Buying a Home in New York? Here is Why You Need a Real Estate Agent
Buying a home can be complicated, stressful, and downright terrifying. So terrifying, in fact, that many people believe they can do it on their own. And yes, in basic cities like Middle of Nowhere, Nebraska, that might fly. After all, when only two houses are for sale and you’re the only buyer in town, you can feel pretty comfortable with your decision.
But New York is different. Not only are homes constantly going on the market, but each neighborhood is changing so fast it can be difficult to keep up with developing areas. Plus, buying a home in New York isn’t just about purchasing an apartment or a house, it’s about much, much more than that. The fact is, you need a real estate agent. And here’s some basic reasons why:
1.) You don’t have the expertise. It’s a real estate agent’s job to know the market; to know which neighborhoods are developing, which neighborhoods are depreciating, where the best schools are, where the nearest subway stations are, which neighborhoods have the lowest crime rates, what price is reasonable for a home that will fulfill your wish-list and any rules and regulations you might need to know (HOA fees, amenities, or which homes allow interior renovations).
2.) You don’t have the networking. Buying a home isn’t like shopping at a store; there are many middle men that work behind the scenes. A real estate agent has worked with many of these people many times. That home inspector your one friend recommended? He might sound good to you, but an NYC real estate agent will know to stay away from him since she’s used him in 22 different home inspections and on four occasions the client has found roof damage after purchasing the home.
3.) You’re too emotional. Negotiating is like a game of poker; you don’t know what situation the seller is in and you certainly don’t want to show your hand either. A real estate agent is completely removed from the situation, plus they are like your own personal real estate lawyer. Their job is to present your offer in the best possible light to make it attractive to the seller. They have done this countless times, and they know what works.
4.) They know the paperwork. It would take you hours and hours and hours to read through the various types of paperwork necessary to purchase a home and even then you still probably wouldn’t understand all of it. An experienced real estate agent knows this paperwork inside and out and they can explain things to you, spot errors and make necessary changes.
5.) They are there next time. Everyone hopes that the home they purchase will be the home of their dreams and never again will they ever have to move, but more often than not life doesn’t quite work out that way. Maybe you purchase your new bachelor pad then meet the love of your life and three years down the road you’re looking to expand. Maybe your dream job calls and your current location isn’t working out anymore. Either way, your real estate agent is a familiar face that you can work with time and time again. They know your needs, your preferences and are already one step ahead of the game if you happen to begin your search for a second time.
