With the uptick in interest rates and the rapid appreciation the real estate market has witnessed over the past three to five years, the goal of owning a home has become more complicated to navigate.  As anyone who has been looking for a home to buy already knows, one of the biggest headwinds for the market is supply.

This is at least partially why it pays to work with a local REALTOR®, a trusted community expert with a vast network of local connections.  One obvious reason is that REALTORS® have an in-depth knowledge of the housing market. Aside from having access to listings that are in ‘Coming Soon’ status, these professionals often possess critical, ‘boots-on-the-ground’ insights pertaining to when a new home might be hitting the open market or when a home might fall out of contract.

Of course, most home searches nowadays begin with the click of a mouse.  The digital age has made a wealth of information available to everyone and that is certainly a good thing, however, most real estate transactions are much more involved than any website focused on helping folks search for homes online. 

As the saying goes, it pays to work with an expert.  In addition to acting as a trusted guide during the search phase of the process, leveraging essential networking skills to ensure that no stone goes unturned, REALTORS® are often key advisors to their clients, who value and respect their opinions.  

This can often equate to a substantial cost savings.  Having a thorough understanding of the local housing market allows REALTORS® to negotiate optimal results for their clients, one that accurately reflects the home’s true value.  

If an obstacle comes up during the contract period, chances are strong that a REALTOR® with experience in the local market has encountered that situation before or if they haven’t, they know where to turn to get answers.  In many cases, working with a professional who has a finger on the pulse of the local market and a network of trusted service providers can prevent a deal from falling apart, resulting in a successful closing. 

It goes without saying that REALTORS® listen carefully to their clients and tailor their services to meet their specific needs.  Doing so is a solid component of a business plan, but it goes beyond that.  Creating a personalized experience involves timely communications, follow-through and a sense of compassion that would be impossible for artificial intelligence or a real estate website to match.

Understanding that home owners have a more vested interest in their communities, REALTORS® advocate for the safeguarding of private property rights on the local, state and federal levels.  These professionals often have deep community ties and want to protect the neighborhoods where they live and work, so it is easy to see why increasing the level of home ownership in our country is a priority for the National Association of REALTORS®.

Here at the Cape Fear REALTORS® association, we are constantly looking for ways to help people achieve the American Dream and expand home ownership opportunities for everyone.  For more guidance on the housing market, visit CapeFear.REALTOR or call 910-762-7400.