Although you may feel you can do it yourself, a good real estate agent brings more to the table than transportation between showings. You may think you know what you want or need in your next home, but a good agent will ask the right questions and raise issues that may focus or change your requirements. Agents may also have insider information about a neighborhood, such as the caliber of its schools, health care facilities and community services. At any time, an agent can log onto the MLS and look at new listings that have just come on the market. Since agents work with the other real estate professionals you need, including mortgage lenders, home inspectors, and pest inspectors, they can help you find the people you need to build your home-buying team.
Agents are especially helpful when it comes time to make an offer and negotiate with the seller.
Agents will also prepare the sales agreement, represent your offer favorably and help you handle counter-offers. Once an offer is accepted, agents can guide you through the rest of the process, from getting the loan and arranging inspections to handling the closing and arranging a move. Some agents even have lists of professionals and workmen you can hire to improve or remodel your new property. The best reason to work with an agent when you're buying a home is that it costs you nothing. Traditionally, the buyer's agent's commission is paid for by the seller.