Top 4 Reasons Why You Need a Real Estate Agent
Find out how working with a professional real estate agent can give you the property market edge
Why Hire a Real Estate Agent?
Ready to buy or sell your property? You might be tempted to save money by going through the transaction alone instead of via a real estate agent – but beware. This method may not save you as much money, time or stress as you think.
After all, a professional agent’s job is to be an expert on the property market. An agent brings to the table valuable experience in negotiating the best deal for you, as well as the resources and contacts to find you your dream home faster.
They have been trained to spot the advantages and pitfalls of a place, making sure you make the investment that is right for you. Their job is to work the market to your advantage, so that you do not have to give up yours to figure it out.
Here is why you should use the services of a real estate agent in your next property transaction.
1. Unbeatable market knowledge
As a buyer, you likely already have an idea of what you want in a home – but how do you find it? As a seller, you may not be sure that the asking price for your property is competitive or comparable to others in the same range.
A real estate agent has both the market knowledge and training to answer these questions. With access to up-to-date listings, sales data and market trends, an agent can recommend realistic prices for buyers and sellers, as well as find you a home that fits your vision.
Of course, while you might see the number of bedrooms or the outdoor space, your agent will spot something else: a property’s investment potential, as well as any issues that might not cross your mind such as leaks, mold, pest problems or necessary repairs. Their experience and knowledge here could potentially save you thousands, in years to come.
Then there is the location. Your RE/MAX agent can offer you current data and advice about the local neighbourhood, including schools, healthcare services and amenities – saving you from time-consuming research.
2. Valuable resources
Real estate is as much about who you know as what you know.
Agents form part of a wider community of property professionals such as mortgage consultants, notaries, architects, contractors, plumbers, electricians, interior designers or home inspectors. Their network of local contacts could be your trump card during your transaction since they can call in a reliable, tried-and-tested professional as the need arises. No more cowboys!
At RE/MAX, agents also have access to a huge and constantly updated range of innovative technologies that can be put to work for your property deal. From real-time management interfaces to Malta’s most extensive properties database, your RE/MAX agent has the best tools to help you find, design, renovate and maintain your dream home, or make your next big real estate investment.
3. Phenomenal negotiation skills
A property transaction involves so much more than simply closing the deal.
The process involves various steps such as making and accepting an offer, completing inspections, or costs and timeframes of repairs. Every phase demands a level of focused negotiation, since the seller wants the highest listing price and the buyer wants the best deal within their budget.
Your RE/MAX agent has been trained in the art of negotiation for this reason – and they understand what may sway the terms in your favour before the bargaining even begins, such as specific pre-sale repairs or home improvements.
Again, it is a real estate agent’s job to get you the best possible property deal, whether you are a buyer or a seller. They will use their own tried-and-true techniques and – probably unlike you – they have no emotional stake in the outcome that might otherwise cloud their judgement.
4. Expertise in managing transactions
The paperwork in a property transaction is not for the faint-hearted. When it comes to reviewing and fully understanding the many documents involved in a real estate deal, this is not like ticking a box on the terms and conditions of an ordinary contract.
Between lengthy purchase agreements, jargon-heavy legal documents, banking forms and contracts, there is a lot to absorb – and chances are you will miss something vital in the fine print.
Your real estate agent is already familiar with all this paperwork, with years of experience and training to be able to guide you through it. They can catch and correct any potential issues, ensure inspections and repairs are completed, and coordinate all the relevant parties to keep the process on schedule and on-budget.
The Your First Property in Malta takeaway
Whether you are a first-time buyer or are far higher up the property ladder, your RE/MAX agent’s unparalleled market knowledge, experience and expertise will help you get the best deal. Get in touch today at www.remax-malta.com!