In life it is crucial to have a support network in place when making significant life changes. Whether you are a first time homebuyer or a seasoned investor buying or selling your home involves many details and can be stressful. Well-reputed real estate agents are those encourage, respect and communicate with clients. A trusted real estate professional is the key to your real estate success.

Feeling Hot, Hot, Hot In The Real Estate Market!

Timing is everything when you are purchasing a property in hot real estate markets. Most properties in a hot market receive multiple offers within the first forty-eight hours. Buyers managing a full time job or a family often find it difficult to stay efficiently on top of the market. A real estate or buyer's agent reviews newly available properties each day and can help you in the often fast paced process of securing a home. The agents are prepared to make clients aware of every opportunity that falls within their individual parameters. The Internet is an excellent starting point, but it does not replace an agent's skill or knowledge and cannot be personally attentive or listen. Online listings are not always up-to-date and do not provide all the necessary data to make an informed real estate decision. Use the Internet first and then consult with the professionals to get the real scoop on a property.

Time Is On Your Side!

A trained real estate professional possesses the expertise necessary to ask all of the important questions. The first step to finding the perfect property is to have a clear and realistic vision of the home you want. A real estate or buyer's agent will conduct an informal needs analysis. The agent will ask the buyer key questions to help narrow down the market. Honest answers to these questions will build a strong foundation for the agent to work with. In the hundreds of home listings available on the market at any given time only a few will actually meet your needs. The agent's insight and training will help you stay focused and save time.

Don't Leave Home Without An Expert Negotiator

Representation by a good negotiator is essential during a real estate transaction. A real estate agent with the expertise to assist with repair agreements, inspections, appraisals and other contingencies gives you added security. An agent can provide sound advice on the best offer or the best selling price for your property and yet, you still maintain full decision making authority. An agent's knowledge of sales and marketing can save you time and money since small, inexpensive changes can boost the presentation and value of your property. The expertise of a real estate agent maximizes the potential of your real estate transaction. According to the 2004 NAR Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers the typical for-sale-by-owner home sold for $163,800 and the typical agent assisted home sold for $189,000.

The Reality Of For Sale By Owner

It is a common myth that for-sale-by-owner transactions save the seller money. Truthfully, for-sale-by-owner transactions do not save money. If the current market commission is 3 percent, two percent of this covers signage, marketing and the details between contract and closing. In a for-sale-by-owner transaction the seller is solely responsible for this time, energy and financial commitment. An agent can coordinate the whole process of appraisers, home inspectors and brokers in less time and usually for less money.
Also, many real estate agents do not even review for-sale-by-owner properties so your market exposure is limited. According to the 2004 NAR Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers created by the National Center For Real Estate Research 77 percent of buyers and 83 percent of sellers used an agent to complete their real estate transaction. Working with an agent gives you access to web, agent and public marketing tools that can make your experience of buying or selling a home the best it can be! Remember, the job of a great agent is to help you make the best home purchase or sale with the least amount of hassle. So, don't go it alone!


About the Author
Noelle E. Dumas grew up with an appreciation for food, family and historic properties. She earned her degree in industrial design and began to work with historic real estate investment, renovation preservation, and interiors. In 2000, Noelle moved to Asheville, North Carolina and soon began her real estate career at Keller Williams. Visit http://www.3Datkw.com or e-mail noelledumas@charter.net for more information.