viewing the homes, and can provide additional information about the property to the buyer. On their own, buyers have a more difficult time with these things. This is exacerbated if the buyer is moving due to relocation or employment opportunity and does not have the time to dig deeper into the local market situation. If you relocate, find an agent who is experienced in relocating and can provide additional service.
NEGOTIATING IS HARDER ON YOUR OWN
A real estate agent will keep the transaction at arm's length, such that personalities and emotions do not become involved. Price negotiations require special skills and an understanding of the psychology of offering and counteroffering. Each negotiation is different depending on the situation of the seller and the buyer and their willingness to collaborate. Agents keep the transaction dispassionate and rational. For example, a buyer (you) might like a home but despise its wood- paneled walls, shag carpet, and lurid orange kitchen. When you work with an agent, you can express your opinions on the current owners’ decorating skills and complain about how much it will cost to upgrade the home without insulting the owner. Your agent will translate that to the seller — that you very much like the property but can see having to spend a certain amount on decorating costs, and thus can offer that much less.
CONTRACTUALLY SPEAKING…
There are many contracts and documents involved in purchasing a house. The stack of paperwork is more than an inch thick. The transaction involves a real estate attorney who handles the title work and documents, both of which require detailed and accurate completion. Buying a property is not just a “fill-in-the-blanks” transaction. One mistake, let’s say in title work, could haunt the buyer well down the line after purchase. This very situation has happened.
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