Buying and selling real estate may seem like an easy job. Yet, even seasoned pros face challenges when it comes to navigating the ups and downs of the market.
Therefore, it’s always wise to work with an experienced real estate professional when buying or selling property. It’s an agent’s job to use their irreplaceable expertise to represent their client's best interests and negotiate the deal. Moreover, their skills and familiarity with homes for sale in Charlottesville provide extreme value that’s well worth the commission.
In this post, we’ll discuss the benefits of working with an experienced Charlottesville real estate agent. Let’s get started!
Access to the Multiple Listing Service (MLS)
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The Multiple Listing Service (MLS) is a broker-owned system that allows professionals to share details of their property listings and browse other agents’ available listings. However, you can only access and update the MLS if you’re a licensed agent. If you don’t work with an agent, you can’t access the MLS. Because of this, you may miss out on ideal listings that are only found in the MLS database when you don’t work with an agent.
Knowledge of the Charlottesville real estate market
Seasoned agents have a strong knowledge of the local real estate market, which is crucial for helping you find homes for sale in Charlottesville. Whether you’re looking for a luxury condo or an extravagant single-family home, an experienced agent knows exactly where to look to find your ideal property and when to make an offer.
A buyer’s agent will research available homes and provide the best options that most closely match your needs. They can explore comparable homes and help you understand how one home measures up to others to help you get the best deal. As well, a real estate agent will pay attention to the finite details and help you identify if a home has damage or other issues that aren’t obvious to the untrained eye, such as a roof that needs to be replaced. This can save you from surprises in the future and possibly give you more negotiating leverage.
On the other hand, having an agent as a seller can ensure you get the best price for your home. A seller’s agent can determine a fair listing price for your house based on comparable Charlottesville properties.
Negotiating skills
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The ability to negotiate is an essential skill that takes years to perfect. Fortunately, experienced real estate agents have the negotiation skills necessary to maximize the value of your deal, whether you’re buying or selling a home.
Buyer’s agents use their knowledge of the market to know when to write an offer and get you the best price for your home. They often go back and forth negotiating prices and add-ons, such as asking the seller to pay closing costs or requiring certain improvements to be made before the sale. Moreover, in a hot real estate market, an agent knows how to sweeten the deal by making a competitive offer, such as a cash-only sale.
Negotiation skills are also critical when selling a home. For example, an agent can help you identify home improvements to make before the property is listed to get top dollar for your home.
Marketing know-how
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Real estate marketing expertise is undoubtedly one of the quintessential skills an experienced agent brings to the table. Even the most beautiful luxury homes will benefit from a rigorous marketing plan. In fact, homes with minimal marketing often sit on the market much longer than others.
A real estate agent can coordinate a stellar staging company to show the home in the best light and ensure buyers can envision themselves in the space. Staging can also help highlight key features of the home, such as a formal dining space or dedicated recreational room.
Your agent will also hire a professional real estate photographer to capture the home in images, virtual walkthroughs, and aerial drone footage. This is crucial since most homebuyers shop exclusively online. Having top-notch staging and a complete listing with professional imagery will help draw in buyers and sell a home faster.
Real estate connections
A real estate agent’s connections can be exceptionally helpful for both buyers and sellers. Buyer’s agents can recommend reputable mortgage lenders in Charlottesville and help you find qualified home inspectors to ensure a home has no major issues before you buy it.
On the other hand, as a seller, your agent can share highly-rated contractors and landscaping companies to make home improvements before hitting the market. They can also recommend a trustworthy appraiser to determine a fair value for your property.
Contract experience
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Knowledgeable agents are also extremely valuable for their experience with real estate contracts. Most people will spend hours trying to decipher the legal jargon required to write an offer and read a contract. While it can be done, you run the risk of overlooking or omitting certain details, which can often lead to expensive fees and even legal trouble.
For these reasons, it’s best to work with an experienced real estate agent who handles these documents daily. Their years of experience reviewing and preparing contracts will save you a great deal of time and confusion. They can easily explain the documents to you and write your bid for you.
Buying or selling a home without an agent can save you a bit of money. However, working with an expert real estate agent will get the job done faster and more efficiently, which will likely save you more money in the end.
An experienced Charlottesville real estate agent is familiar with the area and can get you access to the MLS to find or sell your home faster. Furthermore, their negotiating skills and contract experience can help you close the deal with minimal hiccups and confusion.
Do you need help finding homes for sale in Charlottesville or are you ready to sell? Contact trusted local agent Mike Hogan for help with all of your buying and selling needs.
*Header photo courtesy of Pexels
*Header photo courtesy of Pexels
