Should You Find a Realtor or Be Your Own Agent?

If you are entering the real estate market as a buyer or seller for the first time then you may be asking yourself, How do I find a Realtor? Or maybe even, Do I need a Realtor? This is not always an easy decision to make. The decision to be your own agent or to hire a real estate professional should be based on an examination of your real estate experience and your own unique real estate situation.
 
If you are a first time home buyer then it is probably a good idea to enlist the help of a buyer's agent. They will be able to help you find properties that fit your criteria, and they will also be able to help you through the process of making an offer and closing a deal. On the other hand, if you are a seasoned home buyer, if you want to buy a "For Sale By Owner" property, or if you want to buy a home that has been put up for auction, then you can act as your own agent. You should know, however, that while being your own buyer's agent will save you money on sales commissions, you will probably end up spending money on real estate lawyer fees instead.
 
If you are selling your home you have the option of being your own real estate agent or hiring a seller's agent to market your home for you. The main advantage of being your own seller's agent is that you don't have to pay a sales commission. The downside to this scenario is that you will need to cover all of the advertising costs for marketing your home, you will need to make time to show your home to potential buyers, and your property will not be listed in an MLS. If you would like a real estate professional to market your home, show it to potential buyers, and list it in an MLS then you should hire a seller's agent.

Finding a Buyer’s Agent

If you are a first time home buyer then it is a good idea to enlist the help of a buyer's agent. The best way to find a good buyer's agent is to ask a friend, family member, or colleague for a recommendation. If you don't know anyone who can give you a buyer's agent recommendation then you can meet with several local real estate agents to see who you like the best. At your first meeting with each potential buyer's agent ask questions about how the agent works, how they find properties, and what fees they charge. Use this information to select a buyer's agent that you want to work with. Another way to find a buyer's agent is to use the listing agent for the property that you are interested in. This is a good option for people who have conducted most of the property search leg work themselves.

Finding a Seller’s Agent

If you are trying to sell your home then it is a good idea to enlist the help of a seller's agent. This agent will post your home in the local MLS, they will advertise your property, and they will show your home for you. To find a good seller's agent you have a few options. First you can rely on recommendations. Secondly you can use one of the most popular real estate agencies in your area to list your home with. Finally you can talk with several local real estate agents to see who offers the best commission rates and sales records.