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You are here: Home / Blog / Why You Need To Use a Real Estate Agent When You Buy a Home

Why You Need To Use a Real Estate Agent When You Buy a Home

December 7, 2023 by John Sibley

Why You Need To Use a Real Estate Agent When You Buy a Home Simplifying The Market

If you’ve recently decided you’re ready to become a homeowner, chances are you’re trying to figure out what to do first. It can feel a bit overwhelming to know where to start, but the good news is you don’t have to navigate all of that alone.

When it comes to buying a home, there are a lot of moving pieces. And that’s especially true in today’s housing market. The number of homes for sale is still low, and home prices and mortgage rates are still high. That combination can be tricky if you don’t have reliable expertise and a trusted advisor on your side. That’s why the best place to start is connecting with a local real estate agent.

Agents Are the #1 Most Useful Source in the Buying Process

The latest annual report from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) finds recent homebuyers agree the #1 most useful source of information they had in the home buying process was a real estate agent. Let’s break down why.

How an Agent Helps When You Buy a Home

When you think about a real estate agent, you may think of someone taking you on home showings and putting together the paperwork, but a great agent does so much more than that. It’s not just being the facilitator for your purchase, it’s being your guide through every step.

The visual below shows some examples from that same NAR release of the many ways an agent adds value. It includes the percentage of homebuyers in that report who highlighted each of these benefits:

Here’s a bit more context on how the survey results noted an agent continually helps buyers in these situations:

  • Helped Buyer’s Understand the Process: Do you know the difference between an inspection and an appraisal, what each report tells you, and why they’re both important? Or that there are things you shouldn’t do after applying for a mortgage, like buying appliances or furniture? An agent knows all of these best practices and will share them with you along the way, so you don’t miss any key steps by the time you get to the closing table.
  • Pointed Out Unnoticed Features or Faults with the Home: An agent also has a lot of experience evaluating homes. They’ve truly seen it all. They’ll be able to pinpoint some things you may not have noticed about the home that could help inform your decision or at least what repairs you ask for.
  • Provided a Better List of Service Providers: In a real estate transaction, there are a lot of people involved. An agent has experience working with various professionals in your area, like home inspectors, and can help connect you with the pros you need for a successful experience.
  • Negotiated Better Contract Terms and Price: Did something pop up in the home inspection or with the appraisal? An agent will help you re-negotiate as needed to get the best terms and price possible for you, so you feel confident with your big purchase.
  • Improved Buyer’s Knowledge of the Search Area: Moving to a new town and you’re not familiar with the area, or you’re staying nearby, but don’t know which neighborhoods are most affordable? Either way, an agent knows the local area like the back of their hand and can help you find the perfect location for your needs.
  • Expanded Buyer’s Search Area: And if you’re not finding anything you’re interested in within your initial search radius, an agent will know other neighborhoods nearby you should consider based on what you like, what amenities you want, and more.

Bottom Line

If you’re looking to buy a home, don’t forget about the many ways an agent is essential to that process. Any hurdle that pops up, a negotiation that needs to take place, and more, your agent will know how to handle it while they make sure to minimize your stress along the way. Connect with a local real estate agent to tackle it together.

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Filed Under: Blog, Buying Myths, First Time Home Buyers, For Buyers, Move-Up Buyers

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I worked with Gana, OMG what a GEM !!! Gana made this entire experience pleasurable. Her knowledge, patience and go-getter attitude won me over 100%.

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Monique C Thomas
 

I worked with Gana to purchase my first home in March 2018. Gana definitely helped me out during this process. She stayed in contact with me and was very good with her timeliness on updates. She was there throughout the whole process and was very knowledgeable when i had any questions. Gana made sure I understood any documents that I had to sign before I completed the action. I would definitely recommend her!

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Lamar, Slidell, LA
 

There are not enough words that can describe Lana. She absolutely made our experience of finding a home as easy and stress free it could be. Her communication skills are top notch. She answered all of our questions, which were many, in a very timely manner. She went out of her way to set up appointments and send us links for everything that we needed to get done. She did everything in a spirit of excellence. There is no other person I would want or recommend as an agent than, Lana Leonard(...)

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Shawn & Suzanne, Lacombe, LA
 

I bought my first home!!! Jordan provided exceptional service. At first, I was looking to rent, but she showed me I could get more of what I needed for less if I considered purchasing a home. It is an investment in my future and I am so glad she helped me feel confident in my ability to buy a home. The Sibley Group is a wonderful team that is there for your needs and supports you every step of the way. I highly recommend them, especially Jordan. She was attentive, resourceful, knowledgea(...)

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Melissa, Covington, LA
 

Mrs. Gana is quite the gem, in fact, the entire Sibley Group were all so helpful and made our first home buying experience a breeze.

We were totally lost when it came to finding a mortgage company and having a realtor with such expertise and experience really put us at ease. She set up connections with several lenders and from there we were put on a path to home ownership!

I would recommend Mrs.Gana a million times again and the Sibley(...)

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Michelle, Slidell, LA
 

The decision to sell our home and to use the Sibley Realty Group was a year long process. We were concerned about determining the right time to sell and determining a fair and appropriate asking price. We had questions about how to adequately prepare our home for photos and showings. We were concerned about security and showing our home while we were away on vacation. John Sibley addressed all of our questions and concerns. He walked us through the process from listing to closing. He was a(...)

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Annemarie & Jerry, Slidell, LA
 

We were having troubles trying to figure out the particulars of buying a house and were a little intimidated about approaching a Real Estate agent. Those fears were put to rest after meeting Gana.

She not only guided us through the entire process, but made it a point to go over the contract with verbiage that we understood as first time home buyers- that was important.

The entire experience was smooth, as she laid to rest any fears we(...)

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Willliam, Slidell, LA
 

Everyone at the Sibley Realty Group was exceptional. From the first phone call to the closing of the home we had the best service. I would recommend Jordan and her team to anyone. Awesome Job Guys! And thanks again.

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Anonymous, New Orleans, LA
 

Gana made this transaction easy to understand for us as first time home buyers. Gana was very in tune with us when she could tell I didn't understand something. She slowed everything down and made sure I understood before we moved on.

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About Us

The Sibley Group has a team of Realtors to meet all of your real estate needs throughout the New Orleans Metropolitan area. We have agents that specialize on the Northshore and Southshore, including New Orleans, Slidell, Metairie, Covington, Mandeville, Pearl River, and Lacombe.


Trust a real estate team with a long-standing tradition of service, expertise, and professionalism in the local area.


John Sibley reviews
The Sibley Group
Keller Williams Realty 455-0100

3197 Richland Ave, Metairie, LA 70002

Northshore: 985.326.9755
Southshore: 504.571.9755
Broker: 504.455.0100

From Our Blog

Why You’ll Want a Home Inspection

Some HighlightsOnce your offer is accepted, an inspector will assess the condition of the house, … [Read More]

Housing Market Forecasts for the Second Half of the Year

From rising home prices to mortgage rate swings, the housing market has left a lot of people … [Read More]

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