By Tammie Seldon

It has come to my attention that oftentimes, persons involved in real estate transactions do not understand the value of having a professional represent their interests.  In today’s market it is becoming the norm to see either a buyer or seller not represented in efforts to save money.  But in reality, that decision cost them more than what it would for them to have a Realtor® assisted transaction.  

Not all licensed real estate professionals are Realtors®.  Only licensed real estate agents who are members of the National Association of Realtors® (NAR) have the Realtor® designation.  Realtors® must abide by a STRICT code of conduct and are required to maintain the highest level of real estate standards enforced by  the National Association of Realtors®.  It is to your advantage to work with a Realtor®  because of the training and standards this professional designation requires.  Whether you are a first time homebuyer or selling a home, a Realtors® is your best resource. 

HERE IS WHY IT PAYS TO WORK WITH A REALTOR®:

• NAVIGATE A COMPLICATED PROCESS.  Buying or selling a home usually requires disclosure forms, inspection reports, mortgage documents, insurance policies, deeds and multi-page settlement statements.  A knowledgeable expert will help you prepare the best deal and avoid delays and/or costly mistakes.

• INFORMATION AND OPINIONS  Realtors® can provide local community information on utilities, zoning, schools as well as property values.  They will also be able to provide objective information about a property.  A Realtor®  will be able to help you answer these two important questions: Will the property provide the environment I want for a home or investment?  Second, will the property have resale value when I am ready to sell.

• HELP FINDING THE BEST PROPERTY OUT THERE.  Sometimes, the property you are seeking is available but not actively advertised in the market and it will take some investigation by your Realtor® to find all available properties that meet your search criteria.

• NEGOTIATING SKILLS.  There are many negotiating factors, including but not limited to price, financing, terms, date of possession, inclusion or exclusion of repairs, appliances or furnishings.  In addition, the purchase agreement should provide a period of time for you to complete appropriate inspections and investigations of the property before you are bound to complete the purchase.  Your Realtor® can advise you as to which investigations and inspections are recommended or required.

• PROPERTY MARKETING POWER.  Real estate does not sell due to advertising alone.  In fact, a large share of real estate sales comes as the result of a practitioner’s contacts through previous clients, referrals, friends and family.  When a property is marketed with the help of a Realtor®, you do not have to allow strangers into your home.  Your Realtor® will pre-screen and accompany qualified prospects through your property.

• SOMEONE WHO SPEAKS THE LANGUAGE.  If you don’t know a CMA from a PUD, you can understand why it’s important to work with a professional who is immersed in the industry and knows the real estate language.

• EXPERIENCE.  Most people buy and sell on a few homes in a lifetime, usually with quite a few years in between each purchase.  Even if you have done it before, laws and regulations change.  Realtors®, on the other hand, handle hundreds of real estate transactions over the course of their career.  Having an expert on your side is critical.

• OBJECTIVE VOICE.  A home often symbolizes family, rest and security ---- it’s not just four walls and a roof.  Because of this, home buying and selling can be an emotional undertaking.  And for most people, a home is the biggest purchase they’ll ever make.  Having a concerned but objective third party helps you stay focused on both the emotional and financial issues most important to you.  

The best thing about the services a Realtor® offers is that there are two instances where these services are FREE!

1. If you are a Buyer, the seller normally pays the commission to the Realtor®
2. If you are a homeowner selling your home as a short sale, the bank will pay Realtor® commissions.

Keep in mind that if you are a traditional Seller, paying Realtor® commissions will help you sell your home quicker, which will reduce your carrying costs thus increasing your net profit. 

So now do you think it is worth having a Realtor® on your side?  If you are considering buying or selling a home let the Atlanta Property Shoppe be your guide.  Call us today for a consultation,  WE MAKE REAL ESTATE EASY!