When it comes to selling houses, there are folks selling and there are folks buying – two sides of the same coin, but chasing different dreams. One team’s out to snag a steal, while the other’s gunning for top dollar. Funny thing is, both are after the same prize at the end of the day: a Sold sign, hanging proud.
Now, here’s the scoop: whether you’re wearing the buyer’s hat or the seller’s shoes, finding the time to hire agents and getting them on your side can be a game-changer. But why you need to do it can vary. Though driven by different rationales, hiring a real estate agent will prove beneficial no matter which side of the sale you find yourself on.
The Best Time to Hire Agents
Whether you’re buying or selling a house, dealing with the real estate market and all its rules can be really confusing, especially if you’re not used to it. That’s where a real estate agent comes in – they’re like guides who know their way around. Some people do it alone, but most prefer to have a pro by their side, often called a Realtor. So, when’s the best time to team up with one?
If you’re buying a property: Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned buyer, hiring a Realtor when purchasing a home is a smart move. This agent, often called a buyer’s agent, guides you through everything, from budgets to property choices. These agents are like house-hunting experts, searching for homes that fit your needs and budget. They’re skilled negotiators, paperwork pros, and home-inspection arrangers – essentially, your real estate partner.
If you’re exploring a new area: An agent’s local knowledge is gold. They’re neighborhood gurus, helping you find the best fit in terms of schools, amenities, and lifestyle. Plus, agents are invaluable when dealing with unique situations like new construction or taxes. Let them be your guide so you can focus on finding the perfect home at the right price. For instance, if you find Marietta, GA as an attractive place to settle down, finding real estate agents in Marietta, GA will yield positive results.
If you’re selling a property: The decision to hire agents is key for any property listing. With significant money involved, you need the right person to represent you. An experienced agent will kick off with a listing presentation and help you price your home accurately. The pricing strategy matters, based on market value, conditions, and your timeline..
Lower pricing can attract more offers, but it’s not universal. A skilled agent guides pricing, deploys marketing, hosts open houses, and negotiates for the best price. They also handle complex paperwork and legalities, which can be overwhelming for novices. While you might sell a few times, agents do it year-round. Tap into their know-how to ensure your property fetches the best price.
Your home sale’s success hinges on the sales agent you choose. When hiring a real estate agent, agents assume you’ve taken some essential preparatory measures for selling or buying a home. So here are key initial steps to keep in mind before you do so.
As a buyer:
- Secure pre-approval: A mortgage pre-approval defines the price range for your home search. Avoid wasting time on homes beyond your means.
- Familiarize yourself with the mortgage loan procedure: This holds even more significance for first-time homebuyers. Your financial plan should incorporate a down payment (roughly 20% is advisable) and earnest money – a deposit submitted upon home offer acceptance, serving for closing costs or the down payment. Moreover, consider annual property tax and insurance expenditures, typically managed via an escrow account as part of your monthly mortgage payment.
- Outline your housing preferences: Define the style of home you desire, identify essential features, and note preferences. It’s beneficial to acquaint yourself with potential towns and neighborhoods if you haven’t already.
As a Seller:
- Search for an agent ahead of time: Preparing a house for sale, particularly if significant repairs are needed, demands time. Initiating conversations with a listing agent several months to a year prior to your intended sale date enables you to allocate funds and strategize for repairs that yield value, leading to optimal pricing.
- Organize your home: For a clutter-free presentation before listing, you’ll need to tidy up your home. Dedicate effort to decluttering by sorting through long-forgotten boxes, parting with furniture that won’t move with you, and freeing up space from unnecessary items.
Benefits of Hiring Realtors in Marietta, GA
If you are planning to sell or buy a house in Marietta, GA, having Realtors who possess comprehensive knowledge about the specific area is important. But, in a sea of numerous offline and online agencies, finding the ideal real estate company in Marietta, GA can be daunting. Finding the the right Marietta Realtor will prove beneficial for the following reasons:
Knowledge of the Local Market
One great thing about having a local real estate agent is that they really know the area and how the housing market works there. They can tell you how things have been in the past and how they are right now when you’re buying or selling a home. But they’re not just about houses – they also know all about the shops, restaurants, schools, and cool places nearby. They can match the kind of people who would like your house and make it appealing to them.
Another cool thing is that they can show off your home based on the local lifestyle. They know who would be interested in your home, the convenience of its location, and all the neat things around it that make it a great place to live. They’ve probably sold homes in your area before, so they’re really good at selling your home too.
Relevant Network
Local real estate agents often have special listings not found on public websites. They might know about these exclusive listings through their Realtor network before anyone else. This is really helpful for buyers who want something unique or want to find a home before it’s officially listed.
Moreover, local agents have a network in various fields, which benefits both buyers and sellers like mortgage advisors, home inspectors, and more. This helps my clients access reliable services quickly. These connections and access to exclusive listings are big advantages when you’re buying. But if you’re selling, a local agent’s network is also a plus. Sometimes an agent has a buyer for a home listed by another agent, or vice versa!
Access to Local Real Estate Board
In the real estate landscape where information is a key asset, having a real estate agent gives you a unique advantage: access to the local real estate board. This board holds important property data, sales history, and market trends, typically available only to licensed agents. With an agent, you tap into this valuable resource, gaining insights for smart decisions whether you’re buying or selling. Their ability to navigate this valuable resource ensures you’re making well-informed choices aligned with the current market conditions.
