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DO I REALLY NEED
AN AGENT?
Four ways a top-notch agent
will transform your search
A skilled real estate agent will guide you throughout the home-buying
process, answering all your questions and making the experience as smooth
and pleasant as possible. She will also negotiate on your behalf, ensuring that
your offer is strong and well-presented. She will help you find and purchase
your home for the best price and ensure that your interests are protected.
Because real estate agents are typically paid a commission by the seller, there
is very little reason not to engage in their services when house-hunting.
You may be wondering how you are getting the services of a real estate agent
at no cost to you.
When a house is sold through an agent, the seller pays approximately 5% of
the purchase price to their agent. The seller’s agent then passes on half of the
commission to the buyer’s agent.
Some ways a real-estate agent can help streamline your search include:
Saving you time and effort by scouting listings and narrowing down the
choices.
Advising you if the home is priced appropriately and bringing any defects
to your attention.
Negotiating sale price and terms.
Recommending the services of other professionals involved in the
purchase process, such as lawyers or mortgage brokers, if you don’t have
one already.
2020 Lakewood Home Buyer’s Guide | 45
