Below is a sponsored content article from the Josh Vernon Group.
“I am not the smartest, but I surround myself with competent people.” This is a phrase most often attributed to Henry Ford. Henry Ford questioned why he should clutter his mind with general knowledge when he could surround himself with people able to supply him with the specific knowledge he needed. So, what does all this have to do with you and your real estate needs? A lot! Especially when it comes to the question, “Why do I need a real estate agent?”
Why it pays to have a real estate agent in your corner
Let’s look at a few reasons why you want a real estate agent in your corner.
They are experts in real estate! They don’t poke at the market. Real estate is what they do and how they support their families. They undergo hours and hours of training and education in real estate covering topics like zoning, lead based paint, easements, and real estate legalities.
This is the biggest investment you will make in your life! Don’t you want the best, most trained experts looking out for your best interest? From a seller’s perspective, the listing agent will create more traffic to your home. They will also help you professionally organize your home for best viewing, arrange for professional photography to show the best aspects of your home, guide you on appropriate pricing and help with scheduling of showings. From a buyer’s perspective, these agents help you by working with other agents to find off-market and coming soon properties, walking you through the pros and cons of a home and negotiating the best deal for you.
They have an eye for detail. Real estate agents understand and specialize in the multiple legal documents that are involved in a real estate transaction. The contract alone is 11 pages. Not to mention other documents which address personal property, lender proof of funds, or title work. Mistakes and omissions in these documents could cost a homeowner far more than paying a commission.
They have an objective eye. As a buyer you may know what you are looking for when it comes to the number of bedrooms or the square footage of the home, but a trained agent will be looking for the things that a buyer doesn’t know to look for. They will look for flood zones, leaks, aging, and signs of insects. They will recognize the signs of these problems and know how best to approach them on your behalf. As a seller, you may know how much you want for your home but is the price you arrived at reasonable? Do you know how to do a comparable market analysis? Do you know the total market overview in your area? These are tools that real estate agents are trained to know and use, in order to get you the most value for your home.
They are superior negotiators. It is the agent’s responsibility to help you get the best possible price for your home, or to ensure you get the best possible deal on the property that you want. Agents are trained to negotiate well, practice negotiations daily and are not afraid to ask the hard questions. In addition, they do not have an emotional stake in the outcome that could cloud their thinking.
They are legally obligated to put your needs first. The most important reason you want a real estate agent in your corner is fiduciary responsibility. It literally means they are a trusted advisor. It’s kind of like doctor/patient privileges. On both sides of a transaction, they are required, by law, to keep your confidential information private. They must use their skills to the best of their ability on your behalf, disclose any information that might benefit your position, and obey orders given within the law. In addition, on behalf of both a seller and buyer, this gives you someone who can advise you well. They know how to help you navigate multiple offers as a buyer or seller. As a seller, they will guide you on whether to renovate or sell as-is, what time of year is best to list and how to sell for the most money and least amount of stress. Mike and Brandie Brown along with the whole Josh Vernon Group are real estate specialists! Together they have decades of experience, and they are ready to serve you!
The Josh Vernon Group has served Trussville and surrounding areas since 2010 with more than 2,000 sales!