If you’re checking out homes for sale in Naples, or elsewhere in Southwest Florida, you shouldn’t go at it alone—especially if you’re thinking about putting in an offer. It’s always best to enlist the expertise of a buyer’s agent to help you along the entire process—from the beginning of your property search, to receiving the keys to your dream house.
Here are five major reasons to hire a buyer’s agent, among many dozens of others.
Neighborhood and Market Knowledge
Although you may be able to go online yourself and search for homes for sale in areas where you would like to live, an agent can educate you on key aspects of neighborhoods, like school districts, and how they can impact a home’s value. Their specialized knowledge of local housing markets can help you get the best value for your dollar. Agents tailor your home search to suit your specific wants and needs and can even introduce you to properties you may not have expected to love.
Agent Networking
Agents work closely with a network of other agents who represent sellers, and they’ll help you get a jump on new properties that hit the market. Your agent can also be made aware of “pocket listings,” which are homes that are for sale but are not added to the Multiple Listing Service (MLS)—in order for the seller to maintain privacy, or for other reasons. This gives you access to properties that you wouldn’t have otherwise known about if you had not had an agent.
Contract Negotiation
Once you find a home you love and you want to place an offer, it’s important to have an agent representative who can advocate for your best interests throughout the transaction between you and the seller—especially during back-and-forth negotiations that typically occur as both parties attempt to reach an amenable agreement. Buying a home can be a stressful and even emotional process and an agent can be a steady hand at the wheel to help guide you through.
Home Inspection Coordination and Repair Negotiation
You want to be sure that a home you’re about to buy is in good condition and that you’re aware of any shortcomings it may have. Doing your due diligence involves ordering a home inspection. Your agent will help coordinate this with you and be present when the inspection is performed.
A buyer’s agent will also review the inspection results with you and present items that need to be repaired to the seller’s agent. Your agent will negotiate any objections made by the seller in order to reach a consensus on repairs, and document that agreement. Finally, your agent will verify that the sellers have completed the agreed-upon repairs, perform a final walk-through with you, and address any unexpected issues that may arise.
Processes and Document Management
The process of purchasing a home can be long and tedious, and typically involves lots of paperwork and documentation. A buyer’s agent is skilled at coordinating each step of the home-buying process and managing all the related documents to ensure that your home purchase is successful. Such documentation and processes include helping you find a mortgage lender, preparing and submitting your offer on a home, negotiating the terms of the offer with the seller, executing a sales contract and disclosures, sending the required documentation to the title company, choosing a closing date and location, ensuring that all documents are signed, attending closing with you, and handing over the keys to your new home! (Among many other responsibilities in between!)
Alexandra Janz
Broker Associate &
Luxury Properties Specialist
William Raveis-Florida, LLC
239.315.1079 | ajnaplesrealty.com
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