Why Do I Need a Real Estate Agent in Bozeman?

“I’m not ready to work with an agent yet,” says Linda; however, she picked up the phone and called a real estate agent anyway. She wanted information on a listing. Linda had been calling real estate agents for days to find out about properties she might want to buy.

Translation:
• I don’t know what an agent can do for me, and I don’t know you.
• I’m cautious of agents because they might try to sell me a home I don’t want.
• I can find my own home.

Lots of people either don’t understand what an agent can do for them or simply don’t trust real estate agents altogether, a very understandable reaction. This is a unique profession to be a part of; there is very little middle of the road. I find agents are either loved or despised.

Do You Need a Listing Agent to Sell a Home?

As a seller, you can find your own buyer but the recurring question is would a listing agent have helped you get more on your bottom line (according to National Association of Realtors, almost 22% more)? So much of it depends on the real estate market.
• In sizzling hot seller markets, almost anybody can stick a sign in the yard and draw in offers.
• In a buyer’s market, there are fewer buyers, which make an agent’s services more valuable.
• More than 80% of buyers purchase a home through a real estate agent. If you don’t hire an agent, you are out of the knowledge loop that 80% of your competing buyers are taking advantage of.

Listing Agents Can Bring Value-Add to a Transaction

Unless you spend your weekends attending every open house, you may not know why some homes in your area sold for higher prices than others. Experienced agents have this knowledge and utilize it to ensure that your home sells at the highest possible price.

Top listing agents sell homes day in and day out. Here is a list of services most listing agents offer to sellers:
• Excellent marketing materials and proven selling systems.
• Professional virtual tours and photography.
• Local, National and International Internet exposure.
• Promotion at company meetings and MLS meetings.
• Networking with fellow real estate agents.
• Price guidance according to market data and recent sales.
• Home stagers, inspector and repair contractor referrals.
• Buyer feedback and private showings.
• Confirmation of potential buyer qualifications.
• Counter offer and negotiation expertise.

Buyer’s Agents Work for the Buyer and Not the Seller

A buyer’s agent’s job is to put the buyer’s interests ahead of the agent’s, to disclose all material facts, keep the buyer’s information confidential, provide the buyer with sufficient information to purchase a home and expertly negotiate on the buyer’s behalf.

Here are some of the services you can expect to get from a buyer’s agent that you might not be able to obtain on your own. Apart from hearing about listings before homes are available to the public, agents can:
• Provide comparable sales.
• Provide sales data from the local MLS.
• Pull property profiles showing sales history, property specifications and neighborhood information.
• Run reports on listing agent’s list-price to sales-price ratios.
• Suggest pricing strategy.
• Prepare a strong offer that presents the buyer in the best light based on market demands and agent interaction / networking.
• Review of documents for loopholes and obtain disclosures.
• Provide a buffer between you and the seller’s agent.

If you feel confident that you can handle a sale or purchase on your own, you probably can. But you may always wonder if you paid too much or accepted too low of a price. Contact Everdawn Charles today to make sure you get the best possible price for your property.