Whether you’re putting your home on the market or looking to buy your own, real estate agents are the sherpas that lead the way. These professionals are educated and trained when it comes to the ins and outs of their industry and no matter how many real-estate reality shows you’ve watched, the average person can’t compete with their inside knowledge. They also serve as a useful buffer when it comes to dealing with third parties, banks and bureaucratic agencies you may encounter while in the home buying/selling process. A good real estate agent also has the network and neighborhood knowledge to save you time and money.
Real Estate Agent vs. Realtor vs. Broker
People often throw around the terms “real estate agent,” “realtor” and “real estate broker” interchangeably, but there are subtle differences between these three job titles.
- A real estate agent is licensed to negotiate and arrange real estate sales, but they work for a real estate broker.
- A realtor can do everything a real estate agent can do, but they have the added benefit of being a member of the National Association of REALTORS®.
- A real estate broker is licensed to work on their own. They are more educated and experienced than an entry-level real estate agent. They must pass their state’s broker’s exam and then may work independently and/or hire real estate salespersons.
Before Hiring a Real Estate Agent: Buyers
According to Kiplinger, home buyers can help make their home buying process smoother by preparing before they contact an agent. The most important thing buyers can do is know their financials. Next, they should know what they need and know what they want and what they are willing to compromise on. Remember: There is no perfect home.
It’s important for buyers to know their credit score and interview lenders for best lender plans that will best fit their needs and to get approval. This will help them know what budget they have to work with. Now’s also the time to ascertain what needs buyers have in looking for a home, including a general location idea and what they are willing to budge on.
Before Hiring a Real Estate Agent: Sellers
For a home seller, it’s important to know that their home is no longer a place of sanctuary and comfort; it’s now a commodity and must be in show condition at all times. They must be willing to show every potential buyer and never turn away a showing, because the one they turn away could be their buyer.
Home sellers should make sure the home has curb appeal so it’s ready to sell:
- 1. Declutter inside and out. Consider doing a major clean-out of possessions. Not only does this make your house more appealing to potential buyers, it also makes it easier to pack and move once the house is sold. Consider a Marie Kondo-style purge that leaves you with nothing but the items that “spark joy.”
- 2. Depersonalize the inside. Start packing away photos, diplomas and other items around the house that denote that it is “yours.” You want potential home buyers to see themselves in the space, not you and your family. Consider renting a storage unit to keep all these items.
- 3. Use fresh, neutral colors. If the home has not been updated in several years, do so. In that regard, paint goes a long way, whether it’s painting doorways, walls or even your mailbox outside.
- 4. Make sure the home smells fresh and clean. Have a professional home cleaner come in once a week while listed if possible. It’s also a good idea to spot clean daily, as you never know when that last-minute showing needs to take place.
A real estate agent can help both home sellers and buyers navigate the difficult processes with less stress and time wasted. To help your real estate professional help you, it’s important to prepare. Home buyers should have all the information regarding their finances. Sellers need to prep their homes by cleaning and clearing them out. Do these things, and your real estate agent will have no problem when it comes to your experience working with them.
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