and sellers, they can distance themselves from the emotional side of the transaction. Agents are more proficient in negotiating because conducting negotiations is a regular part of their professional work and because they are skilled by frequent practice. After all, it’s part of the real estate agent’s job description and training. Good agents are not simply go-between messengers who are delivering buyers’ offers to sellers and carrying counteroffers back and forth. They are professionals who are trained to advise their clients on options and consequences, then present their clients’ case in the best light. They agree to hold client information confidential from competing interests. The real estate agent can be a buffer between seller and buyer, keeping the transaction professional and “at arm’s length.” This is important in the negotiations phase, when emotions are liable to be at their highest. The real estate agent can further filter all those phone calls that lead to nowhere, including bargain hunters and real estate shoppers. Having a real estate agent available when the home is being shown is a distinct advantage for a few reasons. The agent will field the scheduling calls, arranging them for the seller’s convenience. The agent will show the home, saving that seller time, and also field the follow-up questions. In short, having an agent will lessen the seller’s investment of time and bother, while inciting serious buyers to immediately write an offer.
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