Reasons To Use a Realtor®

1. Your Realtor® can help you determine your buying power...
   Your financial reserves plus your borrowing capacity. If you give a Realtor® some basic information about your available savings, income and current debt, he or she can run preliminary numbers and give you an idea of where you are in purchasing arena. A good realtor will have a network of "out of the box" leniding resources and can refer you to lenders best qualified to help you. Most lenders-banks and mortgage companies - offer limited choices.
2. Your Realtor® has many resources to assist you in your home search. 
   Sometimes the property you are seeking is available but not actively advertised in the market, and it will take some investigation by your agent to find all available properties. Many Realtors network with colleagues and are able to find properties before they become available for the general public. 
3. Your Realtor® can assist you in the selection process by providing objective information about each property.
   Agents who are Realtors® have access to a variety of informational resources. Realtors® can provide local community information on utilities, zoning, schools, etc. There are two things you'll want to know. First, will the property provide the environment I want for a home or investment? Second will the property have resale values when I am ready to sell?
4. Your Realtor® can help you negotiate. 
   There are a myriad of negotiating factors, including but not limited to price, financing, terms, contingencies, time frames, date of possession and often the inclusion or exclusion of repairs and furnishings or equipment. For buyers, the purchase agreement should provide a period of time for you to complete appropriate inspections and investigations of the property before you are bound to complete the purchase. Your agent can advise you as to which investigations and inspections are recommended or required and the appropriate time frames to include in the contract.
5. Your Realtor® provides due diligence during the evaluation of the property. 
   Depending on the area of the property, this could include inspections for termites, dry rot, asbestos, faulty structure, roof condition, mold, septic tank and well tests, just to name a few. Your Realtor® can assist you in finding qualified responsible professionals to do most of these investigations and provide you with written reports. You will also want to see a preliminary report on the title of the property. Title indicates ownership of property and can be mired in confusing status of past owners or rights of access. The title to most properties will have some limitations; for example, easements (access rights) for utilities. Your Realtor® can help you identify and resolve issues that might cause problems at a later date.
6. Your Realtor® can help you in understanding different financing options and in identifying qualified lenders. Realtors understand mortgage financing options, guidelines, timelines and requirements. Mortgage lending has been going through a lot of changes over the last several years. Whether you are a buyer or a seller, it is crucial to have insight into what is required up to the funding date.
7. Your Realtor® can guide you through the closing process and make sure everything flows together smoothly. There are so many details, lots of paperwork and lots of things that must happen to ensure a successful closing. A Realtor knows exactly what needs to be done. 
8. When selling your home, your Realtor® can give you up-to-date information on what is happening in the marketplace and the price, financing, terms and condition of competing properties.
   These are key factors in getting your property sold at the best price, quickly and with minimum hassle.
9. Your Realtor® markets your property to other real estate agents and the public. 
   Often, your Realtor® can recommend, staging, alterations, repairs or cosmetic work that will significantly enhance the salability of your property. Your Realtor® markets your property to other real estate agents and the public. In many markets across the country, over 50% of real estate sales are cooperative sales; that is, a real estate agent other than yours brings in the buyer. Your Realtor® acts as the marketing coordinator, disbursing information about your property to other real estate agents through a Multiple Listing Service and other cooperative marketing networks, open houses and broker tours for agents. The Realtors® Code of Ethics requires Realtors® to utilize there cooperative relationships when for the benefit for their clients.
10. Your Realtor® knows when, where and how to advertise your property.
    There is a misconception that advertising alone sells real estate. Studies show that 82% of real estate sales are the result of agent contacts through previous clients, referrals, friends, family and personal contacts. When a property is marketed with the help of your Realtor®, it will most likely be broadcast across the internet through multiple resources in addition to being presented to local networks of brokers. Your Realtor® will generally prescreen and accompany qualified prospects through your property. For those who are represented by other agents, your Realtor will follow up with their Realtor and provide valuable feedback.
11. Your Realtor® can help you objectively evaluate every buyer's proposal without compromising your marketing position.
    This initial agreement is only the beginning of a process of appraisals, inspection and financing - a lot of possible pitfalls. Your Realtor® can help you write a legally binding, win-win agreement that will be more likely to make it through the process.
12. Your Realtor® can help close the sale of your home.
    Between the initial residential purchase contract and closing, questions and concerns will undoubtedly arise. For example, unexpected repairs are required to obtain financing or a cloud in the title is discovered. The required paperwork and time restraints are overwhelming for most sellers. Your Realtor® is the best person to objectively help you resolve these issues and move the transaction forward to successful closing.