7 Reasons To Hire A Real Estate Agent As A First Time Home-Buyer

In today’s day and age, it’s entirely possible to discover your dream home online and navigate through the home-buying process all on your own. The internet has allowed properties to be listed at the touch of our fingertips. But, there are still many advantages to the home buying process when you choose to work with a real estate agent! Here are 7 reasons why I recommend working with an agent as a first-time home buyer… 

1. It’s Free!

As a buyer, hiring a professional real estate agent is at no extra cost to you! Your agent’s commission will come out of the pockets of the seller and is based on the final price at closing. 

2. They Understand The Local Market

Local agents have up-to-date knowledge of the area you’re purchasing in. They have a deeper understanding of the community aspects that are a part of the home-buying process such as school zones, traffic patterns, and location trends. This is especially helpful if you’re moving from out-of-state or just from a different part of the state. 

3. They Can Discover Hidden Property Listings

Sure, it’s possible to discover your dream home online on your own, but a real estate agent tends to have access to an extra database of available properties. Some homes may be listed as “off-market” or maybe exclusively sold through a specific brokerage. Hiring an agent can help you uncover properties that you may have never had access to in the first place.

4. They’re Knowledgeable On The Home-Buying Process

As a first-time buyer, the home-buying process can be very overwhelming. There’s a lot more that goes into it than most people expect. Hiring an agent means hiring someone that’s been through the process hundreds of times, and understands it like the back of their hand. They have professional knowledge on things such as market value, contract guidelines, and the overall process of first-time home-buying. 

5. They’re Expert Negotiators

After you put an offer in on a home, pushback tends to happen. A real estate agent is a neutral third party in the process, with the industry knowledge to make the right decision in your best interest. They have expertise in the current market and factors such as closing costs. When counter-offers, contract contingencies, and bidding wars come to the surface, having an agent on your side is the best chance at the best outcome for you! 

6. They Can Point Out Red Flags In Properties

To anyone that isn’t an industry professional in-home inspections or doesn’t work closely with one, it’s common to miss out on some glaring red flags in potential properties on the market. Another great advantage of hiring a real estate agent is that they know exactly what to look for when it comes to property damages. Having someone that can single these out can be helpful when it comes to price negotiations or warning a home inspector so they can give these issues an extra close look. As a buyer, it’ll save you time and money in the end!

7. They Have A Network Of Trusted Professionals

You’ll have to work with more than just a real estate agent when it’s time to purchase your first home. Both before and after the home search step of the process, you’ll need help from people in other departments such as a mortgage lender, appraiser, insurance agent, and home inspector, just to name a few. Without an agent, you’ll be left to contact these individuals on your own. But when hiring a real estate agent, one perk you’ll receive is their referral of trusted professionals that work in these departments and more!