Why you need a real estate agent to buy a flat

If you’re thinking of buying a home, you may be wondering if you need a real estate agent. There are many resources for home buyers these days, from online search sites to guides.

But a real estate agent has something that no buyer – especially a first-time buyer – has: a wealth of experience and guidance on the home-buying process. An estate agent will act as an advocate on your behalf and, in most cases, will offer you a better deal than you could get yourself, saving you money in the process. Here are 5 reasons why you need an estate agent to buy a flat:

Local expertise

Because of their experience, real estate agents are experts in the industry. They also have first-hand knowledge of the property market. You probably don’t know exactly what the market is like in your area.

Do flats generally sell for 97 per cent of the asking price? How much room for negotiation is there? Is this the best option for you? If you want a flat with a parking space, what should you expect? What does the apartment inventory look like?

Your estate agent will be able to advise you on these issues. The best way to get an offer accepted at a price that is in your favour is to know the market in depth – your local realtor knows the market thoroughly.

Access to real estate

Sometimes real estate agents know about properties that you will not find on popular portals. They also often have an exclusive contract, so that you can only see and purchase a property with them.

What is more, when you make an appointment with a private seller, he or she will not always have the time or opportunity to meet you and present the property you are interested in at a time that suits you. For real estate agents, this is a full-time job, so they are much more likely to be available when it suits you.

Your representative

With an estate agent you will have an experienced advocate and negotiator. Buying a home is an emotional process. For many people, it is the biggest transaction of their lives and often takes place during other major life changes, such as a family expansion or a job change. Stress and strong emotions can cloud judgement – which can cause you to make a decision that you will later regret.

As real estate agents, we look at the transaction with a more experienced, rational eye. We can help you understand your options and serve as a balancing act before making a rash decision.

We also advocate on your behalf, especially at the negotiating table. We will get you the best possible deal without letting strong feelings get in the way. This is especially important if the seller is also represented by a realtor. Any questions you have for them about the property, they will provide answers that have the seller’s interests in mind, not yours.

Network

You will have access to real estate professionals. You may need a notary, surveyor or property lawyer during the transaction. As a real estate agency, we have worked with many real estate professionals, so it’s easy for us to find the right person. But without this knowledge, finding the right provider can be difficult.

Similarly, clients often have questions about furnishing their home. An experienced agent will be able to recommend renovation teams, plumbers, painters, contractors, flooring – basically any type of service you need to refresh your new home.

Formalities

Real estate agents will handle all the paperwork for you. Have you ever done a comparative market analysis, checked the legal status of a property or drawn up a purchase contract? These are not activities that are easy to learn. Creating and interpreting a report and drawing up good sales agreements is an art that requires a certain level of knowledge to perfect.

Usually everything in a sales contract is negotiable. This means that every line is important. Not knowing the importance of certain provisions could cost you a lot of money in the future. Real estate agents know how to create a contract with the best possible terms to ensure that your interests are protected.