In the digital age, it has never been easier to find and buy a home. This can lead many to believe that there is no longer a reason to hire a real estate agent to help. Contrary to how it might seem, however, the services of a real estate agent are just as valuable now as they ever were. Finding homes for clients to look at is only a tiny fraction of the service a good real estate agent like Marshal White provides. Here are 4 reasons you want to hire a real estate agent to help you buy a home.

They Can Find Listings You Can’t

When a seller’s agent has a hot property on their hands, they will often tip off their fellow agents prior to listing. This allows buyer’s agents to get their clients in to look at the property before it is even listed in some cases. Some of the most desirable properties may only be on the market for a few days before going under contract, so a real estate agent can help you get the jump on the best deals.

Helping You Find a House Is Their Full-Time Job

Not only are new listings constantly being put on the market, but even setting up showings is a time-consuming task in and of itself. While you are at work or busy with other things, your agent will be constantly on the lookout for new listings that might meet your needs. They can then coordinate between you and the seller’s agent to set up showings. All you have to do is show up.

They Look for Things You Wouldn’t Think To

Before you buy a home, most mortgage companies will insist you get a home inspection. That doesn’t happen, however, until you are already under contract. If you go under contract and wait until you get an inspection to discover that a home has major issues, you may have to start your search all over again from scratch. By then, even your second or third choice options may no longer be available and new listings will have come on the market. A seasoned real estate agent will see things you may not and can tell you long before you get to an inspection whether a house is worth making an offer on. This can save you a great deal of time, money and headaches.

They Are Experienced Negotiators

A real estate agent can be invaluable in the search process, but there is probably no place they show their worth more than at the negotiating table. Sales prices and terms are not set in stone until you sign on the dotted line. Until then, there is wiggle room in a number of different areas and ways. For instance, if an agent got a seller to lower their price by $5,000, that can save you a few dollars each month on your monthly mortgage payment. On the other hand, if they get you $5,000 in concessions towards closing costs, that’s like $5,000 right back in your pocket from the get-go.