Boston is listed in the top 10 cities for buying a house in 2019, so you may be thinking about making a home purchase here. If you are thinking about buying a new home, there are some preliminary steps you should take.
Even though you’ll be trying to get the most for your money, there are some home buying expenses that you don’t want to cut corners on. Using a real estate agent when buying a home is one of them. Here are seven reasons why having an agent representing you is in your best interests and can save you money.
1. They Know What’s Out There
In today’s real estate market, you have plenty of resources online to view different properties for sale. You can easily find homes listed with real estate agents, companies, or even for-sale-by-owner. However, you aren’t seeing everything that’s available. For different reasons, some sellers don’t want signs in their yards or their selling information available to the general public. This is where having a real estate agent when buying a home comes in handy since they will have a better list of available properties.
2. Pricing
Real estate agents are experts at knowing their market and the different home values in each neighborhood. A real estate agent will conduct a market analysis of the area to see what other comparable homes are selling for. They have the sensibilities to know if a property is priced well or overpriced.
3. Real Estate Agents Know How to Negotiate
Even if you think you are good at haggling, negotiating a home sale takes a whole other set of skills. A real estate agent has the knowledge and experience to get the best selling price available. He or she might see some of the seller’s motivating factors that you wouldn’t notice. A real estate agent can also negotiate terms in the closing, like getting cash applied towards closing costs from the seller’s proceeds.
4. Handling of Paperwork
If you have a real estate agent when buying a home, they take care of all of the paperwork. Prepare to sign your name more than you ever have in your entire life. But, you won’t have to deal with the pages and pages of documents that need to be filled out. Your agent will also keep records of everything, sometimes for years.
5. Inspections
The home inspection report includes many pages of photos and descriptions. A professional real estate agent has seen plenty of these reports. While your first inclination may be to panic when you get the detailed inspection report, your agent knows what questions to ask the inspector and can help distinguish between major and minor issues. Your agent can also help negotiate any needed repairs into the final offer you make.
6. Zoning
Properties are zoned for different purposes. Some are strictly residential, others may allow businesses to operate, and some even have restrictions on animals. You may be looking for a specific type of zone or trying to avoid one. Having a real estate agent when buying a home makes getting that information easier.
7. Having A Real Estate Agent When Buying a Home Protects Your Interests
The biggest advantage of having a real estate agent when buying a home is that you have someone solely dedicated to protecting your interests. They will be with you every step of the way, with competent advice for your best course of action.
Highland Home Inspections provides home inspection services to Greater Boston. Contact us to schedule an inspection.