Center City Homes Blog

       With all the information online nowadays, people often wonder if and why they need a real estate agent.  To me, the answer to this is simple:  this is our profession.  I don’t tell my accountant how to do my taxes and I don’t tell my mechanic how to fix my car for one main reason, it’s not my profession!  If you are on the fence about hiring an agent, here are 5 great reasons for why you should.

1.       EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

       Real estate is our job; it is something that most of us do almost every day of our professional career.  The average American purchases 4 or fewer homes in a lifetime!  Realtors have encountered many trials and tribulations which he or she is educated in dealing with, while the average Joe has no clue on how to handle certain situations.

2.       NEIGHBORHOOD KNOWLEDGE

       This is huge, but even more so here in the big city of Philadelphia.  As many locals know, Philadelphia is very neighborhood specific in many ways.  The values of homes can differ quite significantly depending on certain neighborhoods and the convenience of Center City and transportation (and parking).  This is usually common sense to the educated buyer but that being said, they usually don’t know it nearly in depth as your real estate professional!

3.       MARKET CONDITIONS AND PRICE GUIDANCE

       I am sorry to break this to you but understanding current market conditions in your city or state is not just watching the morning news.  Obviously each and every state was affected differently; this is also accurate when comparing different cities in the same state.  Price guidance is a must from your realtor.  It is our job to educate you on the market and let you make the overall decision.  It is in our best interest and we only want you to leave a deal 100% satisfied.  If that is not the case, we have not performed our job.  This being said, when we inform you that your house isn’t worth $3 million but is actually more in the price range of $400,000-$500,000, you should take into consideration that this is our vocation!

4.       PROFESSIONAL NETWORKING     

       Since we are real estate agents we have encountered many different people in our professional careers such as home inspectors, mortgage companies and appraisers.  Although a realtor should NEVER tell you who to use, we most definitely can suggest a few possible individuals or companies.  As an agent, I get asked all the time, “who should I use for my home inspection?”  My answer to this is simple, “I have a few that I have had great experience with and they do a good job, but by no means do you have to use these people.” 

5.       DEVELOPING RELATIONSHIPS AND ANSWERING QUESTIONS AFTER SETTLEMENT

       Typically during a purchase of real estate you begin to develop a relationship and trust with your agent.  This is huge for us in this business!  After settlement with a client our job isn’t over.  I am always in contact with past clients to make sure all is well and see if there is anything that I can do or help them with.  Your best interest is ALWAYS our best interest.  And that should be the case with every real estate professional!

If you have any questions or are looking for Center City Real Estate, please feel free to drop me an email at Zach@CenterCity.com.

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Common Misconception

                              
       One of the most common questions that come up when I am out on a first tour with clients is, “So Zach, how much do we pay you if we find a house that we would like to buy?”  Most people (especially first-time homebuyers) do not realize that commission is paid for by the seller.  If you are one of these people who didn’t realize this, DON’T feel bad!  I wouldn’t expect you to know this, especially if you have never bought a house before. 
       My response to my clients is as follows, “I work for you and in the best interest of you and if we find something that is right for you and everything works out, I am paid for by the seller, not you!”  This really helps to seal the bond between buyers and their agents.  When your client realizes that you only have their best interest at heart, you’re golden.  If you have any questions or are thinking of buying a house or condo, feel free to email me at Zach@CenterCity.com!

                             
Have you bought or sold a house before?  If so, would you use the same Realtor again when purchasing or selling your next home?  According to the National Association of Realtors, 82% of homebuyers say that they would use the same Realtor again.  Out of this 82%, only 11% actually do! 

If you have any questions or are looking for representation here in Center City Philadelphia, just drop me an email at Zach@CenterCity.com.   I would enjoy discussing the importance of why building a relationship and not just making a sale is much more important to me!