Why You Should Use a REALTOR®

Buying a home is one of the largest financial investment you will ever make.

When else do you spend around over $200,000 on a single item?

Like other large investments, it makes sense to have an expert that is looking after your best interest. Because of the complexity of real estate transactions, rising number of home buyers are using REALTORS®. In 2013, about 88% of home buyers nationally purchased their home through a real estate broker. That’s up from 69% in 2001, according to the National Association of REALTORS®.

Here are a few of the ways it helps to have a REALTOR in your corner:

REALTORS® know the process

1. As your client advocate, your REALTOR® is your market expert and master negotiator in one.
2. They are more that just sales people. They are also your marketing directors, social media managers and data analysts all in one.
3. If you’re a seller, your REALTOR® is an expert at weeding out lookers and dreamers from qualified buyers – saving you valuable time. They are required to take continuing education classes to maintain their license with the New Mexico Real Estate Commission (NMREC). This ensures your REALTOR® is knowledgeable and up-to-date on ever-changing industry rules, regulations, financial processes, and market trends.
   
   For instance, your REALTOR® may advise you to take a home equity line of credit (HELOC) before listing to make necessary repairs—because once the property is listed, a bank will not lend on that property.
4. If you are a buyer, your REALTOR® can direct you to the best financing options for their situation, and can ensure you’re properly prepared for buying a home.
   
   For example, your REALTOR® might advise you not to buy a car before starting or closing on a home purchase, because such a big ticket purchase would change their debt-to-income ratios and might disqualify them for a home loan.

REALTORS® have connections

1. REALTORS® know the best contractors for all types of home services. They are the link between you and all things real estate.
2. Your REALTOR® also plays an important role as your unbiased voice of reason. They are an objective set of eyes in the transaction. They are your real estate therapist.
   
   For sellers, they see outside their personal, emotional connection to a property.
   
   For buyers, they can help you stay calm when faced with a multiple-bid situation.
3. Because they go through the home buying and selling process daily, your REALTOR® can warn you of potential dangers and looming changes.
   
   For buyers, your REALTOR® can help you save money.
   
   For sellers, your REALTOR® can help you make the most from the sale of your property.

REALTORS® are your advocate in creating housing policy.

1. When Congress threatens to eliminate the mortgage-interest deduction, REALTORS® are at the forefront of the fight rallying to voice their support and save the measure.
2. When they recognize local obstacles to homeownership, they work with the state and local government officials to understand and correct the problem.

You want to use a REALTOR® because they stay focused on YOU. Showing properties and writing offers are only a small percentage of what REALTORS® do for you. For a REALTOR®, no two days are alike, and no two transactions are the same. Often, the only constant in the real estate transaction is the REALTOR®.

The real question is: With everything they can do for you, why would you NOT want a REALTOR® on your side?