In life there are times that call for you to pack your things and find a new condo and area to call home. When looking to purchase or sell your home or even both, there is a laundry list of things to think about, do and have done. You may be wondering if having a real estate agent will help you or if you can venture into the real estate world on your own to save yourself some money. The simple answer is to go with a real estate agent, hands down.
In the process of buying and selling your home a real estate agent wears many hats. Let’s first look at buyer’s agent and listing agent. You will see these two terms many times when you research real estate sales. A buyer’s agent is someone that you contact to help you find your home to purchase. They will be your scout and negotiator through your search for the perfect home. A listing agent is the person you contact to place your home on the real estate market for sale. They will tell you tips and tricks to help promote the sell of your home as well as making your home attractive to potential buyers. As potential home buyers walk through and ask questions about your home your listing agent will be the one they contact and work with on your behalf.
Here is a look at how a real estate agent will help you when buying or selling your condo.
First off your real estate agent will be the one to walk beside you guiding you through each step of the way ensuring you don’t over look any details. Your real estate agent will make sure you have secured a loan and your condo purchase is within your limits. Your agent will make sure all inspections are performed and help you to know what they mean.
Your real estate agent will be there to help you understand the housing market. Giving you an idea of interest rates and other topics that you need to discuss in terms of where to purchase and how to sell.
Your real estate agent has access to the MLS, Multiple Listing Service. This is a mega list of homes for sale. Yes you can look through listings online and go to open houses but an agent can give you new home listings, listings to homes that only agents have the opportunity to know about. Your agent can be the one to arrange for personal home viewings and access you wouldn’t have on your own.
A real estate agent will have insider information about homes that are listed like the neighborhood, length of time on the market, key points of interest about the home and are able to narrow your search down before spending tons of time looking at home after home. Your agent can narrow things down with just a list of your desires and dislikes saving you time.
And lastly your real estate agent is your negotiator. The agent will be the one to help you make the appropriate bid on a condo. They will present a written offer to the seller’s agent on your behalf and they will be the one’s fielding the offers and questions on your home as the seller’s agent.
Linda Magarick is a professional realtor helping clients buy and sell Atlantic City condos and homes for the past 27 years.
