Do you NEED a real estate broker to buy a place in the Chicago area?

YES! While you feasibly could go it alone (and our firm could help), buyers gain many important advantages by working with an experienced broker. From showing private listings and simplifying the home buying process to providing invaluable resources and perspective, hiring a local real estate broker can ultimately give you the home you really want and a less stressful pathway to get there. That said..

Here are 10 key reasons to work with a real estate broker when buying a home:

     1. Off-Market Listings

Many brokers have access to properties that are not publicly listed, giving you a clear advantage for finding the home you really want, swiftly. This is crucial in a competitive market.

2. Neighborhood Expertise

Your broker can bring in-depth knowledge of local market trends, property values, and neighborhood dynamics. They are able to help you analyze the realities of neighborhoods you love, and find others you haven't even considered.

 3. MLS Access

The Multiple Listing Service (MLS) is the most comprehensive listings of available properties. Your broker can email you daily listing updates, tailored for your search. It's in invaluable tool for buying (and selling).

6. Professional Relationships

It's not just what they know, it's who they know. Brokers bring a network of recommended resources, including closing attorneys, lenders, inspectors, and contractors who can assist you throughout the process.

4. Negotiation Skills

Let your broker be the bad cop to your good cop. They are trained negotiators who can get tough as they advocate for your best interests and help you secure the best possible price and terms.

5. Time-Savings

Buying a home can require loads of you time—and that's on top of your day job. A broker can help research the market, search for listing, schedule showings, and coordinate with other parties, saving you invaluable time and effort.

7. A Reliable Ear

Your broker will never tire of hearing about your home-buying excitement, frustrations, and anxieties. (But your friends might.)

8. Objective Advice

Using market data and their own experience, brokers can give you unbiased advice from both the buying and selling perspective. This is crucial to help you make fully-informed decisions.

9. Organization

Look at your broker as a trusted guide as you make your way through the many steps of the home buying process, from finding the right property (and eliminating others) to providing realistic timelines and keeping things moving forward.

10. Less Stress

At the end of the day, brokers can assist you with the legwork, paperwork, and intricacies involved in a real estate transaction for a smooth and successful transaction. The right broker can make the whole process exciting (not excruciating).