Why Should You Use a Real Estate Agent?

So often I hear from potential buyers that they prefer to not use an agent because they can do "everything" themselves online. With all the real estate websites available today this is true, to some degree.

Of everything posted on the internet, most is not carefully monitored nor does it have a 'code of ethics'. People always warn of social media site users of protecting their identities and whatnot, but the same goes for real estate websites.

I have many tech-savvyy clients who enjoy searching various websites to make sure I am sending them everything currently available. I encourage them to be active in their search for a home, and the "do-it-yourself" action makes them feel more involved.

Often my clients email me several listings to which I graciously cross-check with our MLS and look to determine why I did not send it to them. 100% of the time there is a valid reason the listing did not come from me. Below are the primary reasons.

1. The house is sold or in escrow. Maybe it sold in 1995, which is why it is listed $174,000 below market value. If it is in escrow that means it is under contract with a buyer. Many websites are not updated and get their info from various sources.

2. The house was never officially for sale-- not sure where websites gather this information, maybe it was for rent, maybe it was seized by the bank, maybe it is an agent trying to get business.

I just had one of my clients find a house on a "for sale by owner" website. It was listed $147,000 below what it was listed 1 month prior by a legitimate agent. I cross-checked the tax records which had a different name as owner. To get the real-deal, I tried calling the "seller", of course, the number was disconnected, so I emailed him. He responded and said he was overseas and didn't want to pay the "20%" fees associated with having an agent [fyi- it costs about 7% in fees to sell your home]. He gave me his overseas number and an 800-number for his realtor here, a notable agent. Long story short, I called the agent directly from their # in our MLS, they had no knowledge of this and confirmed he was not the seller.

Attention buyers: You pay NOTHING for an agent's services, we are paid from the seller's proceeds. House shopping on your own without an agent isn't wise and can be a huge waste of time. Not to mention when you find your dream home will you know what to do to protect your investment? I'm here if you need me! 619-990-4192