There is a lot of information out there a buyer can use to get insights into what is for sale in their price point and marketplace. Listings are posted online, automated property valuations are offered for estimated sales price suggestions, and "Home Buying for Dummies" has been around for ages.
So why would you need a Realtor to help you?
In January we had a buyer walk into an Open House and asked for us to help them submit an offer. I have always found it shocking when a buyer walks into that situation and is jumping to make an offer, but has not yet signed on with an agent to give insight into what to expect during the contract process. That's like walking into a courtroom and going "Lawyer Schmoyer, I got this handled".
The biggest error we see buyers make is having their initial appointment with a Realtor at a property showing instead of at an office (let's be real, they are probably on Zoom more often these days).
The only value received by a property location meetup is someone opening a door for you. There is no value added outside of access to a property.
When you begin with a sit-down office interview, the agent has the opportunity to ask you about your goals, listen to your concerns, and be in a position to better serve you as a professional guide and advisor to your needs during one of the largest investments of your life.
There is over a 90% chance that you are going to be using a buyer's agent to help you get from contract to close, so why not establish that relationship earlier in your search process? That way, you'll be able to utilize their full potential.
Here are a few insights into what you should expect with your Buyer's Agent:
1. Your initial meeting with a buyer's agent is an interview. It is an opportunity for you to share what your goals are, your expectations of your new purchase, and voice your concerns about moving forward, etc. Use that meeting to get a good understanding of how that agent works on behalf of their clients. Your goal is to confirm they will be a good advisor to advocate on your behalf.
2. A good buyer's agent will review what the buying process entails. By walking you through the best next steps, the agent can tailor your homebuying process to fit your needs. Buying a home is not rocket science. There are just an infinite amount of variables when it comes to home buying and having a guide to help you select your best path is very important.
3. Third, and what I think is most important, your agent has the experience of different locations, styles and models of homes that could work for what you are looking to achieve. A great agent will be educated enough to confidently suggest options within the parameters you have provided.
I believe one of the biggest fears buyers have when approaching an agent is "what am I signing up for and how much is this going to cost me".
The reality is that setting up a conversation with an agent is without a commitment. I challenge you to ask an agent this question. I believe you will be pleasantly surprised by their response.
To recap, signing with a Buyer's agent is partnering with a real estate expert who can negotiate on your behalf, educate you on real estate market trends and guide you through the entire transaction.
If you have any hesitations about signing up with a Realtor, it costs nothing to sit down with one of us and ask some questions!
At the end of the day, we are experts in the real estate industry that want to empower everyday people in one of the biggest investments of their lives.
That's all for now!
'Til next time,
Jillian
Have a question about real estate? Email Jillian!
Every month Jillian Keck Hogan shares local real estate insight, advice, and more. To learn more about Jillian and her team, visit jilliankeckhogan.com and follow her real estate group on Instagram @jkhogangroup_realtors. Equal Housing Opportunity.
