Why work with a Realtor®?
Very often when I go to a listing appointment or meet with a buyer for the first time, I’m asked, “Why should we use a Realtor®?”
My immediate thought is why wouldn’t you? However, answering a question with a question is not the best approach to take, so instead I find myself explaining the reasons why someone should work with a Realtor®.
To state the obvious, this is our job, it’s what we do for a living. If there wasn’t a need for Realtors® there wouldn’t be so many of us. If the position was not ethical or legal then all the supporting organizations wouldn’t exist.
Realtors® deal with the successful transfer of property every day. We understand and we know the process. Yes you could look it up online and do it yourself but you can also look up laws and represent yourself in court. Small claims courts exist for a reason. You can successfully represent yourself for or against a claim of $5,000 or less but that limit is set because experience and history says that any more than that you need representation.
Real Estate is no different. Yes you can successfully buy or sell property without representation but do you really want to take that chance?
For many people the transfer of property is the biggest financial transaction they will make in a lifetime. Why take the chance of doing it wrong?
Do you know that the money you think can save by selling your property yourself will more often than not be less than the money a Realtor® can get for you if you are represented.
Realtors® don’t get paid until the job is done. You don’t pay any money up front, there is no retainer and no rebate coupons. When the transaction occurs that’s when Realtors® are paid. If the Realtor® does not do their job well or select their clients based on their clients willing and ability to buy or sell, then they don’t get paid.
Realtors® invest a lot of both time and money in their clients all with the assumption that a closing will take place and they will earn their commission.
How many other professions can say that? How many other professions only accept payment if the job is well done? How many other professions pay out money, spend their time only based on an assumption that they will be paid?
Realtors® do this because they are confident in their ability to bring about the desired results for their clients. Realtors® essentially work for free until the job is done!
So why would you not hire a Realtor® to handle your real estate transactions? You get to have someone in your corner looking out for your best interest, who has experience and knowledge that you may not have, resources and support that you don’t have and someone who is very conscious of the reputation that they must uphold.
Next time you are thinking about buying or selling real estate, use a Realtor® so that you can take advantage of all the time and expertise they can provide.
