Why You Should Have a Local Realtor When Buying a Home in Dallas

Whether you’re looking to buy your first home, up-grading, or down-sizing, you’re going to need to enlist the help a real estate agent. It’s estimated that there are more than 2 million real estate sales persons and more than 100,000 brokers in the united states. Although there are many realtors to pick from, it is helpful to have a local realtor when buying a home in Dallas who really knows the city. 

With so many agents and brokers, it can be difficult to decide who to turn to for help with your home search. There are a number of reasons people choose a specific agent: Someone they knew used the agent, they like the agent’s appearance, they saw a television advertisement, they saw a yard sign on a house they like, or they received marketing material in the mail.

The most important element in choosing a real estate agent to help you buy a home is market knowledge. This means they must know the local market. They need to know real estate procedures, of course. A good agent can take you on tours of homes, they can fill out an offer form or a purchase and sale agreement, help you negotiate the price and terms of an offer, and they understand the laws and policies of real estate. A great agent, though, will know a great deal more.

It’s critical that you enlist the help of an agent who knows facts and details about the Dallas, TX area. This includes details on the state, county, and city or town. The agent should know what the latest sales trends are. How many homes have sold in the region this month? How many this year? How do this month’s sales numbers compare to last year’s? How many homes are for sale in Dallas right now? These factors will affect your negotiating power when you decide to make an offer.

Your local agent will help you understand the sales trends for particular styles of homes and sales history of particular neighborhoods. The history of a neighborhood could affect the future of your home and your position when it’s time for you to sell your home. The agent will help you understand why the tax rate in one town is different from a neighboring town.

It’s important that you communicate with your real estate agent about your home buying needs and also about yourself. Get comfortable with your agent. Let your agent get to know you. A great agent will take the time to ask you not only about what you’re looking for in a home, but will also take the time to get to know about you. You’ll tell your agent the obvious things such as how many bedrooms, bathrooms and square feet you need. You’ll let your agent know that you want a garage and an in-ground swimming pool. There are subtle comments, though, that buyers sometimes make in casual conversation which can help a skilled agent, so long as that agent actually knows the local market.

A great local agent listens for subtle comments and uses them as clues to help you in your home search. You may have a conversation about how much you love trains, that it reminds you of your childhood. The good local agent may know of a house that’s had several price drops because buyers have shied away from the noises of the train. Maybe you tell your agent that for the past several months you’ve enjoyed singing karaoke at the local coffee bar. The great local agent will know exactly which local coffee shops have karaoke and on what nights. You may mention that you’ve been thinking of taking up golf for a while but there was never a course close enough for you to try it out. Your local agent will know where the local and private golf courses are and may even have names of instructors for you to contact.

A great local agent will know the details about the communities they serve, such as recreation centers, hospitals, dog parks, kayak launches or sushi bars. A great local agent will understand the dynamics and economics of the Dallas area.

There are plenty of real estate agents who are licensed to sell property. Many of them are good agents. When you’re shopping for a new home, though, you want more than a good agent. You want a great agent. Choose a local agent who is familiar with the area you’re interested in. Your local agent will help you buy the home in the community that’s right for you.