Partnering with a professional Realtor® has always been the ticket to a better real estate experience. Since the housing crunch, it has become even more important. 

So far, this year our market is shaking off some of the doldrums. Compared to others, the local performance has been stable and looks to stay that way. But that doesn’t mean conditions are balanced or that it’s an easy task. The lack of inventory in some price ranges and higher mortgage rates still have their foot on the brake, but the move-up market is on the threshold of balanced market conditions.  

That doesn’t mean a buyer’s market is just around the corner. It’s going to take some time to push through the inventory issue and buyers will have to get used to the reality that they’re going to pay more than they did last year. 

That said, the folks at the National Association of Realtors® (NAR) are stepping up a Why is it important to work with a Realtor® campaign.  

Here’s some of the high points the NAR experts are putting out to refine the issue and single out what Realtors® can do for consumers. 

“Act as an expert guide. Buying a home typically requires a variety of forms, reports, disclosures, and other legal and financial documents. A knowledgeable real estate agent will know what’s required in your market, helping you avoid delays and costly mistakes. Also, there’s a lot of jargon involved in a real estate transaction; you want to work with a professional who can speak the language. 

“Offer objective information and opinions. A great real estate agent will guide you through the home search with an unbiased eye, helping you meet your buying objectives while staying within your budget. Agents are also a great source when you have questions about local amenities, utilities, zoning rules, contractors, and more. 

“Give you expanded search power. You want access to the full range of opportunities. Using a cooperative system called the multiple listing service, your agent can help you evaluate all active listings that meet your criteria, alert you to listings soon to come on the market and provide data on recent sales. Your agent can also save you time by helping you winnow away properties that are still appearing on public sites but are no longer on the market. 

“Stand in your corner during negotiations. There are many factors up for discussion in any real estate transaction—from price to repairs to possession date. A real estate professional who’s representing you will look at the transaction from your perspective, helping you negotiate a purchase agreement that meets your needs and allows you to do due diligence before you’re bound to the purchase. 

“Ensure an up-to-date experience. Most people buy only a few homes in a lifetime, usually with quite a few years between purchases. Even if you’ve bought a home before, laws and regulations change. Real estate practitioners may handle hundreds or thousands of transactions over the course of their career. 

“Be your rock during emotional moments. A home is so much more than four walls and a roof. And for most buyers, a home is the biggest purchase they’ll ever make. Having a concerned, but objective, third party helps you stay focused on the issues most important to you when emotions threaten to sink an otherwise sound transaction. 

“Provide fair and ethical treatment. When you’re interviewing agents, ask if they’re a Realtor®, a member of the National Association of Realtors® (NAR). Every member must adhere to the Realtor® Code of Ethics, which is based on professionalism, serving the interests of clients, and protecting the public. 

“Using a Realtor® is important for several reasons. 

 

“Firstly, Realtors® have access to a wide range of resources and networks that can help you find the perfect property. They have access to multiple listing services, which means they can find properties that may not be available to the public. Additionally, they are familiar with the local market and can provide valuable insights and advice on pricing and negotiations. 

“Secondly, Realtors® are trained professionals who are skilled in navigating the complexities of buying or selling a property. They can handle the paperwork, legalities, and negotiations on your behalf, saving you time and potentially costly mistakes. They can also provide guidance on the entire process from start to finish, ensuring a smooth transaction.”