Why Working with a Realtor is the Smart Choice for Americans: 5 Compelling Reasons

Why Working with a Realtor is the Smart Choice for Americans:

5 Compelling Reasons

In the dynamic landscape of real estate, the decision to buy or sell a property is one of the most significant choices a person can make. While some individuals might consider selling their property to a cash buyer or taking the do-it-yourself route, working with a professional Realtor offers a range of advantages that should not be overlooked. In this article, we’ll delve into the top five reasons why Americans should opt for a Realtor when navigating the complex world of real estate transactions.

1. Expertise and Market Knowledge

The realm of real estate is multifaceted, with ever-changing market trends and legal intricacies. Realtors possess in-depth knowledge about the local market conditions, pricing trends, and neighborhood specifics. This wealth of information enables them to provide accurate property valuations, ensuring that sellers receive fair prices and buyers make informed decisions. With a finger on the pulse of the market, Realtors offer invaluable insights that can lead to more successful transactions.

2. Effective Negotiation Skills

Negotiating in real estate transactions requires finesse and strategic thinking. Realtors are adept at negotiating on behalf of their clients, ensuring that their best interests are upheld. Whether it’s securing a favorable selling price or navigating the intricate terms of a purchase agreement, a skilled Realtor can make a substantial difference in the outcome of negotiations. Their expertise helps bridge gaps, resolve conflicts, and facilitate smoother deals.

3. Access to Extensive Networks

One of the major advantages of working with a Realtor is the access to their extensive professional networks. Realtors have connections with mortgage brokers, home inspectors, appraisers, and other professionals crucial to the buying or selling process. These connections streamline the transaction, ensuring that every aspect, from legal procedures to financing, is handled by trusted experts. This network is especially beneficial for those new to the real estate landscape.

4. Protection and Ethical Guidance

Realtors, especially those affiliated with organizations like the National Association of Realtors (NAR), are bound by a strict code of ethics. This code ensures that Realtors prioritize their clients’ interests, act transparently, and maintain the highest levels of professionalism. For instance, our company, RealEstate PDX.com, takes pride in being a fiduciary, putting the client’s needs before everything else. This commitment to ethics provides clients with peace of mind, knowing they are working with professionals who uphold the highest standards.

5. Time and Convenience

Selling a property or finding the perfect home demands a substantial investment of time and effort. Realtors alleviate this burden by handling the intricate details of the transaction process. From marketing the property and arranging showings to coordinating inspections and paperwork, Realtors ensure a seamless experience. This leaves clients with more time to focus on their daily lives without being overwhelmed by the complexities of real estate transactions.

Conclusion

In the realm of real estate, making the right choice can have far-reaching implications. While the allure of quick cash sales or DIY approaches might be tempting, the benefits of working with a Realtor far outweigh the alternatives. From their market expertise and negotiation skills to their extensive networks and ethical commitment, Realtors provide a level of service that ensures successful, satisfying transactions. So, whether you’re buying or selling, consider enlisting the expertise of a Realtor to guide you through this pivotal journey.

FAQs

  1. Why should I choose a Realtor over a cash buyer? Realtors offer market insights, negotiation skills, and a personalized approach that cash buyers often lack. They ensure you get the best value for your property.
  2. Can I trust Realtors to prioritize my interests? Absolutely. Realtors, especially those associated with organizations like NAR, adhere to strict ethical codes that prioritize clients’ interests above all else.
  3. How does working with RealEstate PDX.com make a difference? RealEstate PDX.com is committed to being a fiduciary, ensuring that your needs and interests are always at the forefront of every transaction.
  4. Will working with a Realtor save me time and effort? Indeed. Realtors handle numerous tasks, including paperwork and negotiations, saving you time and reducing the stress associated with real estate transactions.
  5. What if I’m a first-time homebuyer? Can a Realtor help me? Absolutely. Realtors can provide guidance, educate you about the process, and connect you with the right professionals, making the homebuying experience smoother for newcomers.

 

Leave a comment

China Buying More US Real Estate

China Buying More US Real Estate

A new report reveals that Chinese nationals have resumed dominating foreign purchases of U.S. homes after a long lull. This is significant because, for years, Chinese buyers were the largest group of foreign buyers of U.S. homes, but their share plummeted during the pandemic due to strict lockdowns and travel restrictions. However, the latest data from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) suggests that Chinese homebuyers are making a comeback in the U.S.

According to NAR survey data published this week, Chinese buyers accounted for 13% of all foreign buyer purchases in the 12-month period between April 2022 and March 2023. In the previous two years, their share had plunged to 6% due to pandemic-related travel restrictions. During the most recent period, Chinese buyers spent $13.6 billion on existing homes, more than double the $6.1 billion they spent the prior year.

However, NAR chief economist Lawrence Yun cautioned that the doubling is coming off a very low number and is still well behind the pre-COVID condition. California was the top choice for Chinese buyers in the survey period ending in March, accounting for 33% of all homes purchased, followed by Florida at 16% and Texas at 8%. Experts attribute the popularity of Florida and Texas to their home affordability.

