Reasons You Should Use A Real Estate Agent | Bahamas Real Estate

Reasons why you should choose a real estate agent are not always clear. I am going to start with the most obvious reason. Experience! When it comes to real estate transactions the process can be both exciting and confusing. Most people don’t know the steps they should take when it comes to buying real estate. For instance, for the majority of home buyers purchasing with cash is not an option. I get calls from buyers who are excited about buying a home and they have the steps backwards. They find the home they love first then go to the bank after. This sets you up for disappointment and discouragement. The best place to start is with preapproval from a lending insitution so you know your budget. Once you have your number you can start your search for a piece of property.

Searching for property can be a time draining and frustrating process for most homebuyers. You don’t know where to start, what questions to ask or red flags you should be looking for. This is where the experience of a real estate agent comes in handy. Real estate agents have a database full of listings. Once your agent knows what you are looking for they give options for you to view. Your real estate agent will already know the kind of questions you should be asking.

Such as:

Reason why the owner is selling?

When last was the home renovated?

How old is the home?

How long has the property been on the market?

These seem like simple questions but you would be surprised how often new home buyers forget to ask them.

For sellers the agent can deal with buyers to avoid awkward situations for you. Avoid strangers calling you and requesting to view your property at all hours. Agents separate the serious buyers from the “window shoppers” and follow through until the end of a sale. In most cases when using a real estate agent the seller never has to meet the purchaser.

Red flags you should be looking for when inspecting a home you are interested in:

1. Termite damage – If there is wood anywhere in your home rest assured termites will get to it. Look out for long trails of dirt running down the wall, that’s a definite sign of termites. These tiny insects can cause thousands of dollars in damages to any home.

2. Water Damage – Both outdoors and indoors needs to be checked for signs of water damage. Look up and see water spots on the roof this is a clear sign of a damaged roof. The watermarks on the outside of a home are a good indicator of flooding in the area. If the bottom half of the home is discolored that’s a clear sign of flooding.

3. Ownership – Making sure you are buying the property from the legitimate owner. There have been numerous cases of people trying to sell properties that are not theirs. Real Estate Agents always do their due diligence of a property when listing them.

A real estate agents job is to help make the process easier for you. If you are interested in buying, selling, renting or need an appraisal don’t hesitate to call me.

Andrew Seymour – 1.242.376.9789
Andrew@bettermcrbahamas.com

or visit Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate MCR Bahamas website –  www.bettermcrbahamas.com