Even without fees, home buyers may be wondering what the benefits of hiring a real estate agent are. After all, you’ll be involving another person in the entire process.
The most important thing a real estate agent brings to the table is experience – especially if they’ve worked with VA home buyers before. VA loans can be trickier than other loans, and not all agents have experience with them. If you’re using a VA loan, it’s best to find an agent with VA experience. This can speed up the home process and help you find the right home with the least amount of trouble.
Real estate agents also have local knowledge. They know what neighborhoods are growing in popularity and value, and they know which areas are best to avoid. Nobody understands the local housing market quite like them, making them valuable if you’re moving from a different city or state.
After you’ve found the right home, real estate agents will help you make the right offer and negotiate the deal. They probably know some or all of the people involved in the purchase, and those connections can make the entire process smoother.