While it’s not entirely impossible to buy or sell a home on your own, that certainly isn’t recommended. What you will find to be the most helpful during the buying or selling process is hiring a realtor to help you navigate through the process and ensure you get what you’ve been hoping for from the buyer or seller. But if you’re seriously considering doing this on your own, consider these reasons below as to why it’s best to have a realtor by your side.

1. They’re experts. The world of real estate can be complex; it even has its own language! A language that a realtor can speak in a fluent manner. Not to mention they’re great at handling the ins and outs of buying and selling, as it requires quite an extensive amount of paperwork – forms, reports, disclosures, etc. These professionals can help you get the deal you’ve been dreaming of without delays and pricey mistakes.
2. They’re quicker at finding the home for you. Not to say you don’t have the ability to go lightning speed on your keyboard and find some houses, but realtors, when given info about your needs and wants in a home and neighborhood, can easily find the right match for you. Sure, you can search listings on your own time; however, realtors have access to more listings that may not even come up in a typical search, as they may not be advertised. Realtors are great at finding local hidden gems!
3. They’re tough when it comes to negotiations. Meaning that they don’t back down easily! It’s possible for competition, cut-throat antics, cash offers, and bidding wars to occur. Would you be prepared to handle this on your own? Realtors certainly know how to negotiate. They also help design a purchase agreement that will allow adequate time for inspections, contingencies, etc.
4. They have connections. Realtors know plenty of mortgage brokers, real estate attorneys, home inspectors, home stagers, interior designers, contractors, etc. All of which can help you when buying or selling a home.
5. They abide by a code of ethics. It’s important to know that not every real estate agent is a realtor. A realtor is a licensed real estate salesperson who is a member of the National Association of Realtors. What’s the difference, you ask? Realtors are held to a higher ethical standard and must abide by a code of ethics in order to maintain their job.
6. They’re more than just a salesperson. Realtors work hard and complete many different tasks in order to receive their commission. They drive around, check listings for you, spend money out of their own bank account to market your home if you’re selling it, conduct research to ensure you’re getting your money’s worth, etc. Not to mention they work almost all hours of the day and late into the evening. If you have any questions or concerns, they address them and they keep you informed. You’re not just a commission to them; realtors truly care about their clients.