Schaumburg Homes

Saturday, June 24, 2006

Why Every Buyer Should Hire A Realtor

Many buyers that are in the market for a new home believe that they don’t need a realtor to find the home of their dreams and purchase it. But, buying a home is more complicated than many people think and there are some important reasons that every buyer should consider having a realtor help them with the purchase of their home.

First, realtors can limit your risk. Realtors know how to ensure that each home that you are looking at is safe, free of liens, environmental problems and any other issues. Many states do not have laws that protect homebuyers from dangerous or fraudulent situations. When you work with a realtor you share this risk, and because a realtor shares this risk they are sure to guide you in the direction of the best properties. A realtor will also ensure that every property you consider is priced fairly based on current market value so that you don’t spend too much on a home.

Second, a true realtor is a real estate specialist. Many buyers do not realize that not every realtor is as qualified as the next. Only about 750,000 people are qualified to call themselves realtors because they belong to the National Association of Realtors. The individuals associated with this association work by a code of ethics and not only do they know the real estate in your area, they have a ethic duty to find you the best house, at the best price, that will provide you with the most long term satisfaction. When you buy on your own or with any guy on the street that says “he helps people buy houses” you don’t have the expertise and code of ethics guiding you.

Next, you have to consider that your working relationship with a realtor is totally risk free to you. If you don’t find a house with the help of a realtor, you don’t have to pay them anything. Because of this, you know that the realtor that you are working with will try to find you a quality home in the shortest span of time so that you are happy, and that he or she can move on to their next clients and the next home. There aren’t many other businesses where people will for work you free of charge like a realtor does. Sure, you pay a bit in the end, but for their expertise, guidance, and time you will find their commission more than worth it in the end.

Also, realtors understand the current market better than you can ever hope to. Realtors make it their business to understand the market, and this can benefit you. Realtors can help homebuyers get the best price on a home whether it is a buyers’ or sellers’ market, and whether interest rates are high or low. Realtors are in the business of getting houses sold, and they have many ways to get you in the home that you want that you may never think of.

Realtors also have a grasp of the legalities of buying a home. No longer can a home be purchased for one or two pages of contract. So much paperwork goes into buying a home the right way, and realtors know how to streamline this process so that it is not any more stressful or drawn out than it needs to be. This is not information that most people can learn overnight, because the ability to sell a home with ease takes experience, something that every realtor has.

Your realtor works for you and is an invaluable advocate for your rights, your needs, and even for the things that you want from a home and the home buying process. If you are a buyer and you are trying to work with a homeowner’s realtor they do not have your interests in mind because they are working for the sellers. You want an advocate that will help ensure that you get the best price, and that all of your rights as a buyer are protected. Even if you feel you know what your rights are, a realtor simply has more experience and more negotiating power than any individual. This expertise is more than worth the price of commission as it can save you time, money, and stress.

The bottom line is that a realtor can help protect and advocate for a buyer. Even if you don’t want a realtor to show you homes, when you are ready to make an offer it is a great idea to get a realtor involved to be sure that the home is environmentally safe, and is priced fairly. Unless you buy homes every day, you simply do not have the experience of a realtor and this is something you need and will ultimately benefit from.

Thanks to www.HoffmanEstatesCondos.com for the article.

Also for other local information visit this Arlington Heights blog and this Palatine Blog.