Why Choose a Realtor?

I’ve been researching lately why someone would pick a company like Opendoor for selling their home vs. just picking a realtor like moi! Or, why someone would pick a company like Rently to list their rental home vs. a realtor, like moi! Here is some information I gleaned from my research that may help you when making a choice.

Often times, and especially these days, people like convenience. Oh, let me just drive thru or order on my app and I will pick it up from Starbucks, Chipotle, and even Target. Even now we have companies like Shipt, Instacart, etc. where you can order your groceries and anything else you want delivered to your doorstep. Time is precious to people who are busy or just do not want to go anywhere else after a long week of work. They love the convenience of using apps and going online…I get that! I love it too! 

However, convenience can cost you a LOT of money and is not always wise. Stop. Take a deep breath, and think to yourself…is it really worth me losing money? Companies like Opendoor and Rently promise to save you money, but do they really? According to Ryan Fitzgerald for Raleigh Realty, his blog states “Opendoor charges a 7.5% fee at a minimum” vs. a realtor (like moi) who charges a 6% fee to sell your home. Mr. Fitzgerald furthermore informs us that “Opendoor’s disclaimer is actually 6-14% based on how long it takes to sell your home, the comps in your area, and your home’s features. They also typically offer to buy your home below market value” (www.raleighrealtyhomes.com). Does that sound like all of your hard work and investment in your home will bring you a profit? Nope! And, don’t you want to make money? Otherwise, why own a home to begin with?

If you are a landlord, why would you use Rently vs. a realtor? Well, honestly I have not done enough research on if it’s more cost effective to use Rently. I know that realtors typically charge one month’s rent to list your home (that’s not bad).  I also know that it is becoming more and more unsafe and scammers LOVE online companies like Rently or even Trulia. Scammers will take the listing (even if it’s expired) on Rently or Trulia and will post them on Craigslist advertising the home for lease. Then, they somehow get the code to the lockbox (because it is a self guided tour with online companies), promote the listing, and then get potential tenants to go look at the house. They offer to wave the application for the house (red flag), no background check (red flag), and then the tenant will Zelle or Venmo them a security deposit of anywhere from 1000-2000 or more. These online companies are making it extremely easy for scammers. Please…if you are a landlord, use a realtor to be safe. Not to mention these potential tenants are touring homes unaccompanied, and who knows what they will do to the home, which can then cost you big time money in repairs!

So, what do realtors like moi offer? We actually save you money. We provide safety for you. We give you peace of mind. And…we have a wonderful and trustworthy app and online service to use for your real estate needs called HAR.com. It is the best, most effective time saving tool to utilize. Let me walk you through using it, and you will see just how wonderful and easy it is to use. As your realtor, I will be with you from start to finish one-on-one walking you through every step. Oh, and did I mention I can make a profit for you? I also collaborate with other realtors in my office to meet your needs. I collaborate outside my office too! So, call, text, or chat on the HAR app so that I can help you make money in real estate and keep you safe!