Do You Need a Real Estate Agent?

Real estate agents have been around for a long time—their profession exists to facilitate real estate transfers from one party to the next. In most cases, it is recommended to have an agent. But with advances in technology, do you still need a real estate agent? I am a real estate broker with over fifteen years of real estate experience. Here are my pros and cons of having a real estate agent. REAL ESTATE AGENT PROSReal estate law is changing all the time. A knowledgeable agent can help prevent you from breaking the law.Most people aren’t trained in negotiating deals worth hundreds of thousands or millions of dollars. A seasoned agent can help you negotiate the best deal.A skilled agent will help your real estate transaction run smoothly.Real estate has its own language—a good real estate agent can help you understand each transaction step.An experienced agent can make the difference between winning and losing a deal. REAL ESTATE AGENT CONSReal estate commissions can be costly.It is easy to get a real estate license, but not all agents take it seriously, and their inexperience can get you into a lot of trouble. Selecting a real estate agent can be a daunting task—most people settle for their neighbor or a friend “because they’re nice.” I recommend interviewing at least three agents, weighing their experience with your particular needs, and selecting the best one.