Common Misconceptions of Using a Real Estate Agent

Many people facing the task of buying or selling a home often wonder whether or not they should utilize a real estate agent for the transaction.  While some prefer to go at this task alone, we want to try to shed some light on misconceptions people have of agents that may still have some anxiety over the issue.

1.  I can do the same marketing an agent can do to sell my home

While there are several marketing tools anyone has access to, an agent has a huge vested interest in online and public marketing.  Because agents belong to brokers, most of those brokers have purchased ad space and priority on listing sites.  This can be a huge advantage in the exposure your home gets.  For example, we only enter your listing into about 4 websites.  However, because of our broker partnerships, those listings are then extended to hundreds of other real estate sites for greater exposure.  Not only that, but we have a team member (listing and marketing manager) that is committed solely to marketing your home.  That way, you can go on with your life while we work to get your home the broadest exposure possible.

2.  Agents are just in it for the money

As in any business, some people look solely to the bottom line in their business.  This can leave the public feeling ignored, used and mistreated.  As someone who has been in the business for over 22 years, I’ve seen some of this attitude.  However, my desire since day one is to make sure my clients are the #1 priority.  Any good agent will listen to your desires, concerns and reactions to different options and work with you to find the best possible situation for you.  I only want to get paid if I’ve done a good job for my clients.  I love getting new business from past client referrals because that helps me know I’m doing what it takes to build a reputable, helpful and effective business.

3.  Agents just want the buyer to buy the homes the agent has listed on the market

While this might have been an underlying motive in the past, Georgia law has helped get rid of this.  In our state, every agent has access to every other agents homes.  That is why we have both buyer and seller agents.  One agent lists properties and another sells.  Sometimes it works out that you use the same agent for both sides of the transaction but ultimately an agents primary responsibility is to get you in the home you want-regardless of who is selling it. 

Regardless of your fears or worries in buying or selling real estate, finding an agent you can trust is extremely helpful.  So, make sure you do your research and compare agents history, volume of sales and past clients success before you commit to utilizing their service.

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