Living Local - Why should you use a Realtor?
Tamara Burton
The importance of a knowledgeable realtor.
For most people, buying or selling a home is the most significant financial decision they will make. While it is possible to handle the process on your own, utilizing the tools the internet provides, using an experienced and knowledgeable realtor to guide you through the process is still the most beneficial. Nothing replaces local knowledge and personal buying and selling guidance when navigating such an important financial decision.
Local expertise and knowledge
Your Realtor should have extensive knowledge of the local real estate market. They should have a deep understanding of the property laws, regulations, and trends, allowing them to provide valuable insights and guidance throughout the process. This expertise can help buyers and sellers make informed decisions, identify potential issues, and negotiate the best possible deal.
You’ve heard the riddle, “What are the three most important things to consider when buying a home?” Answer: “1. Location, 2. Location, and 3. Location.” What do you value most? Living within walking distance to stores/restaurants? A quiet neighborhood? Or having a neighborhood school? Let your realtor with expertise in the Manhattan area help you find the right location.
School districts - Manhattan has 10 public elementary schools, 2 public middle schools, 1 high school. Understanding where your children attend school is an important part of buying a home.
Zoning - What is allowable in your neighborhood.
Property taxes and special assessments - Some homes in Manhattan carry special assessment taxes, paid in addition to the typical property tax. Special taxes can apply to both new and older neighborhoods.
Local development regulations - Want to add a deck or a sun room? You will want to be sure the zoning district allows it before investing time and money.
Title work
Reviewing your title work is an important part of the buying process. The title work will identify items like, taxes, liens, and easements. A seasoned realtor’s expertise can help you identify any potential issues. What if you have visions of building a shed or adding a swimming pool, but you didn’t know there were utility easements preventing you from being able to do that? A realtor should alert you to these issues by examining the property details and your title work.
Time, Effort, Resources and everything in between
Selling or buying a home is a time-consuming, labor-intensive process that can also be emotional. Whether you are preparing your home for each showing, or looking at homes to fit your family while competing against other buyers, buying and selling can be stressful! A good realtor works to minimize that stress as much as possible. They handle various aspects of the transaction, such as; scheduling showings, coordinating inspections, conducting due diligence, coordinating the closing process, and negotiating with the other agent. This means you can keep focusing on your day-to day life and let your realtor remove those stressors for you.
Tamara Burton l tamara@thealmsgroup.com l 913-484-0808
