Advantages and Disadvantages to Hiring a Real Estate Agent


When you are buying or selling a home, you will in all likelihood consider using a real estate agent. The pros and cons of using a real estate agent need to be weighed up before you decide whether to appoint an agent, and considered when choosing the agent. Generally, there are more advantages to working with an agent than selling or buying on your own.

Advantages

1. A full time real estate agent has experience in selling or buying homes. They deal with real estate day-in and day-out. They have the time and focus to market and find the right buyer or home for sale on your behalf.

2. A real estate agent has the tools and knowledge to establish what price to sell your home at, or what price to offer when you buy. Agents familiarized with the local property market will easily recognize all the positive aspects of a house, as well as the negative ones.

3. If you appoint a Realtor, they will have access to the Multiple Listing Service, which gives them access to a wider variety of listings and buyers. Realtors are members of the National Association of Realtors which subscribes to a Code of Ethics that in many cases surpasses the legal requirements.

4. You don't have to worry about the bills or period of advertising, since they are covered by your agent. They also have an existing network of possible buyers and sellers that they can contact quickly and easily. Online marketing should not be a problem for them.

5. They handle the paperwork, financing and legalities for you, and know the processes for accepting or making offers, drawing up contracts etc. They are linked to banks and mortgage companies, as well as attorneys specialized in real estate. So you don't have to waste time or effort looking for them.

Downsides

1. Whether you appoint a buyer's or seller's agent, there is a commission or fee to be paid. When considering the agent's commission you should also keep in mind all the time and money you would have to invest in advertising your own home, or in looking for a new one.

2. When dealing with an agent you may not be so lucky as to have a relationship of perfect understanding and communication. A constant battle of wills as well as a different agenda can result in a trying and counterproductive relationship between agent and client.

3. You are at the mercy of the agent and often tied into a long-term contract of exclusivity. These are often as long as 6 months, during which time you may not feel any progress has been made.

4. If you choose the wrong agent, the entire buying or selling process can be unpleasant and fraught with difficulties.

Stories abound of unscrupulous, unethical agents who are out to make a quick sale with little regard for their client's wellbeing and satisfaction. However, it is a natural thing for people to remember only the bad and not so often the good, which is rather unfortunate, since there are some good real estate agents out there. Your relationship with your agent depends fully on your choice of one. You won't be able to best them when it comes to real estate knowledge and marketing skills.

The right home improvements can substantially increase your selling price. At All Seasons Construction, we can help get your home ready to sell with construction services such as patio covers.