Why Do You Need a Realtor?

I recently finished my first Triathlon. This was a feat in and of itself since I am an almost 40 year old woman with no swimming, biking, running experience, AND I am still currently nursing a new 8 month old baby. But I digress. This is about the journey, getting to the finish line. I didn’t just get up that morning and show up. I had a plan, a path, and a coach. Since it was my first time in this experience, I wanted someone to guide me along, explain the pitfalls, walk me through the routes, explain the transitions and the things that could go wrong, keep me on track, encourage me when I was doubting my abilities or that of those around me. I had an experienced triathlete explain the processes and essentially hold my hand until that morning. And now, I AM an experienced triathlete, or at least, I get to say I finished, in great time, with no injuries.

I relate this to purchasing a home. It may not be your first time but regardless, the way the market is today and how sales are going, especially financing, it would be LIKE your first time. And that is why you need a realtor. We are there to guide you through the rules, the regulations, the pitfalls. It’s more than just “finding the house” because as you know, you can search the internet like anyone else and view properties in 500 different websites. But how do you know what is a deal? How do you know the history behind a house? Who can best explain the inventory in a specific neighborhood or the community activities? Who can walk you through a house and tell you what could go wrong and what will go wrong and even tell you NOT to buy that house because it’s not a great investment? That would be a realtor. We are there to hold your hand, guide you around the pitfalls.

I won’t let my clients buy a “lemon” just like my coach didn’t allow me to use an improper bicycle or helmet in my triathlon. I make sure my client has all the correct tools they need: proper financial support from a mortgage broker/lender, the right vendors like an inspector or surveyor and the right data. Before you go down the path of a purchase, you need a game plan, a strategy. It’s not about winning or losing, it’s about getting to the closing table and signing on the dotted line. You got there, with help, but ultimately, you got there.

I know I add value to the process. Whether it is constant communication and support, negotiations during the sales price discussion or inspection concerns or simply listening when my clients are worried the deal won’t close, I’m going to be there with you all the way.

Every time you close on a house, primary residence, second home, beach getaway, you become more and more of an expert. But until you can call yourself a professional, your realtor will always have more up to date knowledge about processes, rules, inventory and the ability to get you to the closing table. We all need a good coach and I’m here to be yours!

In fact, I’m signed up for another triathlon later this year. I’ll have more experience, more training. I know what to look for now. But I still have my coach, all the way to the finish line!

Karen Smyth is with Top Atlanta Real Estate at Keller Williams Peachtree Road. www.topatlantarealestate.com 404-234-1196 Karen@topatlantarealestate.com