Why should I work with a real estate agent?


Expert guide. Buying or Selling real estate typically requires a variety of forms, reports, disclosures, and other legal and financial documents. A knowledgeable real estate agent will know what's required in your market, helping you avoid delays and costly mistakes. Also, there’s a lot of jargon involved in a real estate transaction; you want to work with a professional who can speak the language.
Offer objective information. A great real estate agent will guide you through the home search with an unbiased eye, helping you meet your buying objectives while staying within your budget. Agents are also a great source when you have questions about local amenities, utilities, zoning rules, contractors, and more.
Give you expanded search power. A Real Estate Agent will have access to  the multiple listing service. Your agent can help you evaluate all active listings that meet your criteria, alert you to listings soon to come on the market, and provide data on recent sales. Your agent can also save you time by helping you winnow away properties that are still appearing on public sites but are no longer on the market. 
Assist with negotiations. There are many factors up for discussion in any real estate transaction—from price to repairs to possession date. A real estate professional will look at the transaction from a bird's eye view, assisting you in a purchase agreement that meets your needs and allows you to do due diligence before you’re bound to the purchase.
Be your rock during emotional moments. A home is so much more than four walls and a roof. And for most buyers and sellers, real estate is the biggest financial move they’ll ever make. Having a concerned, but objective, third party helps you stay focused on the issues most important to you when emotions threaten to sink an otherwise sound transaction.
Provide fair and ethical treatment. Real Estate Agents who are REALTORS® are members of the National Association of REALTORS® and owe you confidentiality, Fair dealing, obedience, accounting, disclosure, and loyalty. Every member of NAR must adhere to the REALTOR® Code of Ethics, which is based on professionalism, serving the interests of clients, and protecting the public.

Portions of this information was provided by the National Association of Realtors.