Just the Peaks

This newsletter at a glance 

  • Today’s tech is revolutionizing the way we browse, buy, and sell homes
  • But even though it’s helpful, the internet cannot replace a good realtor
  • Everest has 6 reasons why you always need a professional at your sid
But don’t be fooled—you definitely need a realtor. Here’s why.
In the year 2021, homebuyers and sellers are more connected than ever

 
The weekend’s here and you’re house hunting. What’s a prospective buyer to do? Nowadays, that’s easy. Hop on the computer, browse the latest listings, and plan a drive-by tour of your future dream home.
 
While the Google search method is popular these days, serious homebuyers (and sellers) should be careful taking on a real estate transaction by themselves. Sure, the internet makes things easy and convenient. You can flip through dozens of pictures, take a virtual walkthrough, and scout the neighborhood within minutes.
 
But when it’s time to get down to business, hiring a realtor is absolutely essential. The fact is, technology empowers us with general knowledge but cannot possibly provide the industry savvy needed to land the best deal possible. Whether you’re buying or selling, an experienced professional offers countless advantages.
 
Here are six compelling reasons why the answer is yes—you need a realtor!
 
 

6 Benefits to Using a Realtor Every Single Time

 
1. They bring the experience
 
Money talks, but not always the right language. Even if you’re prepared to make a competitive offer, only a realtor can speak fluently in this surprisingly complex industry.
 
“Real estate has its own language, full of acronyms and semi-arcane jargon, and your realtor is trained to speak that language,” says Rachel Stults, writer and deputy editor at Realtor.com.
 
Not to mention, every transaction requires a full complement of technical documents, disclosures, forms, and the like. Missing just one deadline could cost you the deal.
 
 
2. They always get you more
 
Whether you’re buying or selling, more is more. A higher offer, greater savings, or more bang for your buck. Given today’s ultra-competitive housing market, buyers need to pull out all the stops in order to negotiate effectively. This includes making an aggressive offer but also using other not-so-obvious strategies for success.
 
“You can expect lots of competition, cutthroat tactics, all-cash offers, and bidding wars,” writes Stults. “Don’t you want a savvy and professional negotiator on your side to seal the best deal for you?”
 
Also, remember that negotiation isn’t all about money. If you have specific needs relative to inspections, contingencies, or timing, a realtor will weave them into the deal.
 
 
3. They have greater access
 
From Trulia to Zillow, Redfin to Realtor.com, the internet is a magical place! Interested buyers can lounge in bed and browse hundreds of active listings in their area. But what about the sizzling hot homes—the ones that haven’t even hit the World Wide Web?
 
According to Stults, “A realtor can help you find those hidden gems. Plus, a good local realtor is going to know the search area way better than you ever could. Have your eye on a particular neighborhood, but it’s just out of your price range? Your realtor […] can direct you toward a home in your price range that you may have overlooked.”
 
This is especially true in today’s hot seller’s market in which homes are being sold within days—if not hours—of becoming available to the public.
 
 
4. They hook you up
 
Real estate, like other industries, is all about connections. Successful realtors are always networking with their region’s most elite brokers, attorneys, builders, inspectors, interior designers, staging companies, and more.
 
“The ability to network isn’t optional—it’s a required skill,” writes Jacqueline Kyo Thomas of Freedom Trail Realty School. “Real estate is all about who you know and who knows you. Without connections, you’ll never be a successful real estate professional.”
 
Today’s top realtors rely on their winning personalities and acquired networking skills. Such a combination takes years to cultivate and cannot be captured in a Google search.
 
 
5. Honesty is their policy
 
Compared to other professions, the vast majority of Americans agree: when buying or selling a home, trustworthiness is an important factor when selecting a representative.
 
“Not every real estate agent is a realtor, who is a licensed real estate salesperson who belongs to the National Association of Realtors, the largest trade group of the country,” Stults reminds us. “They adhere to a strict code of ethics.”
 
When working with a reputable group of professionals like those at Everest, expect complete transparency and the highest standard of excellence. 
 
 
6. They’re just as invested as you
 
A good realtor knows that you’re about to make a huge financial decision. They do not take this for granted. “They spend their own money on marketing your home (if you’re selling). They’re researching comps to make sure you’re getting the best deal,” says Stults. “And of course, they’re working for you at nearly all hours of the day and night—whether you need more info on a home or just someone to talk to in order to feel at ease.”
 
It’s great to have someone on your side for financial and technical support. But it’s even more important to have psychological peace of mind.
 
 
Everest says: hire (don’t fire) your realtor