Since buying a house is probably going to be your most expensive purchase so far, you might be tempted to save money on commissions by not buying through an estate agency. However, this mistake could be costly. Not only do a majority of sellers list with an agency, but the agents can do a lot to help you navigate this daunting venture. Read on to find out what your estate agent could do for you.
Give you more options
Agents are usually the first to know which houses are on the market, even before they’re put online. This increases your chances of finding the right property for you, or of finding several options within your price range. If you don’t have a clear idea of what you want, your agent can also help you narrow down your options by location, neighborhood, schools and other factors.
Answer your questions
As you go to view houses with your agent, be sure to ask them as many questions as you can. They are legally obligated to tell you everything they know and they cannot lie or withhold information. On the other hand, if you were to buy a house from a private listing, they wouldn’t have to tell you anything about potential issues with the house and you wouldn’t realise there were any problems until it was too late. Buying through an agent can give you a little peace of mind, especially since you’d be responsible for fixing any issues once you signed the paperwork.
Negotiate
One of the biggest benefits of an agent is that they are master negotiators, and they are paid to bargain the best deals on your behalf. An exceptional agent with years of experience in a company such as Joe Manausa can analyze the value of the home you are looking to purchase, advise you on what your initial offer should be, and how to proceed accordingly when the seller responds. Imagine having to do all the negotiating by yourself? You probably wouldn’t get as good a deal without the experience backing you up.
Oversee inspections
Although the homeowner might have already done home inspection, it doesn’t hurt to get a second opinion. Agents work with inspectors all the time so they can refer you to someone that will give you a good price. They can also advise you on any additional inspections that may apply to the home you are looking at, including radon, mold, water, lead paint, etc. These are all potential stumbling blocks that could cause issues in your sale. If there are any serious issues with the house, an agent can put their expert negotiation skills to use and work out something with the seller, such as a price reduction, or a promise in writing that they will sort out the problem before moving.
Deal with paperwork
Nobody likes doing paperwork; it’s complicated, takes ages, and gives you headaches. Your agent can give you a summary and tell you where to sign.
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