If you’re looking to buy a home, you generally have two options: buy on your own or buy with a real estate agent. While both have pros and cons, we would argue that it is easier, wiser, and more beneficial to buy with a reputed agent like David Crawford.
A real estate agent is a vital player in the process of buying property. They are your advocate, working to get you the best deal possible when purchasing a home. Real estate agents will notice things about a listing or a home that you may not realize, and those small details can be crucial in the home-buying process.
So if you’re thinking about going on the home-search journey alone, think again! There are many benefits to using a real-estate agent to buy your home, and here are our top 5:
1. An Agent Will Know Which Homes Are Best For You
A real estate agent will be able to tell you about the homes that are best for your budget and lifestyle, saving you time from having to go through listings on your own. It can take days and even weeks to find a home that checks all the boxes, and no one has that kind of time. But a real estate agent does! Having an agent allows you to give them your checklist and let them find the best options to suit your needs.
In addition to knowing which homes are best, agents also know which neighborhoods to look in. While the Bay Street Corridor might be good for young professionals, if you are a growing family you may want something with more space on the outskirts of town. Your real estate agent will know these statistics and demographics better than anyone, and having a professional on your side is a huge benefit when buying a home.
2. Real Estate Agents Can Be Your Best Negotiators
Real estate agents have a real advantage when it comes to negotiating with sellers. In fact, real-estate professionals know more about negotiation than just about anyone else! When you’re buying a home on your own, you won’t have as much bargaining power, especially if it’s your first time buying. However, real-estate agents have the experience and confidence to negotiate effectively, which is important because real estate commissions can account for thousands of dollars. That extra bargaining power will save you money!
An agent knows what a home is worth and how much they should be able to get from the seller so that both parties are satisfied with the deal. Real estate professionals can help you negotiate for a lower price or for other items and expenses that may be included in the sale.
3. Agents Have Access to Listings That Aren’t Public
When real estate agents know you’re looking to buy a home, they can keep an eye out for listings that aren’t publicly available yet. That means more options and less competition when it comes time to make an offer on your next dream house!
If you work with real-estate professionals who specialize in the area of town where you wish to buy, they can provide you with a list of homes that are in your price range and within the boundaries of neighborhoods where you would like to live.
4. Real Estate Agents Know All the Right Questions to Ask
When you’re buying a home on your own, it can be easy to forget key questions that need to be asked when meeting with realtors or looking at properties.
However, real-estate agents know all the right questions to ask sellers and can ensure you don’t miss out on important information about schools in the area or anything else that might impact your life and the lives of those who live in the home after you move in. An agent can answer real estate-related questions about property taxes, zoning laws, environmental issues, and other important real estate topics that may not be as familiar to novice buyers or people looking for homes on their own.
5. Your Agent Will Be the Best Local Expert for Your Area
Real estate agents understand exactly what you’re looking for and they know exactly where to find it. Whether you need a neighbourhood with plenty of parks, a large home with room to grow a family, or an upscale high-rise loft, your agent will know how to find your dream home. A real estate agent who knows the area should also be able to provide you with a list of local resources such as reliable, trustworthy contractors and other service professionals for home repairs.
Property taxes are important information to know when purchasing real estate in specific areas or buildings (i.e., condos). The laws and contracts that come with specific areas are unfamiliar to most people who haven’t been in that city before. An agent will have this knowledge because they work with real estate in that area all the time.
Get Help From a Local Real Estate Agent
By working with a real estate agent who understands the ins and outs of your local market, you’ll be able to have a smooth buying experience from start to finish. The benefits of having an agent range from having access to listings that aren’t public yet, gaining information about schools in the area, knowledge of real estate laws and documents that need signing, and getting a list of real estate professionals who can make renovations or ensure the home is in top shape once you move in.
By finding an agent who has a real-estate history in your area and is well-versed in financing real estate transactions, they’ll provide you with the peace of mind knowing that they will find you the most bang for your buck. When it comes to finding the home of your dreams, there is no better first step to take than finding a great real estate agent.
