He or She will be your guide, whether buying or selling. While the internet gives buyers unprecedented access to home listings and resources, many aspects of the buying process require a level of expertise you can't pick up from surfing the web. A knowledgeable realtor can save you endless amounts of time, money, and frustration.

A knowledgeable realtor knows the housing market inside and out and can help you avoid the "wild goose chase." They can also help you with any home, even if it is listed elsewhere or if it is being sold directly by the owner. Additionally, a knowledgeable realtor knows the best lenders in the area and can help you understand the importance of being preapproved for a mortgage. They can also discuss down payments, closing costs, and monthly payment options that suit you. Furthermore, a knowledgeable realtor is an excellent source for both general and specific information about the community, such as schools, churches, shopping, and transportation. They can also provide tips on home inspections and pricing the disadvantages of a particular property.

When selling your home, a knowledgeable realtor will help you avoid underpricing your home, which decreases your future buying power, leaves money on the table, and risks buyers assuming something's wrong. They also help you avoid overpricing your home, which may deter buyers, likely to sit on the market longer, and may need a price drop, which can raise red flags. A knowledgeable realtor helps you price your home at market value, which attracts more buyers, leads to stronger offers, and is likely to sell quickly.

Until next month...