What a Realtor Can Do For You
It’s one of the most important decisions you can make. The realtor you choose to work with might just become one of your most important resources when it comes time to buy or sell a house. It’s helpful to recognize the difference between realtors and other real estate agents. Most are merely licensed by their state of residence to do business. The fact is, realtors take additional steps to become members of their local board of realtors and have agreed to operate under and live by a strict Code of Ethics.
A Few Other Advantages to Hiring a Realtor:
- Your realtor has the knowledge to help you figure out how much home you’re able to afford. Frequently, a realtor can recommend ways to gather the down payment and outline alternative financing methods to help you buy a house.
- Your realtor not only knows the local money market, but can also inform you about the personal and financial data you should bring with you when it’s time to apply for a home loan.
- Your realtor already has plenty of familiarity with the current real estate values, utility costs, taxes, municipal services and facilities, and may also be cognizant of any local zoning changes that may affect your decision to buy a house.
- Your realtor is usually able to research your housing needs ahead of time through the Multiple Listing Service—even if you are relocating from another city.
- Your realtor can help guide you specifically to those houses for sale that are best suited to fit your needs, including the home’s size, location, style, accessibility to schools, features, transportation, shopping, and a host of other personal preferences.
- Your realtor can often recommend simple yet transformative changes that make a home better suited to your needs, while improving the home’s value and utility for you and your family.
- Your realtor is sensitive to the significance you place on this major commitment you are preparing to make. That’s why, when it comes to looking at homes for sale, you benefit from a real estate professional that can facilitate negotiation of a win-win agreement that satisfies both you and the seller.
© National Association of REALTORS®
