What does a Realtor bring to the table?
"Bringing a Realtor to the table" means involving a licensed real estate professional in a transaction — typically as a buyer’s or seller’s agent. What the Realtor brings to the table can vary depending on the context, but here’s a breakdown of the most valuable contributions:
🧠 Expertise & Strategy
Pricing guidance: Knows the market and can advise if you're overpaying or underpricing.
Negotiation skills: Handles offers, counteroffers, and contract terms with strategic finesse.
Deal structure: Can suggest creative terms or financing options to make a deal work.
📊 Market Access & Information
MLS access: Direct listings (often before they hit public websites), comps, and days-on-market stats.
Local knowledge: Insight into neighborhoods, development trends, and red flags you might miss.
🛡️ Risk Management & Compliance
Contract accuracy: Ensures all clauses, timelines, and contingencies are handled properly.
Disclosure oversight: Protects clients from legal exposure through proper documentation.
Deadline tracking: Prevents issues like missed inspections, appraisal problems, or deposit loss.
🧩 Coordination & Execution
Vendor network: Has trusted contacts — inspectors, contractors, lenders, title companies.
Timeline control: Coordinates all moving parts to close on time.
Problem-solving: Knows how to troubleshoot title issues, appraisal gaps, or repair disputes.
💰 Value Creation
For buyers: May secure a better deal or terms that outweigh the cost of commission.
For sellers: Helps stage, market, and price effectively to maximize sale price.
For developers/investors: Spots zoning potential, future resale angles, or missed entitlements.
⚠️ Without a Realtor, You Risk:
Overpaying or underselling.
Signing contracts with unfavorable terms.
Missing inspection issues or legal deadlines.
Losing negotiating leverage or control of the narrative.
If you're evaluating whether you as a Realtor are bringing enough to the table, I can help you audit that from a client value perspective. Want that?