If youve recently decided youre ready to become a homeowner, chances are youre trying to figure out what to do first. It can feel a bit overwhelming to know where to start, but the good news is you dont have to navigate all of that alone.
When it comes to buying a home, there are a lot of moving pieces. And thats especially true in todays housing market. The number of homes for sale is still low, and home prices and mortgage rates are still high. That combination can be tricky if you dont have reliable expertise and a trusted advisor on your side. Thats why the best place to start is connecting with a local real estate agent.
Agents Are the #1 Most Useful Source in the Buying Process
The latest annual report from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) finds recent homebuyers agree the #1 most useful source of information they had in the home buying process was a real estate agent. Lets break down why.
How an Agent Helps When You Buy a Home
When you think about a real estate agent, you may think of someone taking you on home showings and putting together the paperwork, but a great agent does so much more than that. Its not just being the facilitator for your purchase, its being your guide through every step.
The visual below shows some examples from that same NAR release of the many ways an agent adds value. It includes the percentage of homebuyers in that report who highlighted each of these benefits:
Heres a bit more context on how the survey results noted an agent continually helps buyers in these situations:
- Helped Buyers Understand the Process: Do you know the difference between an inspection and an appraisal, what each report tells you, and why theyre both important? Or that there are things you shouldnt do after applying for a mortgage, like buying appliances or furniture? An agent knows all of these best practices and will share them with you along the way, so you dont miss any key steps by the time you get to the closing table.
- Pointed Out Unnoticed Features or Faults with the Home: An agent also has a lot of experience evaluating homes. Theyve truly seen it all. Theyll be able to pinpoint some things you may not have noticed about the home that could help inform your decision or at least what repairs you ask for.
- Provided a Better List of Service Providers: In a real estate transaction, there are a lot of people involved. An agent has experience working with various professionals in your area, like home inspectors, and can help connect you with the pros you need for a successful experience.
- Negotiated Better Contract Terms and Price: Did something pop up in the home inspection or with the appraisal? An agent will help you re-negotiate as needed to get the best terms and price possible for you, so you feel confident with your big purchase.
- Improved Buyers Knowledge of the Search Area: Moving to a new town and youre not familiar with the area, or youre staying nearby, but dont know which neighborhoods are most affordable? Either way, an agent knows the local area like the back of their hand and can help you find the perfect location for your needs.
- Expanded Buyers Search Area: And if youre not finding anything youre interested in within your initial search radius, an agent will know other neighborhoods nearby you should consider based on what you like, what amenities you want, and more.
Bottom Line
If youre looking to buy a home, dont forget about the many ways an agent is essential to that process. Any hurdle that pops up, a negotiation that needs to take place, and more, your agent will know how to handle it while they make sure to minimize your stress along the way. Connect with a local real estate agent to tackle it together.
