In a growing atmosphere of the do-it-yourself mentality, some wonder should I take on the homebuying process on my own. It's certainly been done, but, more often than not, homebuyers turn to the experts when it comes time to making, what will often be, their most expensive purchase.

Here are just a few reasons why it's a good idea to use an expert real estate agent to help you navigate the homebuying process.

1. Knowledge is power. Real estate agents work in the field every day. They're immersed in markets that buyers, likely, have less opportunity and time to study. Working with the right expert can not only speed up the homebuying process but also help you easily transition from your current living space to the home of your dreams.

You can also learn information that's not readily available from, say, an open house sign or a listing you may view on the Internet. Elizabeth Weintraub, About.com Guide, writes, “For example, you may know that a home down the street was on the market for $350,000, but an agent will know it had upgrades and sold at $285,000 after 65 days on the market and after twice falling out of escrow.”

2. Help with paperwork chaos. If you've bought a home then you know that the paperwork is enormous. If you've never purchased one, get ready to be overwhelmed. But using an agent, helps you to understand what the paperwork is, when it needs to be in (so that you don't miss important deadlines), and its importance in the transaction.

3. Network of support. Real estate agents have a professional network of service providers to help with the homebuying process (and selling, of course, too). When it comes time to purchase your home, you'll find that being able to tap into that service provider network can be invaluable. Everything from reputable vendors to retail outlets that offer the best pricing for home decor, are often in the agent's contact list.

4. Negotiation. This is the area where an expert agent can really shine. For buyers, it can be difficult to negotiate (from a non-emotional standpoint) because they're really invested in the outcome. A top-producing real estate agent can represent buyers' needs and still stay emotionally removed enough to ensure the best outcome.

Negotiation is often the least favorite part of the transaction but the most important. Having an expert on your side, who is working for your success, can reduce the amount of frustration that can potentially arise during this process. Also, in sellers' markets, agents are tasked with helping position buyers in the best possible light to sellers in order to help the deal close for their client.

5. Pricing and value. Agents don't determine what buyers should pay for a home but they can show you the best value based on their price point. They have visited many more homes than most buyers because this is their job. They're in the market daily and they know when a home has recently been reduced or fallen out of escrow.

It's the knowledge, the experience, and the effort and dedication to helping you find your dream home, that ultimately is the reason most people seek out that expert real estate agent to help them navigate the homebuying process.

Published: December 10, 2010

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Phoebe Chongchua is an award-winning journalist, an author, customer service trainer/speaker, and founder of Setting the Service Standard, a customer service training and consulting program offered by Live Fit Enterprises (LFE) based in San Diego, California. She is the publisher of Live Fit Magazine, an online publication that features information on real estate/finance, physical fitness, travel, and philanthropy. Her company, LFE, specializes in media services including marketing, PR, writing, commercials, corporate videos, customer service training, and keynotes & seminars. Visit her magazine website: www.LiveFitMagazine.com. Phoebe's articles, feature stories, and columns appear in various publications including The Coast News, Del Mar Village Voice, Rancho Santa Fe Review, and Today's Local News in San Diego, as well as numerous Internet sites. She holds a California real estate license. Phoebe worked for KGTV/10News in San Diego as a Newscaster, Reporter and Community Affairs Specialist for more than a decade. Phoebe's writing is also featured in Donald Trump's book: The Best Real Estate Advice I Ever Received and The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Buying Foreclosures. She is the author of If the Trash Stinks, TAKE IT OUT! 14 Worriless Principles for Your Success. Contact Phoebe at (858) 259-3646 or . Visit PhoebeChongchua.com for more information.