Hire a Real Estate Agent or Do It Yourself? Insights from a Real Estate Agent in Winter Haven, Florida
A great real estate agent in Winter Haven, Florida can make all the difference when buying or selling a home. Many people are tempted to do all the work themselves. Many homeowners in the Winter Haven area assume that they can save themselves tens of thousands of dollars in commissions by not hiring a real estate agent. Sometimes, this decision is driven by a conflict with a previous real estate agent, either experienced directly or heard of through a friend. After all, how hard can it be to buy or sell a house in Winter Haven, Florida? It might be harder than you think. Here are some key things to keep in mind:
Qualified agents earn their commissions.
Real estate agents provide various services using tools and knowledge that an unlicensed or inexperienced individual will not have access to. They have easy access to all data on recent property sales that helps them determine a reasonable price on a home. They can provide marketing expertise that can increase the number of buyers looking for a home, which increases the chance that the seller will get the desired price. Additionally, agents 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 agents, Winter Haven homeowners also get an expert in the art of negotiation. The real estate market in Central Florida is quite competitive, and a good negotiator can make a huge difference in the final price of a home.
The keyword is "qualified."
A real estate license reflects a knowledge of the laws of buying and selling homes, but it does not indicate a real estate agent'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 agents in Winter Haven, Florida work full time, and then some. It is not a hobby — it is a career.
This flood of real estate agents into the market creates competition. Some agents compete by lowering their commissions, hoping to attract clients with their bargain rates. But unfortunately, bargain rates often bring bargain service and unhappy customers. Other real estate agents compete by adding value to their services, working hard, and getting new clients by earning the trust of their old ones.
Sadly, the real estate hobbyists and the bargain agents hurt the reputation of all real estate agents. Winter Haven has many well qualified full-time agents who can provide service that makes them well worth the cost of their commission. Do not judge the entire industry by one experience!
Do your research
Do not just use the agent your friend used. Buying and selling your home in Winter Haven will probably be one of the largest financial transactions you make in your life, so take some time to research a variety of real estate agents. There are plenty of trustworthy and experienced agents near you just waiting to provide the kind of service you deserve and make your real estate transaction as smooth as possible.
Hire a professional real estate agent in Winter Haven, Florida
If you are looking for a professional real estate agent in Winter Haven, Florida, trust Lisa Matheny, Realtor of the Dalton Wade Real Estate Group. Bringing a wealth of knowledge on local communities, current market conditions, and the home buying and selling process, Lisa can provide you guidance and advice on what you need to know to make your home buying/selling experience stress-free.
Whether you are looking for a new home or thinking about selling your current home, contact Lisa Matheny, Realtor today at (863) 412-6633.