You don’t need a real estate agent to buy a home.
That’s the short answer.
But here’s why you should hire a professional—especially if you’re buying with a VA Loan.
Save Time and Money
You may be thinking that you’ll save some hard-earned cash by foregoing a real estate agent and completing the purchase on your own. However, you’re probably better off in the long run by hiring an agent to represent you.
For starters, you don’t need to worry about agent fees.
Real estate broker or agent commissions are on the list of non-allowable fees, meaning VA buyers cannot be required to pay them. Agent commissions are typically paid by the seller anyway, but as a VA non-allowable, they’re not a concern if you’re buying with a VA Loan.
There’s also the negotiation to consider.
Sixty percent of home sales in the last year were at or over asking price, according to the National Association of Realtors’ 2022 Home Buyers and Sellers Generational Trends report. In a market like this, it pays to have a skilled negotiator representing you to nail down the best deal.
Find an Expert Buyer’s Agent to Help You Navigate a Shifting Market
Looking to buy a home but need some help navigating the current market? Connect with a local, VA-friendly real estate agent who can show you the perfect home at the right price.
Key to the MLS
Another important reason to hire an agent is the access they offer, specifically, to the Multiple Listing Service (MLS).
The MLS includes up-to-date listings and property information that isn’t available on common real estate listing websites—and you’ll need an agent to access it.
This is significant because 56% of homebuyers said the most difficult step in the process was finding the right property. On top of that, 28% of buyers said that their real estate agent was the one to find the home they eventually purchased.
Rely on an Expert
If this all sounds new to you, you’re not alone.
NAR’s report indicated that 34% of all homebuyers were first-time homebuyers, up from 31% the year prior.
The report also showed that 87% of buyers used an agent for their home purchase—and 9 out of 10 said they would use their agent again or recommend them to others.
Buyers listed finding the right property, paperwork, and understand the homebuying process as the three most difficult aspects of the homebuying process. A good agent can address all these concerns.
A knowledgeable real estate agent will guide you through the homebuying process step by step. They’ll explain current market conditions, help you identify potential homes to tour and navigate the negotiation and paperwork of a real estate transaction.
Find the Right Agent for You
These are just a few reasons you should hire a real estate agent to help you buy with your VA Loan. But not just any agent. Buying a home is a major decision, so take your time searching and interviewing agents.
More importantly, you’ll want an agent who has experience working with Veterans and the VA Loan. A top agent can help you identify the opportunities, properties, and programs that fit your needs.
With a solid grasp of VA Guidelines, they’ll be able to point out potential issues during home tours and provide local contacts for services, like inspections, repairs and more. It’s also reassuring to work with someone who understands the needs and time demands of military families.
The Right Agent Makes All the Difference
Your highly rated, VA-specialized agent is standing by. Connect with a top agent to find your dream home today.
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