Why Real Estate Agents Can Help You Find the Right Home

While Maine realtors don't have as many of the perks and benefits that property buyers do, they are certainly no slouch when it comes to finding the best deals. Unlike many other states, Maine realtors don't just sell homes; they also handle a wide variety of other types of real estate transactions, from traditional, retail properties, to new development, to luxury properties. Realtors in Maine are also experienced in selling commercial properties, such as office buildings, and in locating buyers for those types of properties. If you're in the market for a new home or want to sell your Maine real estate, a realtor can help.

As with any industry, there are both advantages and disadvantages to hiring Maine realtors. One of the major advantages is that most Maine realtors charge a fee for their services. This fee is often required in order to take their services, and Maine realtors are skilled at finding the best deals for their clients. Additionally, many of the state's Maine realtors offer buyer assistance, helping their buyers find the perfect property and explain all of the possible options available to them. Additionally, many Maine realtors charge their clients a commission for the work they do on their behalf.

Real estate agents make their money by getting the most for their clients, and since they aren't paid until the sale of the property has occurred, they are often privy to details that other people may not be aware of. They also have connections within the various agencies that buy and sell properties, so they are usually well-connected and can get results that even the biggest, most successful agencies would find hard to get. And since a realtor is not an employee of the agency that is selling the property, his or her services are protected by the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA).

As a result, realtors can help their buyers to avoid problems that can arise in the purchase of a home. For instance, it is illegal for a realtor to lie about a property's condition in order to make a sale. If a realtor takes advantage of his or her clients by lying about the state of the property or its price, then he or she could be held legally responsible. In fact, if the lies cause the buyer to pay less for a house than it would have otherwise been, the realtor may even be charged with fraud.

But don't worry: you won't necessarily see your realtor charging you an exorbitant commission. In fact, in many Maine towns, homeowners' association fees are lower than the realtor's portion of the closing cost. In other towns, like New England, Maine realtors charge their clients a reasonable fee for their services. Also, in Maine, where buyers' associations don't have the right to collect money for performance of their duties, the realtor's fees are collected by the association itself. Finally, in towns where condos and townhouses are being sold, the seller pays the commission.

The fees that realtors charge their clients depend on many factors. Maine realtors must disclose any fees before a home is listed, and they must explain any special circumstances that may apply to any particular transaction. It is a good idea to get your realtor's fee estimates from at least three different realtors before you make your decision.