While there are certainly people who are qualified to sell their own home, a quick look at the long list of frequently asked questions on most “for sale by owner” websites shows that the process is not as simple as many people think. And when you find yourself in a difficult situation, it can really pay off to have a professional by your side.
Let’s go through a few reasons why your real estate agent WANTS you to bother them—because it really is not a bother at all! In fact, we’ll discuss three reasons why it actually bothers a real estate agent if you don’t reach out to them…
You want to view a house
Buyers usually have a very clear idea of what they want in a home, from the number of bedrooms to an attached garage and whether or not there is a large garden. You will likely feel comfortable viewing homes with that list in mind.
But your agent will be alerted to issues you might not think of, such as foundation problems, leaks, roofing issues, mold, and insect infestations. An agent recognizes the key warning signs of these problems and knows how they are best addressed. Again, this experience and knowledge can save you a lot of time—and especially a lot of money.
You want to know how much your house is worth
This also applies if you are the seller. You may know exactly how much you want for your home, but is the price you have in mind realistic? Agents can perform comparative market analyses in their sleep. An agent has researched, up-to-date data on all key information in a neighborhood. That kind of research takes a lot of time, especially if you don’t know where to start.
You are considering a home improvement project
The best person to “bother” right away is a professional real estate agent! A good agent can advise you on which additions are—or are not—the right ones to increase the value of your home if you plan to sell in the future. Many buyers spend too much money upgrading their home before putting it on the market, hoping to recoup those costs in the sale. And of course, you don’t yet know who will buy your home and what their vision for it will be. For all your questions and uncertainties, you can turn to your agent before spending money, because nothing is worse than investing a lot in upgrades without increasing your home’s value.
And these are just three examples. So contact Joubert Realty/Taxatiekantoor Joubert and we assure you it is definitely not a bother to help you with the best advice.