The chances of a better offer, a faster sale, and a positive overall experience of the real estate process are just a few answers to the question: Why hire a real estate agent? But that’s just the tip of the iceberg. A qualified agent acts as your trusted advisor, preparing you for every move in a competitive and often unpredictable real estate market. Here are our top reasons why you should consider hiring a real estate agent when you’re selling or buying a home.
Some sellers believe they can get more money for their property by cutting out the standard agent commission and selling their homes For Sale By Owner (FSBO). However, if the buyer has an agent, the seller will still likely need to pay the buyer’s agent’s commission. “The common misconception is that we get to pocket all that money,” says Kim Erwin, a top-selling agent in Corpus Christi, Texas, explaining that the commission typically paid by a seller is usually split evenly with the buyer’s agent. FSBO sellers are walking away from home sales with less, according to a 2023 report by the National Association of Realtors. Only 7% of sellers opted to go this route, and the median price of a FSBO-sold home amounted to $310,000, far lower than the median of agent-sold homes at $405,000. When you do the math, homes sold by agents statistically bring in an average of $95,000 more, even after accounting for the commission. Agents have experience with proven strategies that help sell properties quickly. An expert agent who knows your area will be well-acquainted with the current housing market, understand what motivates buyers in your area, and come prepared with a comparative market analysis of similar houses that have recently sold nearby.Why hire a real estate agent if you’re selling
1. Likely to get you more money for your property
2. Could generate a speedier sale
