It’s a slow Sunday morning. You’ve just brewed your Nespresso and popped open your laptop to check out the latest home listings before you hit the road for a day of open houses. You’re DIYing this real estate thing, and you think you’re doing pretty well—after all, any info you might need is at your fingertips online, right? That and your own sterling judgment. Oh, dear home buyer or seller —we know you can do it on your own. But you really, really shouldn’t. This is likely the biggest financial decision of your life, and you need a Realtor if you want to do it right. Here’s why. 

1. We have loads of expertise

Want to check the MLS for a 3B/2B with an EIK and a W/D? Real estate has its own language, full of acronyms and semi-arcane jargon, and your Realtor is trained to speak that language fluently. Plus, buying or selling a home usually requires dozens of forms, reports, disclosures, and other technical documents. We have the expertise to help you prepare a killer deal—while avoiding delays or costly mistakes that can seriously mess you up.

2. We have turbocharged searching power

The Internet is awesome. You can find almost anything—anything! And with online real estate listing sites such as Zillow you can find up-to-date home listings on your own, any time you want. But guess what? We have access to even more listings. Sometimes properties are available but not actively advertised. We can help you find those hidden gems. Plus, a good Realtor is going to know the search area way better than you ever could. Have your eye on a particular neighborhood, but it’s just out of your price range? We are equipped to know the ins and outs of every neighborhood, so we can direct you toward a home in your price range that you may have overlooked.

3. We have bullish negotiating chops

Any time you buy or sell a home, you’re going to encounter negotiations—and as today’s housing market heats up, those negotiations are more likely than ever to get a little heated. You can expect lots of competition, cutthroat tactics, all cash offers, and bidding wars. Don’t you want a savvy and professional negotiator on your side to seal the best deal for you? And it’s not just about how much money you end up spending or netting. We will help draw up a purchase agreement that allows enough time for inspections, contingencies, closing and anything else that’s crucial to your particular needs.

4. We’re connected to everyone

Realtors might not know everything, but they make it their mission to know just about everyone who can possibly help in the process of buying or selling a home. Mortgage brokers, real estate attorneys, home inspectors, home stagers, interior designers—the list goes on—and they’re all in our Realtor’s network. Use them.

5. We adhere to a strict code of ethics

Not every real estate agent is a Realtor, who is a licensed real estate salesperson and belongs to the National Association of Realtors®, the largest trade group in the country. What difference does it make? Realtors are held to a higher ethical standard than licensed agents and must adhere to a Code of Ethics.

6. We’re your sage parent/data analyst/therapist—all rolled

into one

The thing about Realtors: We wear a lot of different hats. Sure, we’re salespeople, but we actually do a whole heck of a lot to earn our compensation. We’re constantly driving around, checking out listings for you. We spend our own money on marketing your home (if you’re selling). We’re researching comps to make sure you’re getting the best deal. And, of course, we’re working for you at nearly all hours of the day and night— whether you need more info on a home or just someone to talk to in order to feel at ease with the offer you just put in. This is the biggest financial (and possibly emotional) decision of your life, and guiding you through it isn’t a responsibility we Realtors take lightly.