The best things in life are not always free. Take real estate for instance. For Sale by Owner (FSBO) properties may seem less expensive, since you need not pay commissions to real estate agents. But it’s not always the best move.
According to the National Association of Realtors, 89% of buyers in 2023 purchased their home with the help of a real estate agent and only 6% bought directly from the sellers. The same research shows that 90% of buyers found their agents to be a useful source of information. Moreover, and perhaps more importantly for home sellers, the average selling price of FSBO homes was significantly less than the average selling price of agent-assisted sales.
Buyers and sellers alike get many benefits from working with the right real estate agent. Here are just a few of them:
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They can sell your home faster
High on the list of real estate agent benefits is knowing the best websites buyers are drawn to. If your agent is a member of the National Association of Realtors, they can access the MLS and advertise your listing there so it reaches a wider audience – even those who are from a different state or country. In addition, with their network and affiliations, your Realtor may also post your listing in other national websites or those that target your ideal buyer, such as luxury home websites.
Real estate agents are experts in creating an impressive listing and creating a marketing plan to target buyers that will likely be interested in your property. They know which home features to highlight and which to downplay to make your home more appealing. They can also use their extensive network to spread the word about your listing and work with other Realtors and brokers in the area who might have clients looking for a home just like yours.
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Pricing expertise
Realtors can use their unbiased and objective knowledge to price your home correctly. They’ll make sure you get the best price for your home without pricing it out of the market. Your real estate agent can perform a Comparative Market Analysis that considers the prices of homes sold in your area and use this information to determine a competitive and fair price for your property.
Conversely, if you’re a buyer, your agent can help you come up with an offer that will be attractive to the seller while making sure you get a fair deal. They can then use their negotiating skills to arrive at a price that’s acceptable to you and the seller.
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They’re industry experts
Your agent will help you make sense of forms, reports, disclosures and other legal and financial paperwork. They know the industry jargon, and can translate them into layman’s terms for you. They can advise you on recent upgrades, curb appeal, and other musts. Because they know the market, real estate agents help you skirt delays and avoid serious mistakes.
A reliable Realtor can also answer any questions you might have about local amenities, zoning regulations, contractors, utilities and others.
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Fair, ethical practice
You’re in good hands when your agent is a member of the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR). They follow a code of ethics rooted in professionalism and clients’ interest. Make sure your agent is a NAR member before hiring them
Looking for someone in South Orange County who offers these real estate agent benefits and more? With over three decades of experience and sales of over $1 billion, I have the experience and expertise to help you close the best sale. Call me, Robyn Robinson, at 949-295-5676 or send me an email here.