. By using the experience of a real estate agent, their agent can set up showings and handle the negotiating process that you might not have time for anymore.
Things are more challenging today than they were a decade ago. The mortgage process alone has become more difficult with all the new rules and regulations. By using a real estate agent, they can help guide you to which loan package would best suit you and help you in obtaining a mortgage since the criteria is much more difficult.
Lastly, your real estate agent can help determine if now is a good time for you to buy and sell. Your agent has access to more in-depth reports for market trends and pricing. Although there are websites out there that will give you basic values on your home, they do not always take into consideration differences between your home and others out there which means if you rely solely on those valuations you might buy too high or sell for too low.
Can you buy a home in today’s market without the help of a real estate agent? Of course you can. We wouldn’t recommend it though, by utilizing a real estate agent as your Exclusive Buyer’s Agent, he or she can look out for your best interest and assist you in what might be the biggest purchase of your life.
Please contact us when you are ready to buy or sell – we are happy to be on your side!
