Should you hire a real estate agent to help you buy a home? While it might seem simpler and more affordable to do it alone, the home buying process can be made much easier and more rewarding by hiring a real estate agent. Here are some of the major benefits of hiring an agent to help you buy a home:
One major reason to work with a real estate agent on buying a home is that they can help you find more listings. Because agents have access to their local Multiple Listing Service (MLS), they're able to search and browse thousands of listings that you might not find on other home search sites. Agents can also use this knowledge of the MLS to hone in on your priorities and find the listings that meet your specific needs.
Real estate agents don't work for free, but they can save you money on a home's purchase price and other expenses. Agents can use their connections and access to the MLS to find listings you wouldn't otherwise find on major websites, some of which are going for well below market value. Real estate agents are also professional negotiators and can often help you get either a lower purchase price, or save you money on closing costs. An agent will work within your budget and comfort level to get the best price for the perfect home.
With its constant changes, the real estate market can be tricky to navigate. Things like prices, mortgage rates and inventory can fluctuate significantly and sometimes without discernable reason. Here is another way a real estate agent can help you: by using their vast knowledge of the market and how it works. They can give you information about what recent changes mean for your specific search and also help with price negotiations once you find an option.
Originally from Statesville, NC I grew up vacationing in the Myrtle Beach area and have been blessed to call it home for the last 23 years. An alumni of Appalachian State University, I have been a Realtor for 13-years in the Grand Strand area, and am licensed in both South and North Carolina. I hold several distinguished Realtor designations, including ARB, MRP, SRES, RSPS, SFR, and XCL. I love being involved in the Coastal Carolina Association of Realtors, having served on the Young Professionals Network committee, the Community Outreach committee, and am a 2022 graduate of Leadership CCAR. As a proud member of the Women's Council of Realtors Grand Strand, I had a role as the events committee chair for 2023, was the 2024 WCR events director, and am currently serving as the 2025 First Vice President. I have also contributed as a board member for the last 10 years for the Humane Society of North Myrtle Beach and currently serve as treasurer. In my spare time, I love traveling, shopping, and spending time with her family, friends, and 3 cats.
