Do You Really Need a Real Estate Agent? Let's Get Real

Let’s cut to the chase: Do you absolutely need a real estate agent when buying or selling a home? The straightforward answer is no—you can go solo if you want. Plenty of folks do it every year. With the internet at your fingertips, you can search for homes, check property values, and even negotiate deals on your own.

But here’s the kicker: Even with all that info at hand, a whopping 89% of people still choose to work with a professional, according to this report from the National Association of Realtors. There’s been a lot of buzz about changes in the real estate industry, but let’s hit pause on that and get back to basics—understanding what a buyer’s agent and a seller’s agent actually do for you here in Savannah.

Buyer’s Agents: Your Personal Guide in the Home Buying Process

Sure, sites like Zillow can help you browse listings and even give you a heads-up on open houses. They can also connect you with a local real estate pro if you’re flying solo. But let’s be real—a buyer’s agent does a lot more than just feed you information. They’re your advocate, laser-focused on your needs and interests throughout the entire home buying process.

Realtor.com compiled 111 things buyer’s agents do throughout the real estate transaction, but here, we’ll just focus on some of the key elements of their work:

Finding the Perfect Home

You can spend hours online searching for homes, but can you really spot the difference between a property that’s priced right and one that’s hiding a laundry list of problems? According to the 2023 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers, 89% of buyers used an agent, with 50% saying the most valuable service was helping them find the right property. Our buyer’s agents in Savannah knows the local market inside and out, helping you find homes that meet your criteria. They’ll arrange showings, offer insights, and help you weigh the pros and cons of each option.

Negotiating Price and Terms

Think you can haggle your way to a better deal on your own? Maybe, but without an agent, you’re missing out on the fine art of negotiation. Negotiations happen at several stages—getting an offer accepted, post-inspection, and after appraisals. A savvy buyer’s agent knows how to sweeten the deal in ways you might not consider, like securing repairs or getting the seller to cover closing costs. According to the NAR, agents are essential in negotiating better contract terms and navigating the complexities of the sale.

Navigating the Paperwork

Buying a home comes with a mountain of paperwork, filled with legal jargon that can make your head spin. That’s why 90% of buyers found their agent to be an invaluable resource throughout the process, ensuring every “i” is dotted and every “t” is crossed. Plus your dedicated agent works for you.  In Georgia, real estate attorney's technically work for the lender, so having a dedicated agent with your best interests in mind makes all the difference.

Seller’s Agents: Your Key to a Successful Sale

On the flip side, a seller’s agent is all about helping homeowners sell their property quickly and for top dollar. They’re the ones who market your home, negotiate with buyers, and handle all the logistics from start to finish.

Pricing the Home Right

Pricing a home is part science, part art. Get it wrong, and you could either scare off potential buyers or leave money on the table. Even in a hot market, for sale by owner (FSBO) homes sold for a median price of $310,000 compared to $405,000 for agent-assisted sales in 2022, according to NAR. A seller’s agent uses data, experience, and local market insights to price your home just right—something an online calculator simply can’t do.

Marketing the Property

A seller’s agent doesn’t just list your home—they create a comprehensive marketing plan to showcase it in the best possible light. This includes professional photos, videos, an online strategy, open houses, and sometimes even staging to make your home more appealing. Curious about what our marketing plan looks like? Check it out here or shoot me a message to learn more.

Handling Offers and Negotiations

Without an agent, you’re the one juggling offers, counter-offers, and everything in between. It might sound empowering until you’re dealing with a buyer who’s playing hardball. That’s why 87% of sellers said they’d recommend their agent for future services. A seller’s agent handles the back-and-forth, ensuring you don’t buckle under pressure or get shortchanged. Plus, they manage everything from inspections to appraisals to closing, making sure the sale goes smoothly.

Bottom Line: Is a Real Estate Agent Worth It?

It’s easy to think you’ll save money by skipping the agent, but when it comes to buying or selling a property in Savannah, the stakes are high. A skilled real estate agent isn’t just another expense; they bring expertise, market knowledge, and negotiation skills that can save you time, stress, and—most importantly—money.

And that’s an investment that can make all the difference. Ready to talk? Let’s make your next move the best one yet.