Realistic Property Valuation
As discussed earlier, local Realtors know the neighborhood well and understand what makes prices go up or down. This helps them give you a fair and realistic value for your property. This is super important for both buyers and sellers. If you’re selling, they make sure your price is right so you attract buyers and sell quickly. If you’re buying, they make sure you don’t pay too much for a property. Because they know the local market so well, their property value estimates are accurate. This means you won’t miss out on money or spend too much.
Immediate Availability
A local real estate agent has a bunch of perks. They’re quicker to get listings and can set up house viewings easily. They’ll be there in person to show you around different properties. They can even check out homes for you before you see them, and meet up with other local agents on short notice if needed.
But that’s not all. A local agent is more flexible when it’s time to wrap things up in a property deal. They can help you when you’re dealing with lawyers or mortgage advisors, and suggest local experts who can assist you directly.
Here’s the deal: You need to hire agents who’re available where you want to live and are fully dedicated to helping you through the whole real estate process, which a local agent can certainly provide.
Factors to Consider in Choosing a Real Estate Agent
Once you’ve determined you are ready to hire agents and you’ve collected several names and real estate companies to choose from, you’ll need to narrow down your search to find the one that works for you. How do you do it? Here are a few things to consider when finding the best Realtor suited for your needs:
- Experience. TNAR reports that Realtors who are part of their association typically have around eight years of experience. However, keep in mind that some agents might have more experience than others, particularly in areas that match your requirements, like assisting first-time buyers or handling condo or co-op transactions.
- Relevant certifications. The NAR provides numerous real estate certifications, resulting in titles like Accredited Buyer’s Representative (ABR) and Seller Representative Specialist (SRS). These designations indicate that the agent has gone through extra education and training. For example, for senior citizens planning to sell or buy, a Seniors Real Estate Specialist (SRES) might be a valuable choice.
- Level of attention. You have a choice to make: partner with a single agent or a team of two or more. With a team, there’s usually better coverage, ensuring assistance whenever you require it. On the flip side, some prefer a personal connection and stick with an individual agent for consistent support throughout the journey.
- Client feedback. Feedback from previous clients is a valuable resource when evaluating a real estate agent. Positive testimonials and references offer a window into the agent’s track record, professionalism, and how well they’ve met the needs of their clients. These firsthand accounts give you a glimpse of the agent’s communication style, responsiveness, negotiation skills, and overall ability to guide clients through a successful real estate experience.
What should I expect when I hire agents in Marietta, GA?
Once your home is listed with a real estate agent, they will immediately dive into marketing it using methods best suited for your community. Throughout this process, the agent will keep you informed about the marketing progress and any inquiries received.
It’s important to establish your preferred mode of communication early on. Some clients prefer emails or texts, while others opt for phone calls or face-to-face meetings. Defining these communication preferences from the start ensures that everyone is on the same page and working towards clear goals. This principle extends to buyers as well. Given that buyers are consistently engaging with their agents for property visits and feedback, effective communication is key. Whether you’re a fan of text messages or other forms of contact, make sure your agent is using your preferred communication style.
Professionalism is a given. Punctuality is expected from both you and the agent – it’s a two-way street. Keep in mind that your real estate agent acts as your advocate throughout the process, whether you’re buying or selling. Once you’ve enlisted an agent to represent you, they become your spokesperson, your representative, and your safeguard against the intricacies of the home buying or selling journey.
Marietta Realtor FAQs
Why should I hire a local real estate agent?
To sum it up, hiring local Realtors in Marietta, GA helps as they know the area well, can give you the right property value, have secret listings, and are like your personal guide in the local housing world.
Can I negotiate an agent’s commission?
Technically it is negotiable. Usually, when a property is sold, the commission is divided between the listing agent, the buyer’s agent, and their brokerages – often around 5 to 6%. Sometimes, sellers might discuss a slightly lower commission, like if the home is in great condition, you’re using the same agent to buy and sell, or you’re okay with a lockbox for showings. Also, in a busy market where homes sell fast, you could consider this. Agents don’t have to reduce their fee, but discussing it can make sense based on your situation.
Can I buy or sell a house without a Realtor?
Buying a home without a buyer’s agent can work, but it’s not the norm and might not suit most buyers. Usually, it’s better to have an expert guide you, especially for a big purchase. On the seller’s side, selling without a Realtor means you’re on your own with no one to vet buyers or safeguard against scams. You’ll also need to manage pricing, marketing, negotiations, and paperwork. Selling without help takes time, research, and effort to get through the process smoothly.
Your Perfect Match Does Exist!
Henry Ford once wisely said, “It proves you’re smarter than they are when you hire agents who are smarter than you.” At Hummel Group, we’re your knowledgeable partners, here to guide you through the intricate landscape of real estate in Metro Atlanta and Marietta, Georgia. With us, you’re enlisting not just assistance, but a team that’s smarter, more experienced, and fully committed to your success. We will be your beacon in the real estate market, where excellence meets results.
Why settle for less? Let Hummel Group’s top-tier Realtors empower you with their expertise, market insight, and unwavering dedication. Whether it’s finding your dream home, maximizing the value of your property, or negotiating deals that favor you, our professionals are poised to surpass your expectations. Contact us now and let’s begin your real estate journey!
