Do You Really Need An Agent? Probably.

I’m big on trying to do things myself - sometimes just because I want to try, like with sourdough bread; sometimes to save money, like with the clipboard I zhuzhed up instead of paying whatever the boutique price was for the one that caught my eye. Last year, my attempt to start rosemary seeds indoors was a spectacular failure. This year, I’ve invested a little money in some things to help that process. We’ll see. These are a few of the least costly, (to my bank account and my ego), examples of the way I’ve learned the lesson that some things are just worth the professional price tag. 

This sourdough starter gets one more try.

And when I lifted the clip, some paper came with it

Each of my minor examples above are simple pleasures that take some skill and experience to get right. A substantially bigger example of this is working with a realtor instead of trying to be a cowboy and wrangle yourself a deal when buying or selling property. Let me just say right up front, there are certainly some very skilled and experienced amateur riders on the real estate range. I personally know a few people who really know what they’re doing when acquiring and divesting themselves of properties. I also know people whose sourdough turned out great the first time and one woman who made slipcovers for a sectional sofa with a rented sewing machine and a how-to book. These people are anomalies.

I understand the thinking, I do. We all know that nobody is going to have our own best interests at heart like we do.  The thing is, having our own best interests at heart isn’t helpful if we aren’t clear in our heads about just how those interests are best realized. That said, a good agent definitely has your best interests at heart, too. 

You will get no argument from me that agent commissions are a big chunk of money. Once you’ve negotiated an agreement with a listing agent and determined compensation and how much, if anything, you’ll offer the buyer’s agent, you have agreed to pay for a service and you should be very clear on what that professional is going to do for you. Realistically, agents can’t fully answer that question until we do a visual inspection of the property. When I list a property for a client, things like photography and marketing are a given. Other things, such as cleaning, staging, storage, and usually a creative idea or two specific to that listing are determined on a case by case basis. Communication with other agents and calls from people who see the sign in front are something you want to trust your agent to handle well. Most importantly, when offers are presented, your agent will be able to explain the small print, point out the pros and cons of each one and help you make decisions about the next steps in negotiations. The ability to communicate and negotiate effectively and respectfully can be a deal maker or breaker. This is a difficult thing to accomplish when you are personally attached, financially and/or sentimentally. Even representing myself in the sale of my beloved home and purchase of a new one, there were times I wished I had an agent. The emotional exhaustion really worked me.

As a buyer, your agent’s compensation might or might not be covered by the seller. So, again, it’s easy to understand the temptation to just go it alone. Looking at online listings and going to open houses is a great way to get started. If, however, you fall in love at an open house (with the property, that is), the very friendly and helpful person hosting is representing the seller. Yes, they can absolutely write that offer for you. That’s true of the agent you call from the sign, as well. The big thing to know here is that, unless you are a client with a State of Wisconsin Buyer Agency Agreement, every licensed agent’s first duty defaults to the seller. When you have entered into an agency agreement, your agent is legally and ethically bound to work for you and your best interests in all communication and negotiations. Your agent will walk you through properties pointing out everything they see that is worthy of your consideration - good, bad, and neutral.

The points made here are not even close to an exhaustive list of what you can and should expect from a licensed real estate agent. Having a trusted professional on your team - whose own success is dependent on understanding market trends, keeping up with required continuing education, engaging in professional development activities…the list goes on - is one of the most important ways to ensure a successful real estate transaction. I’ve yet to meet an agent whose goal isn’t for everyone to leave the closing table happy. Well, maybe one, but that guy was an anomaly.