You Need A Realtor Now More Than Ever

I’m sure you’ve been hearing the buzz about how the landscape of realtor commissions is changing. If you’re confused by it, don’t worry….it can be confusing for us realtors, too! No doubt you’re going to see lots of real estate agents completely changing the way they operate, and other folks will encourage you not to “bother” having an agent at all. It’s my hope that this post will help cut through the chaos and show you how getting expert guidance from a trusted realtor is absolutely invaluable especially now. Here’s why. 

Your Realtor Is Your Advocate 

Real estate agents aren’t just people who help you buy or sell your home–they’re your ally, advocate, and partner throughout the entire process. The road to homeownership can be bumpy and full of unexpected twist and turns, so having a seasoned pro in your corner goes a long way in smoothing the edges and ensuring your journey home is as stress-free as it can be. After all, buying a home is the largest purchase most folks will ever make…you deserve to ensure you’ve got all the best tools at your disposal!

Realtors Know The Ropes (And Traps)

A top-notch agent offers a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the table you just can’t get alone. Just think about it: realtors facilitate the purchase and sale of homes every day. It’s how we make our living. Comparatively, most folks only buy or sell their own home once in a blue moon…if ever! We know the complexities of real estate transactions, and can ensure you’re in the best hands every step of the way. 

Local Know-How For Out-Of-Town Buyers   

I primarily work in Disney’s Backyard, the areas surrounding the biggest house around–the House of Mouse, that is. Thanks to Central Florida’s incredible attractions, fabulous weather, and booming growth, many buyers are coming in from out of town, out of state…even out of the country. When you don’t know the area by heart, it can be tough to know simple things like, “Where’s the nearest grocery store?” “What schools is this house zoned for?” or “How long does it take to get from here to Disney?” (this is a question I get a lot). 

In a world inundated by overwhelming data, a good agent will cut through the noise, offering valuable insights tailored to your family and the local market. As a bonus, great agents will have standing relationships with builders, site agents, and other industry pros that not only help us keep your home buying journey smooth, but also grants us access to hidden gems or as-yet unannounced homes about to enter the market. 

Pricing and Value Insights

Speaking of data…let’s talk numbers. Home valuation is no small task, and though many will gladly toss a million numbers in your face, understanding everything that goes into home value and how to strike the right balance between your budget and what you’re looking for in a home is an entirely separate skill. Realtors not only have deep knowledge of the current market and its trends, but can also help you strike a fair deal and make competitive offers in today’s dynamic market. 

If I might toot my own horn for a moment…my clients don’t just get my knowledge and market numbers. I provide extensive, personalized value reports on their home prior to selling and run my own numbers on other homes on the market to ensure my buyers are getting a fair deal. By and large, this insight gets my buyers better deals and my sellers higher profits on their homes. 

Legal Jargon and Contract Code   

It’s no secret that contracts and paperwork can be a maze to wade through. That’s where a good realtor comes in! We know how to navigate contracts, disclosures, and more to ensure you understand every dotted ‘i’ and crossed ‘t’ before you sign on the dotted line. Trust me….we’ve seen A LOT of contracts in our day! 

Realtors Negotiate On Your Behalf   

Buying or selling a home isn’t like picking up milk from the supermarket. Negotiation is a powerful and essential tool in the housing market, and one that benefits from a keen eye and years of experience threading the needle to find the perfect balance. A good agent won’t give you false promises of multi-million dollar deals on a fixer-upper or encourage you to lowball an offer on a home “just to see” – rather, a good realtor knows that a well-negotiated deal is one that’s fair and realistic as well as beneficial for their client. 

All This To Say…  

Realtors aren’t just there to facilitate a transaction….at least, not if they’re worth their salt (or their commission). A good realtor EARNS every cent of that commission through the expertise they bring to the table, the work they do in helping you buy or sell a home, and the partnership they offer every step of the way. Homeownership is a huge undertaking and involves some of the most important decisions you’ll make in your lifetime…you owe it to yourself to have an expert by your side. 

Ready to start your journey to homeownership? Call or text me on my cell at 407-848-8042, email me at amy@heartandhomeorlando.com, or submit a wishlist right here on my website to get started!