Before the Internet became widespread, real estate listings were not available freely online. Instead, local offices of real estate agents would subscribe to thick books replete with the latest listings, weekly or fortnightly. Agents would go over the properties listed in the books to find a fit for their buyers. They would then contact their clients and ask them to drive by the house to look at it. They might even fax the listings. The bottom line is, the power was in the hands of real estate agents. This information was not available publicly and freely and real estate agents had the upper hand.
However, today, this information is available easily online. Buyers can even look at the history of the listings to obtain information about the purchase of the property and how long it has been listed on the market. They can even compare properties to gain an idea of the approximate value of homes in the local market. In this scenario, one might question the very need to even have a realty agent.
Below are three reasons why agents are still important in the new scenario.
The Agent Will Know the Market
Dealing in realty business requires a fair deal of effort and time. Real estate agents treat it as a full time job and are required to know the condition of the local market. They are well aware of the market conditions in the past five years. They repeat the process of buying and selling property again and again as it is their livelihood.
This alone gives the agent a special and unique insight into the real estate of the area. They learn what kind of inspectors to avoid, how to navigate through delicate situations at crucial points of the deal and how to put a good price on a house. They can immediately spot a good deal when they see one, yet they are also insightful enough to smell something fishy when they think they have a deal that is much too good to be true.
Interpretation of the Information
While the Internet offers a bevy of information, it would be of no use, or of even harm if one didn’t know how it would affect the investment.
For example, if a buyer found a property they really liked. They might find a comparison with another similar property that sold for a significantly lower amount. They might be tempted to wait or to lowball, in the hopes that they might get a better deal. However, a real estate agent would know that the second property actually had a whole deal of problems with carpeting and paint that the new owner would have to pay for. A buyer who did not consult a real estate agent might then miss out on his dream home, not knowing why the other home sold for less.
An agent gives confidence and advice about real estate decisions.
No Room for Mistakes
The past few years have shown just how unpredictable and unstable the real estate market is. While earlier, realty business was on a steady, slow growth, today it has become unpredictable. The loss of job security and a change in values also makes real estate a risky investment.
In such volatile conditions, an agent can help buyers to avoid mistakes that they might regret later. He can help them to make a responsible and well-informed purchase.
Jamie Mixon
Top Louisiana Real Estate Agent
Keller Williams
The Mixon Team
1522 W. Causeway Approach
Mandeville, LA
Phone: 985-277-1063
Fax: 985-727-7001
