3 Reasons You Need a Real Estate Agent in Oakland
As one of the nation’s most expensive markets, shopping for real estate in the Bay Area presents various challenges. Choosing to use a real estate agent in Oakland can help buyers navigate these challenges and come out with a winning transaction. Here’s a look at three reasons you need a real estate agent in Oakland.
Professional Credibility
A flashy salesperson may know all the right words to say, but when it comes time to put pen to paper, can they get you the best deal? Having an experienced broker on your side to help with the technical aspects of closing a deal can ensure you leave with the most favorable offer. Agents with an extensive background in property management and brokerage will have a greater impact on the buying process and can negotiate more favorable terms for you. Often, an agent will own property in the same market and be a wealth of knowledge. When searching for commercial or investment properties, in particular, consider working with a Certified Commercial Investment Member (CCIM). CCIM holders have a high degree of financial and market analysis expertise and are recognized experts in commercial and investment real estate. A broker that is well respected by other agents is critical as well since many agents share information about upcoming listings. Also, is your broker part of the leadership in their local association, and do they stay up on all the government rules that may impact your purchase? Real estate is easy to get into, but it takes time, training, and experience to become an expert. No matter if you’re looking for residential, investment or commercial property, using a professional real estate agent with the right credentials can minimize your risk and maximize your return by helping you make informed decisions throughout the buying process.
Intimate Knowledge of the City
Oakland is known for its many vibrant and distinct neighborhoods and finding the right property to buy can be overwhelming. That’s why working with a real estate agent in Oakland is key to discovering the perfect opportunity. An experienced agent in the region will understand each area’s diversity and help you find the property that suits your needs the most. A local agent will also have an extensive history of successful transactions in the area. They can help you understand the current market trends and negotiate a more favorable deal for you. A successful real estate agent in Oakland will also have access to a wider network of sellers and properties, including unlisted properties and properties soon to be coming to market. Working with a local area agent will increase your options and potentially get you a more favorable price and the right project.
Personalized Service
Online real estate sites like Redfin or Zillow have become popular with buyers and sellers due to their convenience and ease of use. In reality, these sites merely act as lead generators for agents who may be short on technical skills. They aggregate the same Multiple Listing Services (MLS) that real estate agents have access to, in a way that the public can search. While it may be easy to browse their listings from your home or list your property for sale there, relying solely on these sites can limit your search or even undervalue your property when it’s time to sell. The real estate business has always been built around relationships between agents, brokers and sellers. Using a respected real estate agent in Oakland will bring intimate knowledge of the local area and market, along with a track record of closing the most beneficial deals for their clients. Most agents that use sites like Zillow or Redfin may lack the technical skill to help you price your property, negotiate a contract and prepare the home for sale. A dedicated real estate agent will help you negotiate the best price to buy or sell your home, investment or commercial property, and has access to all the major MLS databases in your area. A professional real estate agent can also create custom search parameters to narrow your search. Whether buying or selling property, an experienced real estate agent can help you harness the power of their personal network and extensive professional knowledge to get you the best deal – even in a recession.
Wrap Up
Navigating the complex Oakland real estate market doesn’t have to be intimidating. With the right real estate agent at your disposal, you’ll get the best value whether buying or selling commercial, investment or residential real estate. At Edrington and Associates, we have the knowledge and the experience to help you find the right property. We’ve brokered many successful deals for properties of all kinds in Oakland and the greater Bay Area. Don’t go it alone on your property search; go with Edrington and Associates.