Why You Need a Realtor

If you’re searching for a home online, you’re not alone; lots of people are doing it. The question is, are you using all of your available resources and are you using them wisely? Here’s why the Internet is a great place to start the home-buying process, and the truth on why it should never be your only go-to resource.

According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), the three most popular information sources home buyers use in their earch are:

• Online website (93%)
• Real estate agent (86%)
• Mobile/tablet website or app (73%)

Clearly, you’re not alone if you’re starting your search online; 93% of home buyers are right there with you. The even better news: 86% of buyers are also getting their information from a real estate agent at the same time.

Here are 3 top reasons why using a real estate professional in addition to a digital search is key:

1. There’s More to Real Estate Than Finding a Home Online. It’s a lonely and complicated trek around the web if you don’t have a real estate professional to also help you through the 230 possible steps you’ll face as you navigate through a real estate transaction. That’s a pretty staggering number! Determining your price, submitting an offer, and negotiating successfully are just a few of these key steps in the sequence. You’ll definitely want someone who has been there before to help you through it.

2. You Need a Skilled Negotiator. In today’s market, hiring a talented negotiator could save you thousands, maybe even tens of thousands of dollars. From the original offer to the appraisal and the inspection, many of the intricate steps can get complicated and confusing. You need someone who can keep the deal together until it closes.

3. It Is Crucial to Make a Competitive and Compelling Offer. There is so much information out there in the news and on the Internet about home sales, prices, and mortgage rates. How do you know what’s specifically going on in your area? How do you know what to offer on your dream home without paying too much or offending the seller with a lowball offer?

Hiring real estate professionals , like Mari Sennott & Associates,  who have their finger on the pulse of the market will make your buying experience an informed and educated one. You need someone who is going to tell you the truth, not just what they think you want to hear.

Across the country, the real estate market is hot. (Contrary to what your Uncle Harry “who knows a little something about real estate” may be telling you.)

The following infographic from our friends at industry resource Keeping Current Matters tells the story.

With inventory tight here on Cape, homes that are priced right and marketed properly by local realtors (like Mari Sennott & Associates) are not available for long. Educated buyers, who know what they need and can afford, are ready to make decisions. Many are interested in being settled in their new homes by the holidays.

If you’ve been thinking of selling (or buying) , let us know how we can help. Give us a call at 508-568-8191 or emailing us at [email protected]

Last Wednesday was a big night for Mari as she was inducted into Today Real Estate’s 72-20 Club. This elite group is made up of senior agents, who have been working at TRE for 20 years or more.

Mari — pictured below with company founders Terry and Jim Machnik — celebrated her 20th anniversary with the company on September 9.

Enjoy your week…

Mari and Hank