Whether you’re buying or selling a home, you need a top-notch agent in your corner. There are many qualities you should look for during the hiring process, but one of the most useful is negotiation expertise.

Of course, guidance at the start of your real estate journey is important—but your agent’s skill set shouldn’t end there. If you’re hoping for the best price, terms, and conditions, you’ll want to work with someone who has mastered the art of negotiating.

Here are five reasons why the real estate agent you work with should be an expert negotiator…

1) A quicker closing

For most home buyers and sellers, a relatively quick transaction is ideal. Unfortunately, agents who don’t have in-depth negotiation expertise don’t always know how to keep things moving. By working with a professional who knows when to take action, when to hold back, and which information to present along the way, you can avoid a long, drawn-out process.

2) A better price

While you probably want to make it to closing efficiently, that shouldn’t come at the expense of a great price. If you’re buying, an effective negotiator can help you save as much money as possible—without turning the seller off during the offer stage. Of course, if you’re selling your home, you’ll have the opposite goal. While negotiations are all about coming to an agreement that everyone is happy with, it’s important to have a professional by your side whose goal it is to get the price where you want it.

3) Peace of mind

The back-and-forth of a real estate transaction can be stressful. The truth is, most people aren’t natural negotiators, which is exactly why you shouldn’t enter into the process alone. The good news is, when you work with someone who’s been through it many times before, you can rest assured that their actions are based on proven strategy—not best guesses.

4) An advocate

When you’re at the negotiation table, it feels good to have someone looking out for your interests alone. That means a real estate professional who will fight for you. As a market expert, the agent you work with should use relevant local data and psychological insight to achieve the best possible outcome on your behalf.

5) Those little extras

In real estate, negotiations often go beyond money. As a buyer, you can ask for everything from having repairs completed to getting the seller’s help with your closing costs and. Even those gorgeous light fixtures you saw during your viewing could be on the table! Sellers can counter buyer offers to secure a more flexible timeline, have home-buying conditions removed, and more. The point is, a great negotiator knows how to push for a deal that will meet as many of your requirements as possible.

Whether you’re ready to purchase a home or you’re preparing to put one on the market, chances are good that you’ll wind up negotiating. Having a pro by your side can help ensure that you hash out a deal you’re truly happy with!

Preparing to buy or sell a home? We know the process inside and out, and we’d love to walk you through it! Get in touch to get started!