Title: 5 Reasons to Always Use a Real Estate Agent When Buying Your Home

Have you seen the headlines? Of course you have. Real Estate is changing, right? Well, not as much as the click-bait headlines would have you believe. There will be some changes coming as the court settlements are finalized but nothing has changed yet. I will share an overview when everything is finalized and we have concrete guidelines to talk about but I will share one thing now – the transparency that the proposed changes will require will be better for agents and consumers alike.

You may think you know what it takes to buy a home. I did it twice before becoming a REALTOR® but little did I know . . . My transactions went pretty smoothly but it definitely does NOT always go that way and good real estate agents have that experience and knowledge to anticipate issues and to be proactive and hold the deal together.

The National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) has a flyer – 105 Reasons to use a Buyer’s Agent – but I’m not going to go into all that today, thank goodness. You’re Welcome! Here are five reasons why you should always use a real estate agent when buying your home:

1. They Listen and Give Honest Feedback – They listen to what you want and what you need and give you guidance when you might be swayed by that bright and shiny that doesn’t fit your budget.
2. They Have Insider Knowledge – Sure, you can browse listings online till your eyes blur, but nothing beats the insider scoop a real estate agent brings to the table as well as the access to disclosures and resources you can’t access as a non-agent.
3. They Know the Timelines and Have Access to the Forms – There are timelines and deadlines to meet and you need someone who keeps you on track. And only agents who are licensed in Tennessee have access to attorney-approved real estate forms that protect consumers. Do you want to have to hire an attorney to write an offer on a home?
4. They Love Paperwork and Contracts – OK, maybe not LOVE but let’s face it, buying a home comes with a mountain of paperwork and it can be overwhelming. Contracts, disclosures, addendums – Oh My! Real estate agents guide you through the process, explaining the documents and why they are needed to get you the desired end result – that beautiful home.
5. They Are In Your Corner and No One Else’s- The listing agent is loyal to the seller. They can help you but they are not working FOR you. There is a well-known comparison – if you were involved in a divorce, would you use the same divorce attorney as your spouse? NO – you want someone who is working for you and your interests – same with a real estate transaction. Someone who is knowledgeable and represents you needs to be in your corner.

Five solid reasons why enlisting the help of a real estate agent should not even be a question when buying your home. With their expertise, guidance, and loyalty to you, you’ll be unlocking the door to your dream home in no time.