Most Chinese buyers are now purchasing U.S. homes for their own use rather than as offshore investors, according to Kashif Ansari, co-founder and group CEO of international property company Juwai IQI. Ansari predicts that the typical Chinese buyer in 2023 is on their way towards becoming an American resident and citizen.

However, states across the U.S. have enacted or weighed legislation to limit Chinese citizens from buying certain properties, citing national security. For instance, a law in Florida that bars most Chinese citizens from purchasing homes in the state took effect last month. The ACLU, along with other organizations, has filed a lawsuit challenging the law on behalf of four individuals and a Florida real estate brokerage firm seeking an injunction to block the law’s enforcement. Florida realtors previously told Axios that the law had significantly undermined Chinese buyers’ interest in the state, and it remains to be seen how other states will react to Chinese buyers’ resurgence in the U.S. housing market.

The typical Chinese buyer in 2023 is likely to be an American resident and citizen, rather than an offshore investor. However, legislation across the United States has been introduced to limit Chinese citizens from buying certain properties, citing national security concerns. In Florida, a law that restricts most Chinese citizens from purchasing homes in the state has recently come into effect, causing a stir among civil liberties groups. The ACLU and other organizations have filed a lawsuit on behalf of four individuals and a Florida real estate brokerage firm, seeking an injunction to block the law’s enforcement. Realtors in Florida have also noted that the law has already reduced Chinese buyers’ interest in the state.

Summary:

– Chinese buyers have resumed dominating foreign purchases of U.S. homes after a long lull.

– Chinese nationals were the largest group of foreign buyers of U.S. homes for years.

– However, their share plunged during the pandemic due to strict lockdowns and travel restrictions.

– The latest data from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) suggests that Chinese homebuyers are making a comeback in the U.S.

– In the 12-month period between April 2022 and March 2023, Chinese buyers accounted for 13% of all foreign buyer purchases, according to NAR survey data published this week.

– The share of Chinese buyers had plunged to 6% in the previous two years, mostly due to pandemic-related travel restrictions.

– Chinese buyers spent $13.6 billion on existing homes during the most recent period, more than doubling the $6.1 billion they had spent the prior year.

– California was the top choice for Chinese buyers, accounting for 33% of all homes purchased, followed by Florida at 16% and Texas at 8%.

– Most Chinese buyers are now purchasing U.S. homes for their own use rather than as offshore investors

– States across the U.S. have enacted or weighed legislation to limit Chinese citizens from buying certain properties, citing national security.

– A law in Florida that bars most Chinese citizens from purchasing homes in the state took effect last month, and the ACLU has filed a lawsuit challenging the law on behalf of four individuals and a Florida real estate brokerage firm.



Leave a comment

Buying with RealEstatePDX.com

Owning a home has long been a cornerstone of the American dream, offering security, stability and an opportunity to build wealth. In recent years, confidence in the real estate market has slowly returned; and with rental prices increasing and the cost of owning a home looking more attractive than ever before, many people are now opting for buying rather than renting.

Benefits of owning a home

  • Owning a home gives you the opportunity to build equity, qualify for tax deductions, leverage your investment, save money and take pride in ownership. 
  • Mortgage interest, real estate taxes and other expenses can be deducted from your taxes. 
  • Even though the investment is only a portion of the home’s value, appreciation on the full amount is possible. 
  • In addition, owning a home may be less expensive than renting due to current rental prices at all-time highs. 
  • Finally, you can make improvements to your home that reflect your personal style and take pride in keeping it well maintained.

Why work with me?

Buying a home is one of the most important financial decisions you will ever make, and we are here to ensure that it goes as smoothly as possible. 

  • We are Negotiation experts! Our job is to provide guidance to help you get into contract and close on the home that you decide you want!
  • We work with the best inspectors! We find the most detail-oriented home inspectors in the business so that you know all the challenges the home may have, and look to have the Seller remedy as many issues as possible before closing. 
  • We are Available! Access to your agent is crucial in a difficult market. WE answer our phone and are available on the weekends and evenings if necessary to secure a home you are interested in. 
  • We will give you straightforward and honest advice throughout the entire process. Whether your budget is $100,000 or $10 million, our priority is to find you a perfect home at an unbeatable price. Furthermore, we go beyond simply finding a house… we guide you every step of the way, from helping with movers and home insurance to personally dropping off pizza on moving day!

Next steps…

Send us an email at harlan(at)realestatepdx(dot)com and let us know you’d like to start looking so we can get a search set up for you on MLS and begin emailing you homes which fit your search criteria.  Lastly, check out the estimate of buyer’s closing costs. This is the approximate amount of cash you would need to have available on the day of closing in addition to your down payment.

 

Leave a comment

Are you Buying, Selling
or Both?