Purchasing or selling a home can be a daunting and overwhelming undertaking, especially without any guidance or assistance from an expert. Working with a knowledgeable, local real estate agent throughout the home buying or selling process is extremely beneficial.
Having the right realtor by your side can make or break your home buying or selling experience. No one knows the local area and local market like a well-known and established local realtor. They will serve as your guide and expert along this journey and save you an enormous amount of time and stress throughout the home buying or selling process.
According to Forbes, 87% of home buyers bought their home using a real estate agent, and 88% of those same buyers would use their agent again or recommend them to someone else.
How do you find the perfect realtor?
Don’t know any local realtors in the area you are interested in, or in your current local area? Start by asking family, friends, or co-workers who they worked with when purchasing or selling their home. The National Association of Realtors shares that 71% of first-time home buyers found their real estate agent through means of a personal referral.
What if you are relocating to a new area, and don’t have any family, friends, or co-workers in that area or neighborhood? Research realtors on social media platforms to get a feel for the agents available to you. Check out agency Facebook pages and scroll through posts to see how they interact with customers and read reviews clients have left. Social media can be your best avenue to use for research!
Once you have settled on a few potential agents, don’t be afraid to interview them. Ask them questions. Request to see a presentation of how they propose to list and sell your home, or why you should allow them to be your buyer’s agent. A good realtor will be able to sell their services and instill confidence in your decision to use them.
You should think of your local real estate agent as a partner, since you and your realtor will work as a team. Communicate to them what you are looking for in a home- your desired price range, neighborhood, school district, number of bedrooms, bathrooms, and ideal square footage. Does a two-stall garage top the list as a “must-have” for you? How about a swimming pool? Whatever the list of your desired features is, be sure your realtor is on the same page as you are when they are searching for the right properties for you.
Top 3 Advantages of Working with a Local Realtor
1. Knowledge of the Local Area: An experienced, local agent will know the area inside and out- the best neighborhoods, school districts, and local amenities. They will also be familiar with the average market price for both buying and selling, the current trends of the area. Ask your realtor about building a listing cart that caters to your interests and “must-have” features.
Local realtors know the market, and they often know about homes that are not yet listed on the market and having an insider’s tip can be beneficial once you’ve established your list of non-negotiables. A local expert will have a sense of how the market has evolved over time; in addition to accessing, sharing, and interpreting local market data. A great agent is one who will take the time to teach a client about the local area they are interested in.
2. Availability: If you are buying a home, a local real estate agent can physically meet you to show you homes and can schedule the showings for you. If you are selling your home, your realtor can stage your home according to the latest market and industry trends, and host open houses. Working with a real estate agent in person is MUCH easier than attempting to communicate all the necessary details via phone or email.
Local realtors will also keep you in the loop during the entire selling or buying process until your transaction is complete. They will attend the home inspection, the walk-through, and the closing to guarantee no issues arise, and no confusion occurs.
Your local real estate agent will ensure that your entire purchasing or selling transaction move more efficiently. The legality of home buying or selling is an ordeal within itself. Not only will your realtor guide you through each step of the process, but they will also explain and break down the requirements and terms of the contract, negotiations, home inspections, closing costs, and other necessary paperwork.
3. An Amazing Network of Other Local Experts: Local real estate agents are surrounded by a circle of local experts and influencers. At Bradley and Bradley Real Estate, our team works with the highest quality of local industry experts to make sure you have access to local home inspectors, contractors, interior designers, service providers, property managers, lending professionals, title and escrow companies, painters, gardeners, plumbers, electricians home warranty companies and more to provide you with the best service possible!
We would love to accompany you on the incredible and exciting journey of buying or selling a home! Reach out via call or text to Susie Bradley at 315-795-5101, or Will Bradley at 315-794-5103. We can’t wait to meet you!