Why Hiring a Real Estate Agent is Still an Advantage

Yes, there is a secret to finding a better deal with talking about real estate purchases and investments, whether buying or selling a house, for example.

If selling as an owner, Heather Chilvers says, in her advice column in the Royal Gazette, "people who target houses that are "For Sale By Owners" are typically bargain hunters or sightseers. They are well aware that the seller is not fully versed in all aspects of real estate and are looking to take advantage of an owner who is inexperienced in the art of negotiation." It does make a lot of sense. In addition, direct buyers are also aware that the seller is not paying a third-party commission.

Apart from the abovementioned reason, Las Vegas Review Journal provided 13 secrets from real estate insiders, which real estate brokers only know. It's a minefield of information. Here are the top 5.

1. Boost Your Appraisal With Smart Preparation

Appaisers have their own reputation to live up to and they have to put the value of your property according to what they see. Jonathan Miller, a longtime appraiser in New York, says, "Get rid of all the clutter in your home. It makes the home appear larger."

2. Sell Your Home Faster With a Home Tour Video

Ben Salem, who owns Ben Salem Properties in Beverly Hills, Calif., says "More than 80 percent of all buyers now find their homes online, so when you have a YouTube video that comes up on Realtor.com, that's huge. The best part is that you're one click away from showing it to the whole world."

3. Know Which Home Additions Add Value

Think about adding an attic bedroom, have a basement remodel and possibly a mid-range kitchen remodel. You can't go wrong with that.

4. Talk Your Way Into a Quicker Sale

Highlights the good reason why prospect will buy your home. Is it near schools or major establishment? Don't be shy, put it out there. Some buyers may not notice such details. Make a checklist of what's in your area, such as "upscale restaurants, museums, parks and other amenities.

5. Avoid a Home Equity Loan by Selling Off Some Equity

Las Vegas Journal narrates, "An alternative to taking a home equity line of credit, or HELOC, is a model that Equity Key has developed. It allows homeowners to sell off part of their equity without assuming debt. If home prices go up, for example, then Equity Key and the homeowner share in the gains. If home prices go down, the company assumes all the risk up to the amount paid."

According to Equity Key's cofounder and managing director, Jeffrey Nash, "We're taking market risk alongside the homeowner. If things are bad, we'll take all of the hits and if things are good, we'll share in the gain."

There you have it! Real Estate agents are good at what they do and most importantly, imagine the strees you will not have to deal with if you hire one.

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