Buying or selling a home is a big decision, so you want to make sure you have an experienced professional guiding you through the process. That's where hiring a licensed real estate agent comes in. According to Orchard, a reputable home-buying guide, in the U.S. alone, there are more than 1.56 million realtors. Working with a realtor may seem intimidating at first, but it's actually quite simple and worthwhile. Here are eight reasons why hiring a licensed realtor is a breeze.

1. Connect With the Right Resources

One of the best parts of working with a realtor is that they have connections you don't. Your agent likely works with lenders, home inspectors, contractors, and other professionals on a regular basis. This means they can recommend the best people to help with your particular needs, whether it's finding the right mortgage or inspecting a home from top to bottom. You benefit from your realtor's network and relationships.

2. Navigate Contracts and Paperwork

Real estate transactions require signing a lot of complicated contracts and paperwork. Trying to understand it all as a homebuyer or seller can be confusing and stressful. Your licensed realtor can explain all these documents in simple terms to you. They'll walk you through the process step-by-step so you know what you're signing. With an expert guiding you, you're able to handle the paperwork with confidence.

3. Price Your Home Accurately

If you're selling your house, pricing it accurately is crucial to getting it sold quickly and for top dollar. A realtor will look at comparable home sales in your area and help you price your property competitively. This increases the chances of attracting qualified buyers right away. It also prevents you from overpricing or underpricing your home. Your agent's experience makes coming up with the optimal asking price easy.

4. Negotiate Effectively

Licensed realtors are expert negotiators. When you make an offer as a buyer or get an offer on your home as a seller, a realtor negotiates on your behalf to get you the best deal. They know what levers to pull, what terms are flexible, and when to walk away if needed. With a talented negotiator in your corner, you can get the price and contract terms you want. Let your agent handle the often stressful back-and-forth.

5. Access Their Vast Knowledge

Your realtor is a wealth of real estate knowledge. They understand the local housing market, trends, regulations, laws, and so much more in intricate detail. They can educate you on zoning, permits, development plans, and other factors that impact area home values. Your realtor stays up-to-date on market conditions so you benefit from their immense expertise about home buying and selling. They keep you informed every step of the process to help you make smart, data-driven decisions.

6. Market Your Home Wisely

Realtors have far-reaching tools to market listings to the widest possible audience. They list homes on the MLS, where all agents can see it, but also have media contacts, social media reach, websites, newsletters, and more. Your realtor will leverage all these channels to cast a wide net and get as many buyers interested in your home as possible. With expanded and strategic marketing, you're much more likely to sell faster and at a higher price.

7. Handle Showings and Open Houses

As the seller, having strangers walk through your home for showings and open houses can be disruptive and uncomfortable. Your licensed realtor can completely manage all showings and open houses for you. They screen buyers to weed out those just browsing, oversee every visit, and give you feedback after. You can go about your day while they handle potential buyers coming through your home. It's one less thing to worry about during the selling process.

8. Guide You Each Step of the Way

From start to close, your realtor is by your side providing guidance, advice, and reassurance. They help you set goals, stick to your priorities, prepare documents, meet deadlines, and so much more through each milestone. With an experienced professional overseeing the entire process, you feel at ease and in good hands through the buying or selling journey. You always have someone to turn to with questions or concerns. Their start-to-finish hand holding is invaluable.

The bottom line is hiring a realtor makes the process of buying or selling real estate simpler and less stressful. Their expertise and connections guide you through every step. If you're looking to hire a licensed realtor to buy or sell a home, start the process with The Stewart Fisher Group today.