Pros and Cons in Using An Agent

When house hunting, there are many things you look at and consider before actually
deciding which to buy or rent. Impulse decision is a no-no because in the long run, you may
regret choosing the property you live in now for a variety of reasons like it's infested with
mice or it's a chaotic environment.
Along these things, what you really should consider is if you're going to go with an agent.
Hiring an agent have different advantanges and disadvantages. Below are some pointers
you might want to review before you decide.

Pros of Getting an Agent

Access to MLS

Access to an MLS is advisable when you're looking for reputable properties because MLS
list are thorough. They list all the details you need to know about the property you want to
buy or rent like how old the property is or does it have existing disputes.

You Save Time

Everybody is busy nowadays, don't you think? So why bother look for listings yourself
when you can have an agent do that for you?


Property Owner Pays Them Not You

Typically, you don't have to pay them because the owner does that so you get the added
benefits of hiring an agent without actually paying for the service. Quite a deal.

Your Agent is Your Protector

As your agent, he/she needs to protect you from getting into a bad deal. You agent will
look for deals that are worthy of your time and money making sure you get a place that
you'll really love and a place that is livable.

Additionally, your agent makes sure that your deposit is secured.

Your Agent is a Pro

Negotiating take skills and agents are pros in these situation so by hiring an agent, you
have the benefit of landing a deal that is apt for your requirements, a deal where you are
happy and contented and a deal that is surely legal.

Cons of Getting an Agent

Your Agent May Not Exactly Know What You Want

So you want to live in a building where the walls are intricately carved by a renowned artist
or you want a unit by the pool or you need amenities like the gym; chances are all these
details are not known to your agent and if you can't voice it out exactly that you may land
a deal to live in a property that you don't like.

They Don't Earn Big for Every Deal

Sometimes the reason for agents to seem vaguely interested to find you a property is
because they're not going to earn a huge amount of money for the deal. The most common
earnings of an agent is half a month's rent worth. So sometimes they lack the eagerness
to find you a good deal.

Agents Are Inexperienced When it Come to Leases

Your agent may be a good negotiator but he is no lawyer and for this reason, he/she may
not have enough knowledge to assist you when it comes to these matters.

Your Agent is Also the Property Owner's Agent

If the property owner is the one paying the agent then this said agent may also side
against you which can be a pain. If this happens, just make sure you don't enter a deal that
you haven't thought of properly.