4 Ways A Real Estate Agent Saves Buyers Money
When you're in the market for a new home, the last thing you want to do is overpay. As you begin your house hunt, then, you'll want to have a seasoned real estate agent by your side. After all, there are many ways in which an agent can save you money as you shop for your next home.
They Have Early Access to New Listings
Sometimes, sellers' agents choose to list homes quietly, keeping them off the public Multiple Listing Services (MLS). These are known as pocket listings, and your agent may have access to these if they are part of the right professional network. Having access to these early listings can help you gain access to fairly priced properties that you may not have otherwise been able to see, which could help you land a great deal.
They Save You From Overpaying
Real estate agents are pros when it comes to researching local market values and determining whether or not a home is fairly priced. This could save you from making an offer on a home that's overpriced, which in turn saves you from overpaying. Likewise, your agent will be able to tell you if you're looking at an underpriced or competitively priced property that you'll want to jump on quickly.
They See Things You Might Overlook
As you're touring a home, a real estate agent will also be looking for little things that you may easily overlook. For example, as you're falling in love with the home's open floorplan and updated kitchen, the agent may be noticing that discoloration on the ceiling that's indicative of a possible water leak, or that HVAC system that's nearing 20 years old. Calling your attention to these possible issues can save you from getting in over your head with a home that needs a lot of work. Of course, these items can also be used for negotiation power.
They're Expert Negotiators
Speaking of negotiation, you can expect your real estate agent to go back and forth with the seller's agent on a home until you reach a fair offer. When the results of a home inspection come back, for example, your agent can help write up an offer that asks the sellers to pay for key repairs. Or, if the appraisal comes back low on the property, your agent may even be able to get the sellers to lower their asking price.
These are just a few of the many ways in which a real estate agent saves you money. And of course, you must also consider the amount of time they save you by finding listings for you, handling negotiations, and walking you through the complex closing process.
Contact a real estate agent today to learn more.
