Why Use an Agent?

As a youtubing millennial, I understand this question well.

Want to grow tomato plants? Google it. Want to install a light fixture? I successfully googled that too. My husband built his entire company from the knowledge he gained from online tutorials.

But Real Estate is a bit different. It is tempting to peruse Zillow and RedFin all day and feel that you could do it yourself. But here are some reasons why it is a good idea to use an agent.

1) If You Are Buying, It's Usually Free.

Agents generally get paid their commissions from the person selling the house, so if you are buying, it's a no-brainer. Plus, they can get you in to houses that might only be available to you if you are represented. And, of course, it is good to have a third party expert on your side to negotiate and catch red flags.

2) Legality

You wouldn't want to represent yourself in court, so why would you want to represent yourself in a large financial contract? The biggest concern I have for my friends when they talk about a sale by owner is legality. It's good to have a company behind you to help the process run smoothy, facilitate inspection and appraisal, and to help protect you from lawsuits through disclosures, specific process and other paper work.

3) The Marketing

Without an agent, you don't have access to the larger market so you might not get as good of a price for your home. Not only do agents have access to the MLS, we also know a lot of people in Real Estate. Because we live and breathe this, we have a sense for the market, price point, and what needs to be done to get your home ready to sell. Sometimes, it is hard to see problems with your home when you see them every day. It's our job to procure a buyer, and remember, we won't receive any compensation until you close on your property. We might end up working for months behind and in front of the scenes to find the right buyer for your house.

4) The Expertise

We see hundreds of homes and deals a year. And at American Realty, we have been in Nashville for over four decades. (I mean, we survived the housing crisis! That's got the count for something!) We have seen just about all the things that can go wrong and have strategies to protect and advocate for our clients. We can help you decide what you want and give you a realistic idea of what is out there.

5) It's nice to have someone in your corner

It's hard to keep your emotions out of the process of selling of your home. That's why it's helpful to have someone negotiate on your behalf and to provide a buffer between rejections, scams, and people who just want to waste your time.

It is very important to choose a good agent. We get a lot of calls from people who are already represented asking for advice, but unfortunately, because they are signed on with another agent it would be unethical for us to help out. Make sure you choose an agent who has expertise, experience and can provide quality service.

American Realty would be honored and delighted to help you with the purchase or sale of your home. Contact us today.