Editor's Note: Roberta Ingletto explains the reasons why having a professional real estate agent is an asset when it comes to buying or selling a home.
Photo Credit: Courtesy of RGI Realty
Why is it better for homeowners to have a real estate agent sell their home, or help them look for one, instead of doing it by themselves?
To clarify it's not just “an agent," but it's a professional real estate agent who can really help. Just because an agent has a license does not necessarily mean they will help and they might even hurt what's best for the buyer and/or seller if their only interest is making a commission.
I think this is important to say because there is a big distinguishment between what different agents can bring to the table.
Photo Credit: Courtesy of RGI Realty
Considering a professional agent, with experience, knowledge, and the client's best interest at heart, here it goes:
For a Buyer, a professional real estate agent will bring:
- Market knowledge - We do this all day, every day; we are constantly speaking to buyers, sellers, bankers/lenders, appraisers, etc. and it is not the same as someone doing a “one-time" purchase or sale. It cannot compare.
- Product knowledge – Knowing the quality of different buildings, for example, and the construction of homes is important. Also in the case of buildings, knowing the management of the different condos makes a HUGE difference in how the building is run.
- Location Knowledge – Helping choose the best location and the pros and cons of each area.
- Contract Knowledge - What to look for and negotiate (I'm not saying giving legal advice), but how you negotiate it and the best terms for a buyer.
- Property shape/view –Some properties have shapes, views, or locations that are very hard to sell and less desirable than others and it can take you way longer to sell than the normal surrounding market. It is important to help the client see a property's potential, that it will be desirable in the future, or generally speaking easier to resell.
Photo Credit: Mario Cotera
For the Seller, a professional real estate agent will bring:
- Pricing Knowledge– Sellers always think their property is worth more, but pricing it right can help you sell it faster and better rather than burn in the market for months or sometimes years because the price is above the current market condition.
- Suggestions for improvements and fixes for the home – Sometimes it is touching up the paint, making sure all of the appliances are working well, decluttering, staging, or even repositioning furniture so the house feels bigger, etc. – it all helps visually and all these “little” things go a long way in helping you make more money in the sale.
- Professional pictures – A must! Many people post crooked pictures taken on their cell phones, sometimes showing themselves in the mirror and it's terrible. Professional, well-taken pictures go a long way.
- Availability to show –Many owners have their own profession and won't be available to show, and some don't even live here. This is a full-time job, and being able to show and knowing how to show a property is essential to selling it!
- Negotiate on their behalf – For many, this can be a very emotional decision. Some have to sell due to a divorce, financial changes, etc. and buyers can tell when sellers are desperate. Having an agent in the middle is so important because we see things from the outside and we can help rationally negotiate to get the best price for the seller.
For more information, please contact Roberta Ingletto at 305.778.7343 or roberta@rgirealty.com.
Roberta Ingletto is the exclusive agent representing the Pinecrest / South Miami, FL real estate market as a member of the Haute Residence Real Estate Network. View all of her listings here.
Roberta Ingletto
Photo Credit: Courtesy of RGI Realty
