Whether you’re buying or selling a home, and whether you’ve done one or the other before or you’re a first timer, you may wonder if it’s worth hiring (and paying) a real estate agent. After all, you can find plenty of information online about the processes of buying and selling, the homes currently on the market and their asking prices, and the neighborhoods you’re interested in. But even with the wealth of information at your fingertips, you still can’t beat a bonafide agent in your corner. Here are just a few reasons why.
Agents know the area… Like the back of their hand
But wait, you may think - I can just Google the neighborhoods I’m interested in, and learn everything I need to know. And you’re right - to an extent. You can find all sorts of facts and figures about schools, home prices, median salaries, homeowners associations, and the like. But what you can’t find is the honest insight of a person who’s lived and done business in those neighborhoods. An agent knows the people that live there, and the teachers at the schools. An agent understands the market, and can tell when an asking price is too high or too low.
Agents understand the market, and can help you negotiate a better deal
Whether you’re on the buying or selling end, settling on a fair price is a daunting prospect. As a seller, you don’t want to ask too low, and wind up settling for less than your property is worth. Nor do you want to ask too high, and scare off potential buyers. The same basic concepts are true for buyers - you certainly don’t want to overpay for a property that’s worth less than its seller is asking for. That’s all pretty obvious in theory, but how prepared do you really feel to sit down at the negotiation table and back up your offer? Fortunately, real estate agents negotiate home prices for a living. Having an experienced agent on your side can expedite the negotiation process and help you land a much better deal.
Agents can handle the paperwork, so you don’t have to
In most cases, when you’re buying or selling a home, a move is close on the horizon. Moves are a big deal. They require a ton of work, and they’re usually stressful. Throwing a pile of paperwork from the real estate deal on top of all that can turn the situation into a nightmare. When you have an agent, though, you can focus on preparing to move, and simply show up to sign and initial all the paperwork when it’s finished.
Agents are ready to help when you need it
You never know when a question or concern might pop into your head. Having a real estate agent will ensure you get a satisfying, complete answer when you need it. In a world with no shortage of communication options, you can reach your agent however you prefer - via email, text, or even an old-fashioned phone call. G&A Real Estate made it a priority to always answer the phone and return calls when they started over 40 years ago, and it’s a promise they still stick to today. So get yourself an agent - when you need their help, you’ll be glad you did.
And a lot more!
Real estate agents rely heavily on referrals, so they’re incentivized to go the extra mile for their clients. Good real estate agents guide their clients through the process, providing them with the information and support they need to confidently make a decision, and then tying up all the loose ends and technicalities. The value of a good real estate agent isn’t just monetary; it’s in the expertise and peace of mind they offer their clients.
G & A Real Estate is the longest-serving agency in Manhattan, Kansas
If you’re getting ready to buy or sell a home, consider trusting the expert agents at G & A. With over 40 years of top-notch, continuous service in Manhattan and the surrounding areas, G & A has established a reputation for excellence. Founder Dolly Anderson and her well-rounded team of experienced agents can help you through every step of the buying or selling process. We’d love to get to know you - click here to give us your information, and we’ll invite you to the office for a cup of coffee and to learn how we can help you.