If you have recently decided you are ready to become a homeowner, chances are you are trying to figure out what to do first. It can feel a bit overwhelming to know where to start, but the good news is you don’t have to navigate all of that alone.
When it comes to buying a home, there are a lot of moving pieces. And that is especially true in today’s housing market. The number of homes for sale is still low, and home prices and mortgage rates are still high. That combination can be tricky if you don’t have reliable expertise and a trusted advisor on your side. That is why the best place to start is connecting with a local real estate agent.
Agents Are the #1 Most Useful Source in the Buying Process
The latest annual report from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) finds recent homebuyers agree the #1 most useful source of information they had in the home buying process was a real estate agent.
Let’s break down why.
How an Agent Helps When You Buy a Home
When you think about a real estate agent, you may think of someone taking you on home showings and putting together the paperwork, but a great agent does so much more than that. It is not just being the facilitator for your purchase, it is being your guide through every step.
The visual below shows some examples from that same NAR release of the many ways an agent adds value. It includes the percentage of homebuyers in that report who highlighted each of these benefits:
Here is a bit more context on how the survey results noted an agent continually helps buyers in these situations:
Helped Buyer’s Understand the Process
Do you know the difference between an inspection and an appraisal, what each report tells you, and why they are both important? Or that there are things you shouldn’t do after applying for a mortgage, like buying appliances or furniture? An agent knows all of these best practices and will share them with you along the way, so you don’t miss any key steps by the time you get to the closing table.
Pointed Out Unnoticed Features or Faults with the Home
An agent also has a lot of experience evaluating homes. They have truly seen it all. They will be able to pinpoint some things you may not have noticed about the home that could help inform your decision or at least what repairs you ask for in the process.
Provided a Better List of Service Providers
In a real estate transaction, there are a lot of people involved. An agent has experience working with various professionals in your area, like home inspectors, and can help connect you with the pros you need for a successful experience.
Negotiated Better Contract Terms and Price
Did something pop up in the home inspection or with the appraisal? An agent will help you re-negotiate as needed to get the best terms and price possible for you, so you feel confident with your big purchase.
Improved Buyer’s Knowledge of the Search Area
Moving to a new town and you are not familiar with the area, or you are staying nearby, but don’t know which neighborhoods are most affordable? Either way, an agent knows the local area like the back of their hand and can help you find the perfect location for your needs.
Expanded Buyer’s Search Area
And if you are not finding anything you are interested in within your initial search radius, an agent will know other neighborhoods nearby you should consider based on what you like, what amenities you want, and more.
Bottom Line
If you are looking to buy a home, don’t forget about the many ways an agent is essential to that process. Any hurdle that pops up, a negotiation that needs to take place, and more, your agent will know how to handle it while they make sure to minimize your stress along the way. Let’s connect to tackle this together.
