When buying or selling real estate, many people are tempted to
avoid using real estate brokers. Georgia homeowners reason that they
can save themselves tens of thousands in commission by doing all the
work themselves. Sometimes this decision is driven by a problem with a
previous broker either experienced directly or heard of through a
friend. After all, how hard can it be to buy or sell a house--right?
Qualified brokers earn their commissions
Brokers
provide a variety of services using tools and knowledge that an
unlicensed or inexperienced individual won't have access to. Brokers
have easy access to all data on recent real estate sales that helps them
determine a reasonable price on a home. They can provide marketing
expertise and venues that can increase the number of buyers looking for a
home and increase the chance that the seller will get the desired
price. Additionally, brokers have an understanding of the paperwork
involved that can reduce hours of head scratching to a few minutes of
signing.
When working with real estate brokers, Georgia homeowners
also get an expert in the art of negotiation. Georgia has areas where
the real estate market is quite competitive, and a good negotiator can
make a huge difference in the final price of a home.
They key word is "qualified"
A
real estate license reflects a knowledge of the laws of buying and
selling homes, but does not indicate a broker's level of negotiating
skill, personal commitment to their customers, or knowledge of the
community. Some people see real estate as a get-rich-quick scheme
thinking they can work part time and make lots of money. Nothing is
further from the truth. Successful real estate brokers work full time
and more. It isn't a hobby, it's a career.
This flood of brokers
into the market creates competition. Some brokers compete by lowering
their commissions, hoping to attract clients with their bargain rates.
Bargain rates often bring bargain service and unhappy customers. Other
brokers compete by adding value to their services, working harder, and
getting new clients by earning the trust of their old ones.
Sadly,
the real estate hobbyists and the bargain agents tarnish the image of
all real estate brokers. Georgia has many well qualified full-time
brokers who can provide service that makes them well worth the cost of
their commission. Don't judge the entire industry by one experience.
After all, you wouldn't swear off eating in expensive restaurants
because you had a bad fast food meal.
Do your research
Don't
just use the broker your friend used. Buying and selling your home
will probably be the largest financial transactions you make in your
life so take some time to research a variety of real estate brokers.
Georgia has plenty of trustworthy and experienced brokers just waiting
to provide the kind of service you deserve and make your real estate
transaction as painless as possible.
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