Homebuyers and sellers today have access to an array of real estate search tools from computers, iPads and even mobile phones. Quick access to market data has truly benefited the initial property search, but to ensure a smooth home purchase or sale you’ll need the help of a real estate professional.
Listing a Home
When selling your home, the goal is to get the greatest amount of money in the shortest amount of time and with the least amount of convenience. However, according to the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR), a typical For-Sale-By-Owner (FSBO) home sold for $40,000 less than an agent-sold home. It all comes down to expertise.
In addition to staging your home, pricing it well, negotiating with the buyers and scheduling showings, your real estate agent will be an expert in marketing your property. Staging and professional photography are key to attracting potential buyers. Your REALTOR will also manage contract creation and ensure the entire process moves smoothly. A survey of FSBO sellers reported that understanding and performing the high volume of paperwork was the most difficult task, followed by correct pricing and home staging.
Buying a Home
Without a doubt, most homebuyers search for properties online – 90 percent, according to NAR – but the actual process of buying a home is much more involved and complicated than scheduling showings.
When purchasing a property, you’ll need someone who can negotiate the price, write up the necessary contract, work with the seller to push the transaction through, recommend the right home inspectors and vendors, interpret crucial mortgage data and generally manage the whole process. In a NAR survey, 40 percent of buyers reported the mortgage application and approval process to be more difficult than they expected.
