Is it necessary to hire a real estate agent?

It's not legally required. You can buy or sell a home without an agent. The question is whether going it alone produces a better outcome than working with one. For sellers, agents bring market expertise, pricing strategy, professional marketing, MLS access, negotiation experience, and transaction management. FSBO homes statistically sell for less than agent-listed homes, and the difference often exceeds what the commission would have been. For buyers, an agent provides access to listings before they hit public sites, expertise in writing competitive offers, guidance through inspections and negotiations, and someone managing deadlines and paperwork. The buyer's agent's fee is typically paid by the seller or negotiated as part of the transaction, so in many cases it costs the buyer nothing directly. Can you handle it yourself? If you have real estate knowledge, legal understanding, negotiation skills, and time, yes. But for most people, the risk of making a costly mistake on a six-figure transaction outweighs the cost of hiring someone who does it professionally.

Hi Marlene, You don't ever have to hire a real estate agent. However unless you buy and sell homes regularly, you don't know what you don't know. Would you work on the engine of your car, or would you take it to a mechanic that has experience? A Realtor® has pledged to follow a code of ethics and is obligated to put your best interests first. An experienced Realtor® has the knowledge, experience and expertise to protect your best interest and make the whole process very smooth. Weather you are buying or selling an agent who is a member of the National Association of Realtors is a go to advisor.

Yes, a professional Real Estate Agent will work for your best interest, know the contracts, will save you head aches and give you a piece of mind. Remember that Real Estate Agents do this for a living and will do the best to get you into a smooth and painless transaction getting the best possible deal for you so you will be just the first client from your family and friends circle.

Hi Marlene. I believe you are a buyer. If that's the case, in our area anyway, the seller pays for Realtor fees. No cost here to the buyer. I do think you are much better off using a Realtor who knows the areas, knows values, knows flags to look for and can guide you through not just the offer and purchase agreements, through all the steps between that and your closing day. Best of luck to you.

Yes, It protects them from fraudulent people, and holds people accountable for their actions using a contract that will and can be used in a court of law

It is very important to use a Licensed Professional when buying a home. You are protected by that and have a reliable source to help you through the transaction. Your realtor has your best interest in mind. Patti D