While the Internet and other resources have led many prospective homeowners to believe that they can break into real estate on their own, there are actually many benefits to having a qualified and experienced agent on your client’s side. Entering real estate without a good agent is a lot like going to court without a good attorney, and the results can be extremely unpredictable.

The first issue to consider is that a qualified and experienced agent will have access to tools and networks that others simply don’t have. There are many listing tools that are only available for agency use, which means there are many homes that a prospective client will never see if they don’t use someone with access to them. Qualified agents are also extremely familiar with different types of purchases and different types of financing, which can open up many possibilities. Government programs in particular change from year to year and may improve different options at different times. Only experienced agents will be aware of these changes and what they mean for the customer.

When buying or selling property, a client needs to know that the person on the other side of the deal likely has an experienced agent with them. This means that an unrepresented client is operating at a disadvantage, because he is negotiating against a professional. This is never advisable because the professional knows exactly what he can ask for and how to tilt the transaction in favor of his own client. Having a qualified and experienced agent on both ends balances the transaction and makes it fair for both parties.

A good agent will also be able to spot potential hazards on properties. Because agents work largely on word of mouth, a good agent not only wants a client to walk into a home, but also wants them to stay satisfied in that home for a long time. This means that an agent will point out certain things that a client might miss, such as a high-traffic area that will spread dust into the house, or nearby development that will later reduce the value of the house. These items are things that someone new to the industry won’t notice, but an experienced agent will.

Finally, an experienced agent will follow all policies and rules. Someone new to the industry or an unrepresented client may skip things like an appraisal or home inspection, only to find out later that the home she bought or sold has a much different value than she imagined. Not doing a home inspection simply because the house looks perfect on the outside can lead to expensive internal repairs later on. These are things that an experienced agent will always recommend a client complete.

A qualified and experienced real estate agent is always in the best interest of the client. The real estate market is extremely complex and there are many different factors that can affect a sale. An experienced broker can also help a client assess the market and tell them when is the best time to buy or sell. An agent is always on the client’s side and is always looking for the best possible deal for the client.