Centra Blog

Increasing your Financial IQ

Mortgage Matters: Why Work with a Realtor

Couple Shopping for House

Your home is more than likely the biggest purchase you will ever make, so it makes sense to be cautious and seek out the best value throughout the process.

For any home purchase, but especially if this is your first time buying a home, you may appreciate the guidance and support that you get when you work with a Realtor. Choosing a home, negotiating a price, and completing a contract can be tricky. Realtors can explain each step of the process and look out for your interests.

Realtors bring more knowledge of real estate to the table than you could imagine. If all you know you want in a home is a range of square footage and a number of bathrooms, a Realtor can help you narrow down your search based on your needs and interests. They can also counsel you on homes that are prone to serious problems due to location or building materials. If you’re not familiar with the area, this is a big plus.

Many factors go into pricing a home. While it’s easy enough to search online for an estimated home value, these aren’t always accurate. The house could have a much higher selling price than its online estimate, but sending an offer that’s too low could cause you to miss out. A Realtor can give you a better assessment of a home’s market value and counsel you when you’re ready to make an offer.

Finally, one of the most difficult parts of buying a home is the contract that comes with the home’s sale. These are often dozens of pages long, and very difficult to understand without some guidance. A Realtor can explain to you what you’re signing and give you an unbiased view of the situation.

Working with a Realtor is not essential when buying a home, but it can save you a lot of stress to have someone who is constantly working for your best interests.