Many home buyers and sellers think that working with an agent will cost them money. But this is not entirely true. While it is the seller’s responsibility to pay all realtor fees – usually 6% of the sale price – the buyer is generally not responsible for paying any realtor fees. In addition, as shown in several studies, going it alone in a real estate transaction often ends with less favorable results.

Whether you’re the buyer or the seller, the numerous benefits you get from working with a Realtor make any cost well worth it. We’ve listed just a few of these benefits below:

1. 1. Your agent will guide through every step of the home buying or selling process

      A real estate transaction is not as simple as it may seem. There are laws and regulations to comply with, processes to follow, and nuances to master. Whether you’re doing it for the first time or are a repeat buyer or seller, you can run into various roadblocks and challenges. The guidance of a professional is invaluable in overcoming these hurdles and getting the best results. Ultimately, the steps in selling a house with a Realtor are much simpler than when you do it alone.

1. 1. Your agent can help you set the right price for your home

      Home sellers tend to be influenced by their emotions in pricing their homes. This often leads to overpricing, which can then cause the property to sit longer on the market than necessary. A Realtor can assess your home objectively and, with their experience, have a good feel of how much a buyer may be willing to pay for it. In addition, they can do a Comparative Market Analysis to set the right listing price for your property, taking into account the price of recently sold homes in your neighborhood and other market trends.

1. 1. Your Realtor knows how to market your home effectively

      Real estate agents have an arsenal of marketing tools that they can use in selling your home to the right buyers. These include advertising on listing sites, email marketing, mailers, and brochures, all targeted to buyers looking for a home just like yours. If the agent is a member of the National Association of Realtors, they can list your home on the MLS to give it the widest exposure. They can also tap their network to spread word about your property among other real estate professionals.

1. 1. Your Realtor can help you find the right home faster

      With the multitude of listings on the internet, searching for the right home can get overwhelming and take up plenty of your time. And if you do your home search only in your free time, you could lose out on great opportunities, especially in a competitive market like Los AngelesIt’s part of your Realtor’s job to devote as much time as needed to finding the right home for you, and to always be alert for new opportunities. With their experience and local know-how, they can spot potential homes faster than you can do it on your own.

1. Your Realtor will negotiate strongly on your behalf

   Negotiation is a critical component to the home buying and selling process. With their training and experience, a real estate agent knows how to approach the negotiation process so you can close the best possible deal. They’ll see to it that your interests are protected at all times. It’s also worth remembering that many sellers refuse to negotiate directly with buyers, and prefer to go through their agents instead.

Looking to buy or sell a home in Los Angeles, Santa Monica, or the Westside?

Work with Realtors who know the area by heart and are committed to helping you close the best deal. Call the Melissa Menard Homes team at 310.729.9726 or leave us a note here.