Why It Helps to Work with the Same Realtor When Buying & Selling in Elm Grove

Why It Helps to Work with the Same Realtor When Buying & Selling in Elm Grove
Are you trying to balance selling your current home and buying your dream home at the same time? If you are searching Elm Grove homes for sale while listing your property, you might feel overwhelmed by the entire process, and a real estate agent can help you navigate through these challenges with ease. How do you ensure your timeline works out so that you can move into your dream home shortly after selling your other property? If you are like 58% of homebuyers, you need to sell your current home to afford your dream home. Whether you need to make a downpayment or want to purchase your new home with cash, buying and selling Elm Grove real estate simultaneously takes a lot of care and consideration.

To ensure a smooth process, use the same agent when listing and buying homes. And if you intend to stay in the same area, hiring an agent to represent you on both sides of the transaction is a practical measure to keep your values aligned. Below are the key reasons you should work with one realtor when buying and selling your home.

An understanding of your must-haves

From packing boxes and cleaning the house to searching for another home is no small feat. Many people would not leave their current house unless they needed to. If you are moving but staying in the area, then you’re likely leaving for one of several reasons. You want to live closer to work, family, or friends; your budget requirements have changed; or you need a different sized home.

Taking those reasons into account is essential since it will help define your house hunt. If you have been working with your listing agent for a while, they understand you and your lifestyle. With this understanding, they can help you find a new home that meets the criteria your current home fails to live up to. Working with an agent who already knows you and your needs will help streamline the house hunt.

Time can be saved

 Working with one agent helps streamline the house hunt and reduce the transaction time. If you manage to find your dream home, you and your agent can collaborate to place an offer on it.  Before doing so, consider the contingencies, including home inspection, appraisal, and financing contingencies. And if you’re simultaneously buying and selling, you might need a home sale contingency as well. This is where working with the same agent for both sides of your transaction is advantageous.

If your buyer’s agent is also your listing agent, then they understand what is happening with the sale of your current house. Whether or not you currently have an accepted offer on your current home, your listing agent is familiar with your situation. They can provide the other listing agent some insight into the desired timelines. This not only improves communication, but it can also save you time throughout the negotiation process and make it more likely that the seller will accept your offer, even with a home sale contingency.
 

An understanding of the local real estate market

Photo courtesy of Unsplash

If you are moving but staying in southeastern Wisconsin, there are many benefits to working with an Elm Grove realtor. One of the greatest perks is having an expert who understands the local market. If you are working with someone who has lived and worked in the area for many years, then your agent is already familiar with all of the neighborhoods. They understand the nuances of the local market, and whether you are searching for a lakefront property or a luxury home, they know where to find your dream home.

Further, your agent also has insight into the area’s local market activity. For example, if multiple parties are interested in your dream home, you and your agent can act knowledgeably and submit the best possible offer. If your listing agent and your buyer’s agent are two different people, then your buyer’s agent will have to acquaint themselves with what you are looking for, which could lengthen the amount of time you spend on the house hunt.

Being your greatest advocate

Another reason it’s important to work with the same agent for both transactions is the rapport you have built together. Since you already have an established, professional relationship, your listing agent can be your greatest advocate. Some homeowners believe this falls under dual agency, which is where the listing agent also represents the buyer. This doesn’t apply to the arrangement described here. Having your listing agent for one property and representing you as a buyer’s agent for another property does not fall under dual agency. In fact, this arrangement could save you from a potential dual agency situation, where the new listing agent could have a fiduciary duty that defaults to the seller’s best interests rather than your own.

Whether you are buying or selling real estate in Elm Grove, having an agent who represents you through every step of the transaction is crucial. Are you ready to buy and sell Elm Grove real estate? Contact Maura Strickler to help you accomplish your real estate goals.

*Header photo courtesy of Shutterstock

Work With Maura

With 18 years experience in marketing, my background, along with numerous personal relocations, I am positioned to give both my buyers and sellers the highest quality service as well as the tools to achieve their needs as a dedicated Southeastern Wisconsin real estate agent. Contact me today.