DIY Homebuying

Can you tell us why it's not a good idea to buy a home without using a Realtor?

Absolutely! Buying a home without using a Realtor can definitely be a risky choice. A buyer might think that they're making a smart financial decision in trying to cut expenses by not enlisting the aid of an expert in the real estate industry, but in reality, they could be making exactly the opposite.

Why should buyers elicit the help of a Realtor?

It's simple. Realtors, like myself, are experts in their profession! Buyers who try to represent themselves in a real estate transaction may have knowledge based on previous experience with buying or selling, or reading some real estate know-how books; Realtors, however, live and breathe real estate. And while books are great (I myself read up constantly), they don't represent all of the complex rigors and rules of our current housing market. It's our job to know all of the ins and outs of every real estate transaction, as well as to make all aspects of the sale as smooth and swift as possible.

Can you give us some examples of times when a Realtor is a necessity in a real estate transaction?

Well, I believe we are needed throughout the entire process in order to ensure a great transaction, but let me give you a couple of specific examples of where we are an absolute necessity. First of all, the biggest thing we are needed for is to help clients weave their way through the many dilemmas that plague current market - loan qualifications, appraisals, and renegotiations. Buyers and sellers hire agents that know the process and understand market value so that they don't pay too much or sell too low. And at closing time, unrepresented buyers are at a huge disadvantage. The reality is, if they're in a multiple-offer competition over  a home, sellers and their agents would much rather work with a buyer who is represented by an agent like myself that has a good reputation of closing home sale transactions. In other words, you could be out of the running because you're unrepresented and that shouldn't be a risk you're willing to take on possibly the largest purchase you'll ever make.

As always, who do you know that needs to buy or sell real estate today? Thanks!!