While you can buy a home in Rhode Island without a real estate agent, there are many reasons to work with one. Using the seller’s agent leads to problems because that agent has divided interests. Consider these reasons to use your agent when buying a home.
Negotiations
Real estate agents are professional negotiators with in-depth knowledge of the local market. Therefore, you can trust them to help you decide what you should offer on a home. Then, if the seller makes a counteroffer, they can give you even more advice.
Requesting repairs
A buyer’s real estate agent can spot problems with the property that you want to buy. They can tactfully ask the seller to make those repairs. If the seller is not interested, they can advise you on how much you should lower your bid or if it is time to find a different property.
Handling the paperwork
If you have ever purchased a home, you need a dedicated shelf to hold all the paperwork. Most of it will be written in a language you need help understanding. Your agent can explain it to you and show you where to sign.
Code expertise
Cities and homeowner associations have specific rules that you must follow. A buyer’s agent can spot where the property you are considering is out of compliance. Then, they can suggest what you should do before the residential real estate sale is complete.
Spot closing pitfalls
While real estate agents are not lawyers, they have the expertise to spot closing pitfalls ahead of time. That way, they can often be fixed, and the closing can happen on time.
While the law does not require using a buyer’s real estate agent, you will want one for many reasons.