One of the first things that you may ask when planning to buy or sell your property is if you need to have a real estate broker for your real estate transaction. The answer would greatly depend on what you are capable of doing and what you are willing to do. Here are some guideline questions that will help you determine whether you need a real estate broker to buy or sell your property or not:
Are you in a rush to sell or buy a property?
Availing the services of a real estate broker can make your search for a seller or buyer easier and more efficient. If you are looking for a property, a real estate broker can offer you a list of properties that will match your specific conditions, including location, lot area, floor area and number of bedrooms for houses, price of the property, and more. If you are selling your property on the other hand, your real estate broker can list your property in his database and match your property to a buyer who is looking to buy a property. When you have found the right seller or buyer, your real estate broker can process the documents more efficiently for you with all their experience in the documentation process. They will help you save time and effort than processing the papers on your own.
Do you have the time to look for properties or present your property to prospective buyers?
If you are working full time or you have a very demanding job that almost does not give you time to look into properties or show your property to interested parties, then a real estate broker can definitely help you. Setting appointments with potential sellers or buyers could be time-consuming, but if you have a real estate broker, he or she will be able to look into probable properties and present to you once a close match or close matches are found. On the other hand, your estate broker will be the one to present your property to interested buyers on your behalf if you can’t make it or if you are out of town.
Do you know the prevailing market prices of real estate properties?
If you are buying a property without a real estate broker, you may not be able to determine whether a property you’re looking into is reasonably priced or not. Real estate brokers, on the other hand, are up-to-date with the market value of properties from different locations. Your real estate broker can also help you determine the lowest price you can offer a buyer for your property. If you are not updated with the current market value of properties, then it would help to avail the services of a real estate broker.
Can you handle all the processing and paperwork?
The buying and selling of properties are complicated to handle. If you think you do not have the time and you think it is too hassle to handle the entire sale or purchase process and all the paperwork yourself, then you are going to need a real estate broker. Reliable real estate brokers can efficiently handle your transaction since they are experienced and knowledgeable with the entire process. You need to remember, though, that a real estate broker cannot take the place of an appraiser and a lawyer, who are also needed in the buying and selling process.
Do you have good connections to people working around real estate?
Real estate transactions involve more people than just the buyer and the seller. As mentioned above, you are also going to need an appraiser, and a lawyer. You are also going to need other people who can fulfill your purchase or sale needs. A real estate broker, who constantly works with other people working around real estate, could refer to you appraisers, lawyers, loan officers (for buyers), and inspectors who they know. Just make sure you do your job in ensuring they are also reliable.
After deliberating on the questions above, you should be able to determine whether you are going to need the services of a real estate broker or not. You may also check out the post on Reasons to Hire and Not to Hire a Real Estate Broker/Agent for additional information.