Real Estate Agent Myths

Choosing whether to use a realtor when buying or selling is a common debate amongst buyers and sellers, and as a real estate company, we hear a lot of stereotypes on our role as agents in the purchase/sale of a home. Just like anything in life, it is better to come into a situation with a positive mindset, and we are here to help ease the negativity you hear about the real estate industry as a whole so you can make the best decision, which is choosing to have a trusted professional representing you in the purchase/sale of your home. 

 Myth #1: All Real Estate Agents Are the Same

Agents are just like any group of people or career – we’re all different with our own set of skills. All agents have different levels of experience, specialties, and market knowledge, which can have a large impact on your results. For example, take Jim Slater for reference. Jim is a lakeshore specialist in real estate with 30 years of experience—he will be able to provide you with top tier knowledge and service if you’re looking to sell or purchase a lake home versus your friendly realtor from the neighborhood with no experience. Jim Slater always says,

“If you were in need of brain surgery, would you have a heart surgeon do it?’ 

No, you wouldn’t (or at least definitely shouldn’t!). The same concept applies to realtors. Interview multiple agents and make sure to fully understand their experience in relation to your needs for the best possible outcome. 

Myth #2: You Can Save Money by Not Using an Agent

Everyone at some point loves the idea of not working with an agent to save some dough. Keep in mind that a realtor’s daily job consists of studying and knowing the market, negotiating on others behalf, and providing market knowledge and advising others to the best possible outcome. Not working with a realtor could cause you some costly mistakes–some you might not even realize without a realtor. Picture your realtor as an attorney, would you walk into a courtroom without an attorney? Having an agent that is representing you, one that will scratch and claw for your best interest allows for less stress and better results, which ultimately can save you money in the end. 

Myth #3: Agents Will Push You To Spend More

Agents have a stereotype to be considered a-hole salesmen/women to say the least. Everyone thinks that an agent has their best interest in mind (and just like any sales position, there are plenty that do), but that is why you interview multiple realtors and do research on each one to see their past results and client relationships. Testimonials can be a useful tool for buyers/sellers. A good agent will not allow you to overprice your home if you are thinking about selling (the agent that tells you your home is worth the most amount of money isn’t always the best) and will explain the reasoning to why your home is valued at the price it is, while providing you with data and market knowledge to support it. A good buyer’s agent will not be showing you homes well above your budget in hopes for a higher cut in their commission, they will respect your budget and explain what type of homes we are looking for within it. 

Myth #4: Market Conditions Are the Same Everywhere, So Why Do I Need a Pro?

This is just flat out not the truth, and someone with little-to-no experience likely mentioned this. Real estate markets are hyper-local, and conditions can vary widely from one neighborhood to another. It is best to choose a realtor that is highly knowledgeable about the market and surroundings in the area you are looking to buy or sell in. 

Bottom Line

We are here to help! Don’t let myths keep you from using the expert guidance you deserve on one of the biggest financial decisions of your life. Jim Slater is always happy to help anyone out with their real estate questions and needs, don’t hesitate to contact him at 612-590-1802. 

Source

Coldwell Banker Realty