It’s a slow Sunday morning. You’ve just brewed your Nespresso and popped open your laptop to check out the latest home listings and properties available in Costa Rica.
You’re DIYing this real estate thing, and you think you’re doing pretty well—after all, any info you might need is at your fingertips online, right? That and your own sterling judgment.
Oh, dear home buyer (or seller!)—we know you can do it on your own. But, you really, really shouldn’t. This is likely one of the biggest financial decisions of your entire life, and you need a Realtor® if you want to do it right. Here’s why.
- They have loads of expertise
Buying or selling a home, especially in a foreign country, requires knowledge of the country’s legalities, disclosures, and other technical documents. Realtors® have the expertise to help you prepare a the best deal—while avoiding delays or costly mistakes that can seriously mess you up.
The agent can help to guide you to areas and properties that will serve you best, because of their knowledge of Costa Rica, and all the areas.
- They have turbocharged searching power
The Internet is awesome. You can find almost anything—anything! And with online real estate listing sites, such as www.C21BallenaProperties.com, you can find up-to-date home listings on your own, any time you want. But guess what? Realtors® have access to even more listings. Sometimes properties are available, but not actively advertised. A Realtor® can help you find those hidden gems.
Plus, a good local Realtor® is going to know the search area far better than you ever could. Have your eye on a particular area, but can’t seem to find what you are looking for, in your price range? Your Realtor® is equipped to know the ins and outs of every neighborhood, in the area, you are interested in, so he/she can direct you towards property in your price range, that you may have overlooked or just cannot find on the internet.
- They have bullish negotiating skills
Any time you buy or sell a home, you’re going to encounter negotiations!
Don’t you want a savvy and professional negotiator on your side to seal the best deal for you?
And it’s not just about how much money you end up spending or netting. A Realtor® will help draw up a purchase agreement that allows sufficient time for inspections, contingencies, due-diligence, and anything else that’s crucial to your particular needs.
- They’re connected to everyone
Realtors® might not know everything, but they make it their mission to know just about everyone who can possibly help in the process of buying or selling a home. Real estate attorneys, home inspectors, exterminators, renovation people —the list goes on—and they’re all in your Realtor’s network. Use them.
- They adhere to a strict code of ethics
Not every real estate agent is a Realtor®, who is a licensed real estate salesperson; who belongs to the National Association of Realtors® ,the largest trade group in the world; or in Costa Rica – CRGAR – which is the training in Costa Rica that allows an agent to use ® and be registered with NAR®.
What difference does it make? Realtors® and offices that are SUGEF compliant, are held to a higher ethical standard and must adhere to a strong Code of Ethics.
- They’re your “go to” person for all things— all rolled into one
The thing about Realtors®: They wear a lot of different hats. Sure, they’re salespeople, but they actually do a whole heck of a lot to earn their commission. They’re constantly driving around, checking out listings for you. They spend their own money on marketing your home (if you’re selling). They’re researching previous sales, to make sure you’re getting the best deal.
They will advise you on where to get things for your new home, how to do many things, such as how to set up bank accounts, how to change your electricity bills, and many, many other things!
They’re working hard for you —whether you need more info on a home or just someone to talk to in order to feel at ease with the offer you just put in. This is one of the biggest financial (and possibly emotional) decisions of your life, and guiding you through it, is a responsibility the Realtors® at our office, on our team, take very seriously.
If you are wondering what properties are available for you… check out our Homes for Sale in Costa Rica.
Our agents can prequalify any property for you – with video conversations, etc; to ensure it suits your desires and needs!
We are here to help you with the entire process!
The team at Ballena Properties
