You may wonder why you need one. Below are some ways that a real estate agent can help you through the home buying or selling process.
 
 1. Your agent has many resources to assist you including access to all available properties, even the unadvertised ones!
 
 2. Your agent can assist you in the home selection process by providing objective information about each property.
 
 3. Your agent can help you negotiate.  There are many negotiating factors, including but not limited to price, financing, terms, date of possession and often the inclusion or exclusion of repairs and furnishings or equipment.
 
 4. Your real estate agent can assist you in finding qualified responsible professionals who will conduct needed investigations and provide you with written reports.
 
 5. Your agent can help you understand different financing options and identify qualified mortgage brokers or lenders.
 
 6. Your agent can guide you through the closing process and ensure that everything flows together smoothly.
 
 7. When selling your home, your real estate agent can give you up-to-date information on what is happening in the marketplace as well as the price, financing, terms and conditions of competing properties.  These are key factors in getting your property sold at the best price, quickly and with minimum hassle.
 
 8. Your agent markets your property to other real estate agents and the public.  They can recommend repairs or cosmetic work that will significantly enhance the salability of your property. They act as the marketing coordinator, disbursing information about your property to other agents through a Multiple Listing Service or other cooperative marketing networks, open houses for agents, etc.
 
 9. Your real estate agent will know when, where, and how to advertise your property.   There is a misconception that advertising sells real estate. The National Association of Realtors® studies show that 82% of real estate sales are the result of agent contacts through previous clients, referrals, friends, family and personal contacts.  When a property is marketed with the help of your real estate agent, you do not have to allow strangers into your home. Your agent will generally prescreen and accompany qualified prospects through your property.
 
 10. Your agent can help you objectively evaluate every buyer's proposal without compromising your marketing position.  This initial agreement is only the beginning of a process of appraisals, inspections, and financing - a lot of possible pitfalls. Your real estate agent can help you write a legally binding, win-win agreement that will be more likely to make it through the process.
 
 11. Your real estate agent can help close the sale of your home.  Between the initial sales agreement and closing (or settlement), questions may arise. For example, unexpected repairs are required to obtain financing or a cloud in the title is discovered. The required paperwork alone is overwhelming for most sellers. Your real estate agent is the best person to objectively help you resolve these issues and move the transaction to closing (or settlement).