For the vast majority of people, buying a home is the single most expensive transaction they will ever experience in their lifetime. Buying a home is a difficult, time-consuming and expensive process. As such, you need to ensure that you have a professional team in place to help you simplify the process. For most people, a real estate agent is an essential resource and well worth the investment.  The vast majority of home buyers utilizing the services of a qualified real estate agent,.  Here are the top six reasons why you also need one to help you find the home of your dreams.

1.) Real Estate Agents Look Out For Your Financial Interests Every Step Of The Way

A real estate agent is contractually bound to protect and guide you through the purchasing process. They handle every single finite detail of the transaction from start to finish. A real estate agent compiles homes that are within your desired price range. They arrange showings, coordinate home inspections, explain the breakdown of fees.  They also answer your questions, help you apply for the best mortgage rates and assist you with the closing process. Their fiduciary responsibility is only to you, as well as your financial interests.  They are closely monitored and protected by a real estate agent.

2.) Real Estate Agents Keep Up With Market Fluctuations And Regulatory Changes

A licensed real estate agent must stay up to date.  Such as the always-changing laws, policies, regulations, practices and contract obligations pertinent to the housing industry. Not only do the laws differ from state to state and county to county, there are also subsets of laws that apply to different types of housing and loan programs. However, if you attempt to purchase a new home without the assistance of a real estate agent, things can get messy. You can easily get lost in a sea of legal jargon and end up costing yourself thousands of dollars in errors.

3.) A Realtor Will Be Real With You

The ultimate goal of a real estate agent is to make a commission once you purchase the home of your dreams. However, they cannot achieve this feat without putting you first and being transparent throughout the process. A real estate agent should be willing to disclose things to you that no one else will tell you about home buying. In your preliminary search for a home online, you may have bookmarked half a dozen homes you can picture yourself purchasing. A professional real estate agent will sit down with you to discuss the unforeseen pros and cons of each property in detail to help you make an informed decision.

Sure, that cute ranch-style home looks good on paper and in the pictures, but you may not be aware that it is close to a set of frequently-used railroad tracks. That cape-style home may have a new roof, but you may not know that the roofing materials used for the job can combust in climates with high temperatures. Your real estate agent will be forthcoming and genuine with you throughout the entire process to steer you clear of potential pitfalls and mistakes.  Guaranteeing your satisfaction to the purchase of your home.

4.) Real Estate Agents Are Familiar With The Local And Surrounding Areas

A well-traveled real estate agent is an important person to have on your side.  Especially if you are moving to a new area that is unfamiliar. Open communication with your realtor will lead you to finding the home of your dreams. If you have young children and are looking to purchase a home that is located in a top-rated school district, your real estate agent can easily accommodate your request. If you would prefer a townhouse, condominium, or maintenance-free property located right in the heart of a thriving downtown area.  Your real estate agent will locate the perfect place that gives you quick and easy access to bars, shops, banks, or even restaurants and entertainment venues.

5.) Real Estate Agents Handle The Boring Stuff

There are many laws, complexities and regulations that make hiring a real estate agent a sound decision.  Likewise, there are also many tiny reasons that will make you grateful you have enlisted the help of a real estate professional. Many prospective homeowners are unaware of how many phone calls need to be made, appointments must be scheduled, meetings have to be coordinated, as well as paperwork that needs to be filled out throughout the process of buying a home. When you are juggling a demanding work schedule, balancing your home and personal life and trying to make time for relaxation and fun, finding the time to devote to researching homes and financing is nearly impossible. A real estate agent handles all of the details on your behalf, so you can just show up and sign.

6.) Real Estate Agents Handle The Tough Stuff With Ease: Contracts And Negotiations

Your realtor works diligently on the back end to navigate these difficult documents.  Working towards delivering an offer that works for your budget and lifestyle.  From negotiating mortgage rates to explaining the addendum’s, fees and riders in that novel-long contract.  Your agent works exclusively for you.  However, a professional real estate agent can communicate effectively with banks, sellers and other agents.  They can negotiate terms and prices, reduce or eliminate some of your anticipated fees. Likewise, they can offer an objective view to every situation that may arise during the process.

When you hire a professional realtor, you are partnering with a company who adheres to a strict code of ethics. From start to finish, a real estate agent will simplify the home-buying process.  They will keep you informed through effective communication, answer your questions and provide transparency to help you find the home of your dreams.