While deciding whether to work with a broker is completely up to you, it’s important to remember that brokers are plugged into the real estate market at a local level. They know what’s happening in the neighborhood and can help you avoid over- or under-pricing your home.
New Home Sales brokerage can also help you determine an objective price for your house without the sentimental attachment of years of memories. This will help you get the most money for your home, which can help with future investments.
Experience
Using just one agent streamlines the process and eliminates stress. They’ll help you get pre-approved, find homes meeting your criteria, and schedule viewings. Once an offer is accepted, they’ll handle negotiations and the paperwork.
Brokers know the ins and outs of the real estate business, including mortgage-securing strategies. They also understand market trends, which gives them a leg up in negotiating.
Experienced agents also have a wider perspective of the home-building process. They can tell if a builder is cutting corners and warn about hidden costs. For example, they might warn buyers that a swimming pool the builder advertises as having the capacity to swim laps is a glorified plunge pool that can barely support doggie paddlers. This insight can save new construction buyers money and avoid unexpected headaches later.
Local Knowledge
The right agent should know local market trends, how quickly homes are selling in a particular neighborhood, what a home’s value might be expected to rise or fall, and more. An agent who knows this information can help clients make smart decisions about their purchases or sale.
Prospective buyers also want to know about the local schools, public transportation options, and more. An agent providing this information in a helpful, relevant context sets them apart from the competition and can generate valuable referral leads.
Leverage your knowledge by hosting an event highlighting the area’s best restaurants, entertainment hotspots, and more. You can also network with local builders and note their work. This showcases your knowledge, positions you as a trusted local expert, and helps generate new business.
Marketing
When selling your home, a broker will help you with comps to ensure the right price. They’ll also recommend targeted upgrades and advise you on how to present the home for viewing.
Your agent will know exactly how much you’re approved for during the loan process. According to Better, this will help you avoid wasting time on homes you won’t be able to afford.
When buying a new home, your broker will be familiar with the market and have access to sales that have yet to be public, like co-ops. They’ll be able to recommend the best lenders and assist with all the paperwork and negotiations. They’ll also take care of scheduling closings. This will free you up to focus on your job and home search.
Negotiation Skills
When purchasing or selling a home, it’s easy to become overwhelmed with details. Your agent will handle all the paperwork and negotiations, ensuring everything runs smoothly.
Real estate brokers are trained in pricing based on market analysis and comps. They have access to sales that aren’t publicly available, giving them more accurate pricing data than most FSBO sellers do.
Realtors who specialize in new construction understand how to negotiate with builders. This can include scheduling a mutually agreeable settlement date, negotiating rent-backs for buyers, closing cost assistance, and, of course, the home price. However, the amount of room to negotiate varies by builder and market conditions.
Communication
Buying or selling a home is usually one of the largest financial endeavors that most people will make in their lifetime. Having a broker that communicates effectively can save a lot of stress.
Brokers will take the time to learn about the specific purchasing or listing situation of each client they are working with. They will ask about the number of bedrooms and bathrooms, whether the client has children, where they work, and other details that help them better understand what the buyer wants.
Brokers will also spend time studying the market and the sales in each area to get an understanding of what homes are selling for. They can access sales that aren’t publicly listed and use those to help a seller determine the right price for their listing.