Do I Need a Real Estate Agent to Buy a House?

Assembling Your Home-Buying Team: Why a Realtor Matters

When you’re ready to purchase a new home, consider who you want on your team. In the era of remote work, having the right Realtor or real estate agent can greatly streamline the process. While it’s not mandatory to hire a Realtor or real estate agent, working with one often leads to a smoother, faster home purchase.

What is a Realtor?

A real estate professional who has passed the necessary licensing exams is known as a real estate agent. This individual represents either the seller or buyer in real estate transactions, handling tasks like drafting contracts and arranging inspections. When this professional joins the National Association of Realtors and commits to their ethical standards, they become a Realtor. A real estate broker has completed additional education and licensing, offering even more expertise. All three—real estate agents, Realtors, and brokers—can assist you throughout the home-buying process.

Working with a Realtor

Working with a Realtor or real estate agent offers many benefits, especially in the context of remote work. They possess extensive knowledge of the local housing market and can quickly identify suitable neighborhoods, home features, and price ranges. By understanding the legal aspects of purchase contracts, they help protect you from bad deals, potential hazards, and dishonest sellers.

A Realtor will negotiate sales terms with the seller on your behalf. This includes negotiating the purchase price, setting contingencies that allow you to cancel the sale without penalty, and arranging repairs or maintenance. They also handle allowances for upgrades and prepare the legal documents involved in the purchase.

In today’s remote work environment, where relocations are common, finding a Realtor with local expertise is crucial. They offer valuable insights and make the transition smoother, especially if you’re moving to a new city or state. Realtors typically earn a commission, usually about 3% of the home’s purchase price. If the seller also uses a Realtor, the total commission generally reaches 6%. Although this fee can increase the home’s cost, the expertise and service provided by a Realtor often justify the additional expense.

Where to Find a Realtor

When you’re ready to start your home search, look for a Realtor or real estate agent through local referrals. Your network of coworkers, neighbors, and friends can offer useful recommendations based on their experiences. Relying on word-of-mouth referrals from trusted individuals often leads to finding a reliable Realtor.

For those working remotely and considering relocating, finding a Realtor experienced in handling such situations is essential. We can connect you with one of our preferred partners who understands the challenges of remote work and relocation.