Why a Real Estate Agent is Your Best Ally in Today’s Housing Market

As a leading mortgage lender, Thompson Kane & Company has witnessed firsthand the tremendous value that experienced real estate agents bring to our clients’ home buying and selling journeys. In today’s competitive housing market, having a knowledgeable professional by your side can make all the difference.

Here’s why partnering with a real estate agent may be key for your success:

• Expert Market Knowledge: Real estate agents know the local market inside out. They understand pricing trends and neighborhood dynamics. This insight helps you make more informed decisions about pricing, buying or selling.
• Negotiation Skills: Agents are skilled negotiators. They advocate for you effectively. As a result, you could save thousands or secure better terms.
• Access to Exclusive Listings: Many properties sell before public listing. Real estate agents often have access to these “pocket listings.” Consequently, you’ll have more options to choose from.
• Time-Saving Convenience: Agents handle time-consuming tasks. These include scheduling viewings and managing paperwork. Therefore, you can focus on your daily life.
• Professional Network: Real estate agents have valuable connections. These include home inspectors, contractors, and attorneys. Such networks streamline your buying or selling process. They also network with other agents and leverage that network to match buyers with sellers who have the right home for them.

Thinking about buying or selling a home without an agent? Here are some key points to consider:

• Do You Have Sufficient Market Knowledge?: If you lack complete access to crucial market information and comparable sales data, you may end up overpaying for a property. Without an agent’s expertise, you might also overlook important property defects or fail to spot red flags in the home’s history or condition.
• Legal Risks: Navigating the complex paperwork and legal requirements of a real estate transaction can be daunting, and mistakes could result in financial or legal consequences. As a buyer, you’ll likely be negotiating directly with an agent, who is professionally trained and obligated to represent the seller’s best interests, not yours. This imbalance could result in less favorable terms or concessions.
• Missed Opportunities: Without an agent, a buyer may also miss out on off-market listings or struggle to schedule viewings efficiently. Lastly, the absence of a professional advocate throughout the process can make the already stressful experience of home buying even more challenging and time-consuming. While forgoing a buyer’s agent might seem like a way to save money, the potential risks often outweigh any perceived benefits.

At Thompson Kane, we’ve seen countless success stories where our clients have benefited from the expertise of their real estate agents. Our mortgage lenders are always eager to leverage our vetted network of experienced, premiere real estate agents with proven track records of success. This gives our customers a meaningful advantage in the competitive home buying market.

When you work with Thompson Kane, you’re not just getting a mortgage lender – you’re gaining access to a full suite of professionals dedicated to making your home buying or selling experience as smooth and successful as possible. Our team can connect you with top-tier real estate agents who understand the intricacies of your local market and have a history of delivering results for their clients.

In conclusion, while it’s possible to buy or sell a home without an agent, the complexities of today’s real estate market make professional guidance more valuable than ever. By working with a Thompson Kane mortgage lender and an experienced real estate agent, you’re setting yourself up for a smoother, more successful transaction. Let us help you take the first step towards your dream home today.

What’s the Difference Between a Real Estate Agent and a Realtor^®?

You may find yourself working with a real estate professional who refers to themselves as a “Realtor” and wonder why they’re particular about the title. The terms “Realtor” and “real estate agent” are often used interchangeably, but there actually is a difference:

1. Real Estate Agent: This is a licensed professional who helps clients buy, sell, or rent properties. To become a real estate agent, one must complete specific training and pass a state licensing exam.
2. Realtor: A Realtor is a real estate agent who is also a member of the National Association of Realtors (NAR). Realtors must adhere to a strict code of ethics and professional standards set by the NAR.

In essence, all Realtors are real estate agents, but not all real estate agents are Realtors. The main differences lie in professional membership and adherence to the NAR’s code of ethics.