When you hear that someone you know is trying to sell their house without a real estate professional, it might make you consider doing the same when the time comes. However, selling a property on your own is not as easy as it seems, and it may not be as rewarding as you expect, regardless of whether the person you know succeeded or not.

To get around using an agent, some people choose to place their homes on websites, not realizing that they have to pay a percentage of the sale to that site. The percentage they get charged is often more than they would have had to pay for the real estate broker, and the seller isn’t getting nearly as much out of the site as they would an actual broker.

This begs the question, is it worth it to buy or sell without the help of a professional? We talked to Lauren Crocker, a broker realtor, PSA, and MRP with Benchmark Realty LLC, to see what she had to offer on the topic, and she provided some great advice for anyone who is currently buying, selling, or thinking about doing so.

Benefits of a Broker

There is more to buying or selling a home than a lot of people think, and some benefits that you can truly only get when you seek the help of a professional. Here are Crocker’s top five key benefits of using a broker when buying or selling a home:

•       Expertise in the Market: Real estate brokers have a deep understanding of the local housing market, including trends in home prices. They can provide valuable insights and guidance to help clients make informed decisions about buying or selling a home. They can also help clients understand the complex legal and financial aspects of a real estate transaction.

•       Access to Listings: One of the biggest advantages of working with a broker is their access to a wide range of property listings. Brokers have access to multiple listing services (MLS), which allows them to see all of the properties that are for sale in a given area. Virtual tours in the digital age have made the process even more enticing. This means they can quickly find homes that meet your specific needs and preferences, saving you time and effort.

•       Negotiation Skills: Real estate brokers are skilled negotiators who can help you get the best possible price for a home. They know how to navigate the negotiation process and can use their expertise to help you achieve your goals. Whether you're buying or selling a home, a broker can help you get the best deal possible.

•       Professional Network: Brokers have extensive professional networks that they can tap into to help you buy or sell a home. They work with a wide range of professionals, including home inspectors, mortgage lenders, and real estate attorneys, and can refer you to trusted providers who can help you with every aspect of a real estate transaction.

•       Support Throughout the Process: Buying or selling a home can be an emotional experience, and it's not uncommon for people to feel overwhelmed or stressed during the process. Brokers can provide the support you need to navigate the ups and downs of a real estate transaction. They can offer advice, answer your questions, and provide the reassurance you need to make it through the process with confidence.

Buying or selling a home is a major life event that can be stressful and overwhelming, but working with a real estate broker, like Crocker, can help make the process smoother and more successful. As a full-time licensed real estate agent in Tennessee since 2016, Crocker serves clients in Clarksville, Cunningham, Adams, Pleasant View, Springfield, Woodlawn, and surrounding areas.

About Lauren Crocker

Lauren Crocker is an experienced realtor and broker. She specializes in commercial and residential real estate properties in Montgomery County, TN. She is also the founder of Saddled Souls, a non-profit specializing in equine-assisted hippotherapy for children. For more information, please visit https://saddledsouls.wixsite.com/mysite?fbclid=IwAR2YyYcO97mVxJeWQ-9Om4SzCNFDXff1ghDlwRqAGkAkiazgID-CMb1yCKM