Selling or buying a home is difficult — there are a lot of factors that come into play, and it is often a complicated push-and-pull from both buyer and seller. As home purchasing is a major decision for the future, you want to ensure that you take the proper steps to secure it. Here are five reasons why you should hire a Maryland real estate agent.
1. Agents Can Help You Make More Money
Listing a home as “for sale by owner” or FSBO may seem like a good idea on paper, as you will not be paying any extra commissions. However, a 2017 study revealed that FSBOs fetched roughly 30% less than agent-listed properties. In addition, even if you do not have your own agent, you might still have to pay a commission for your buyer’s agent as it is factored into the deal.
On the other end, for those buying a house, it is favorable to use an agent as the seller will be paying the commission.
2. Agents Are Familiar With All the Details
Between the purchase agreements and document requirements from the federal, state, and local levels, you will be looking at a large stack of paperwork. A Maryland real estate agent will be more than capable of reviewing and understanding these documents thoroughly. You certainly do not want to make any mistakes or omissions within these documents as it can result in far higher costs compared to what you saved on not paying an agent’s commission.
3. Agents Have a High Standard for Confidentiality
If you are buying a house and the seller lied to you, misled you, or disclosed your confidential information, then you have little option for recourse. A real estate agent has a “fiduciary” responsibility to their clients, which means that they are legally obligated to put their clients’ best interests first. When you hire an agent to represent you, you can be secure in knowing that even your most intimate financial details will be kept strictly confidential.
4. Agents Know What To Look For
As a buyer, you will definitely have an image in mind of what you want your next house to be, with details like the number of bedrooms to the presence of a garage. However, a Maryland real estate agent, such as The Ashley M. Miller Team, Your Home Hero, will have the knowledge and experience to come up with a more extensive list of details to look out for, such as furnace issues, roofing problems, leaks, mold, and insect issues. Without an agent, you might overlook these issues that can cost you thousands down the road.
5. Agents Have Superior Negotiating Skills
Because of the fiduciary responsibility your agent has to you, they are obligated to help you get the best possible deal on the property you want to buy or the best possible price for selling your home. They are well-trained negotiators, necessitated by their job. Having a good real estate agent can help prevent you from overpaying for your dream home, as they have an unclouded view of your bargaining chips.
Key Takeaway: Hire a Maryland Real Estate Agent
The trick to any successful home purchase is finding the right person to help you. The Ashley M. Miller Team at Your Home Hero takes pride in our dedication, honesty, and professionalism to provide the highest quality of real estate services.
Together with The Ashley M. Miller Team, Your Home Hero, there is no real estate project we can’t handle.
Ready to start your home buying journey? Get in touch with us today by sending a secure message via our website.
