Why Hire a Real Estate Agent?

We get it. You’ve been buying and selling things since you and your big brother set up a lemonade stand on the corner. So you might be wondering—what are the real advantages to hiring a real estate agent?

Hiring an agent is a little bit like hiring a tour guide when you travel to a foreign country. Real estate has its own set of rules and regulations, its own customs, and even its own language. Sure, when you fly to France or China you can eventually navigate public transportation and use enough sign language to find the Eiffel Tower or order Peking duck. But with a native guide, you’ll not only find the tourist destinations more quickly and easily, you’ll also find some hidden gems you never knew existed—and maybe learn something along the way.

Like a tour guide, a real estate agent keeps abreast of the latest happenings in your destination city. Agents have tools and networks in place so they will know the moment a house that meets your dream criteria comes on the market. You can certainly check the news or meander through neighborhoods, but in our fast-paced real estate climate houses can go on and off the market in a matter of days. Having a real estate agent’s finger on the pulse of the market means you have a greater chance of being the first to snag that great deal.

A good tour guide knows not only the current events, but also the rich history of the city. Likewise, a real estate agent—by merit of a longtime real estate career or by networking with others who have been around the block—knows the history of real estate in your destination location. This history can come in handy when you plan to reside in your new home for any length of time. An agent may know what kind of neighbors you will have in a given area, be aware of an upcoming development that might infringe on that great view you’re counting on, or know that a property you are eyeing is subject to seasonal flooding. An agent might also know of owners who have not listed their properties, but who might be interested in selling to the right buyer.

In a foreign country, unwary tourists can fall prey to scams and theft. A tour guide can alert travelers to these risks, saving them from emptying their pockets for an “ancient artifact” made ten days ago—or from finding their pockets emptied for them. In the same way, a real estate agent knows the real value of property and homes in your area, and can help negotiate the fairest price for both buyer and seller.

We know you have choices, and we know you’re independent and competent. But since even the most seasoned travelers can benefit from a savvy tour guide, we’re here to make your real estate journey all the more satisfying.