Today’s Real Estate industry is almost completely different from when it was 20 years ago. With the advent of the internet and advancement of technology, Real Estate has almost gone completely digital. According to the National Association of REALTORS® “Real Estate in a Digital Age 2019 Report”, 44% of all home buyers in 2018 looked for properties online first. While the vast majority of people still use REALTORS® for their transactions, there have been a growing trend of alternatives to the traditional Real Estate Agent. While these alternatives certainly make navigating a real estate transaction easier, they still can’t replace the traditional Real Estate Agent. Here are a few reasons why:
REALTORS® Can Guide You Through the Process
While there are thousands of resources online that explain every part of the real estate process, sifting through all information can be extremely difficult and time consuming. Additionally, there may be specific laws or policies in the area you are looking to buy or sell a home that may not be easily apparent. This is where REALTORS® come in. Your local REALTOR® should not only be an expert in their field, but also very knowledgeable in the areas they operate. They are able to educate you on the ins and outs of the area and be able to answer all your questions.
REALTORS® Have Access to More Resources
Even though the internet has empowered home buyers and sellers with much more resources than they previously had, there are still many listings that are inaccessible to most people that REALTORS® can help with. If there is a property, you’re interested in that is being privately listed or has just come on the market, a Real Estate Agent can help with that. If you need a home inspection or loan, a REALTOR® can provide you with a list of trusted recommendations from their contacts list.
REALTORS® Can Help Evaluate the Property
Once you’ve found the home you’ve been searching for, a REALTOR® can help with evaluating it. Not only can they determine if you are overpaying or not, they can also help you identify potential issues with the property. If problems are identified, they can advise you on your next steps, whether it be to contact trusted home repair services or add that to the negotiations with the sellers.
REALTORS® Can Help You Negotiate
The most important thing that a REALTOR® can do that cannot be replaced by any of the alternatives is helping you negotiate. This is something that no software program or real estate alternative company can replicate. An experienced REALTOR® will know when to reject an offer, how much to offer or counteroffer with and much more.
