REALTORS® have extensive experience reviewing and negotiating real estate contracts. They look out for your interests and ensure that you don’t leave anything on the table. Even before getting to contract negotiations, it is a huge advantage to have one person dedicated to your home search.
REALTORS® have the tools to find homes for sale before you can find them on a web search. They know what’s going on in the local housing market and the surrounding community.
The cost of hiring a REALTOR® varies depending on the location, the services provided, and the commission rate. Typically, REALTORS® charge a commission, which is a fee equal to a percentage of the sales price of the home. Often, the listing agent and buyer’s agent split this commission, with each agent receiving a percentage of the total commission. The total commission rate will usually range from 2 to 6% of the home’s sales price. It is most common for the seller to pay the total commission, but sometimes, depending on the market, the buyer and seller agree to split the cost.
The typical buyer’s agent fee in CapCenter’s realty markets is 3% of the transaction, paid by the seller. Usually, that money goes straight to the real estate broker. At CapCenter, we apply a portion of the commission to your closing costs, saving you money.
The process of buying a house can be broken down into several steps:
This is just a general overview. For a more in-depth look, check out our home buyer's guide. It's important to keep in mind that the process of buying a house may vary depending on the location and other factors, but the steps are generally the same.
There are several reasons why someone may decide against using a REALTOR® when buying a house. Usually, it’s just that someone does not want to pay the agent's fee. Others may feel confident in their ability to navigate the home-buying process and want to take a shot on their own.
There are online platforms that allow people to buy and sell homes directly, bypassing the need for a REALTOR®. The issue with doing this is that the buyer may leave themselves exposed. There is a reason that there are professionals dedicated to this line of work. They know how to navigate the space and make sure your bases are covered.
Typically, the seller of a property pays the real estate broker fees. Many sellers will consider and include the cost of fees in the total sale price or negotiate them as part of the sales contract. In some cases, however, the buyer may agree to pay some or all of the agents’ fees. You’ll most often see this offered when a buyer needs to sweeten the deal. The agreement of who pays the agent fees will be discussed and agreed upon by both parties before signing the sales contract.
If you’re serious about buying a home, you should contact a REALTOR® as soon as you’re ready to start looking at properties.
It’s generally a good idea to contact a realtor as early as possible in the home-buying process. This gives you access to their expertise and resources right from the start. REALTORS® will help you understand the process of buying a home, including the paperwork involved and the steps you need to take to secure financing. Additionally, they will help you prepare a realistic budget and find properties that fit.
We cover your traditional closing costs, which will save you thousands. Learn more about our Zero Closing Costs Offer and Realty Savings here.
CapCenter has all your home-buying needs under one roof. Having your financing and realty services working together helps ensure you don’t miss an opportunity. It also helps you save money. Our structure gives back when you use our mortgage and realty services together.
Having a REALTOR® gives you an educated, inside look at the industry. A CapCenter REALTOR® will help you find the home of your dreams and get you into the home for a tour.