No matter if you are buying or selling your home, one of the first — and most important — decisions you will make is determining if you will complete the real estate transaction on your own or if you will be working with real estate agents. While there are many pros and cons to each decision, you will reap many benefits by working with REALTORS®. Here are a few of them:

Real Estate Agents are Experience

The real estate process is no simple venture. Each transaction is different and has its own unique set of challenges. By working with an experienced real estate agent, you have a professional on your side to help you no matter what obstacles come your way. You have someone who can easily navigate the negotiation process, can answer your questions, address your concerns, provide advice during the decision-making process, etc.

Real Estate Agents are Well-Connected

To be successful in real estate, you need connections. A well-connected real estate agent is going to make your task of buying or selling a home much easier. He or she can work with other real estate agents to help you find your dream home with the features and specifications you require. They can also help you find the right buyers for your property.

Additionally, you never know when you may need work done around the property. A well-connected agent can provide recommendations on professionals — such as a roofer or contractor — to complete certain tasks for you. This will help you save time by knowing you have an expert you trust to complete certain tasks around your home.

Real Estate Agents are Familiar with the Current Market

The real estate market is continually changing. Regardless of whether you are buying or selling a home, the current market will affect many decisions you make. For example, if the market is currently a buyer’s market but you are selling your home, you will want to price your home accordingly so it attracts potential buyers and moves off the market quickly.

While you can certainly conduct some research and learn about the market, your real estate agent works with the market every day. He or she is familiar with its latest trends, what experts predict it will do in the future, how it will affect certain decisions you make, etc.

Real Estate Agents are Expert Negotiators

One of the most challenging steps in the buying or selling process is the negotiation process. You want to ensure you leave with a deal that makes both parties happy, but unfortunately, that is no easy task. A home is a large investment and you must make sure you receive the best deal possible. When you work with a real estate agent, you have an expert negotiator on your side.

REALTORS® are trained to negotiate well and they have plenty of experience so you are likely to avoid rookie mistakes that can cost you in the end. Additionally, these individuals are not emotionally invested in the sale, unlike you, so they can help you make clear and proper decisions.

Working with Real Estate Agents comes with Less Stress

Buying or selling a home can be a stressful experience. There are many decisions to make and it is easy to feel overwhelmed and buried with stress. One of the greatest benefits of working with real estate agents is they will relieve much of this stress from you. They will handle many steps that are critical to the process but frustrating and time-consuming. They have resources and experience to make tasks a little easier and less overwhelming. However, to truly reap the benefits of less stress, it is critical that you choose the right REALTOR® to work with.