When it comes to buying or selling a home in Tempe, working with a local Tempe agent, such as myself and the agents I work with, can be highly advantageous. Below we explore the reasons why working with a local real estate agent is beneficial. Local agents have access to accurate and up-to-date market information and often possess local neighborhood knowledge when compared to more distanced agents. A local agent can make the home buying/selling processes smoother and more successful because they have the local resources to get things done.
Access to Current and Reliable Real Estate Market Information
The real estate market changes a lot, and the info you find on big websites like (Zill..) might not be accurate. But a licensed real estate agent can get the latest and most reliable info from the Arizona Regional Multiple Listing Service (ARMLS). This means you’ll have the most up-to-date data when making decisions about buying or selling a home. The properties you see on the ARMLS website are directly from the source and get updated multiple times a day. So you can trust the info you find there.
Expert Advice and Negotiation
A real estate agent can provide valuable recommendations on terms, pricing, and negotiation strategies when buying a home. The same can be said for selling a home too. A local agent deeply understands the market and its trends and can represent your best interests during the negotiation process, helping you get the best possible deal.
Arizona Regional Multiple Listing Service (ARMLS) Exposure
Listing your property with a licensed real estate agent ensures that it is included in ARMLS and gets syndicated to other websites like (Zill…). Both of these options expose your property to many potential buyers who may or may not be working with other real estate agents. The listing agent takes care of marketing and advertising expenses and screening potential buyers, allowing your home to be seen by a wider audience and increasing the chances of a successful sale.
Pricing Guidance
Deciding the right price for selling your home is super important. As the homeowner, setting the price you want is your call. A real estate agent can help you out by giving you a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) or Broker Price Opinion (BPO). They check out what’s happening in the market and look at similar homes that recently sold near you. This info helps you pick a competitive price that attracts buyers and gets you the most money for your home. To see homes for sale or recent sales within 2 miles of your home, visit our page, Get Comps for my home.
Financial Considerations
A good real estate agent can help you understand the financial side of buying a home. They can explain things like how much money you need for a down payment and the different loan programs available. They can also connect you with local lenders who can help you get pre-approved for a mortgage. Preapproved means a lender has looked at your financial situation and agreed to give you a certain amount of money to buy a home. It’s important to be pre-approved before looking at homes, so you know how much you can afford and can move quickly when you find a home you like.
Protecting Your Interests
A real estate agent acts as your advocate throughout the buying or selling process, protecting your interests and ensuring a smooth process. If they don’t, they may be violating their code of ethics, state and federal laws and could be liable to be sued. They can help you navigate complex paperwork, contracts, and contingencies, reducing your risk of legal or financial complications.
Home Inspections and Final Walk-Throughs
As with many agents, we strongly recommend getting a home inspection, whether you are buying or selling a home. This is especially true when financing through FHA or VA loans, as these types of mortgages require a more rigorous inspection (and often repairs) than traditional mortgages. Local agents can recommend reputable home inspectors who will thoroughly evaluate the property for any potential issues.
Additionally, conducting a final walk-through just before closing escrow (signing final loan and deed transfer documents) is vital. This will ensure that the property is in the agreed-upon condition. It’s much harder to fix things before closing than after.
Conclusion
Working with a local Tempe real estate agent offers numerous benefits, whether you’re buying or selling a home in Tempe. From providing access to accurate info and local market expertise, negotiating on your behalf, and protecting your interests, a local agent simplifies things, thus increasing your chances of a successful transaction. If you want to buy or sell a home in Tempe or nearby cities in the Phoenix area, please consider contacting us as one of the agents you talk to.