Full Disclosure: I am a real estate consultant, professional transactioneer, and real estate investor. So you would expect me to have a resounding YES to the above question. My actual answer is MOST LIKELY. Also, I am not a real estate agent, attorney, accountant and any other professional requiring licensing and that would provide legal and/or accounting advice.
The only other professional that I believe is comparable to a real estate consultant is a real estate agent who is a true professional in that they have the knowledge and experience to advise you on the pros and cons of how to sell or buy a property. This is not only about listing it on the MLS (multiple listing service) and showing the property but how to structure the sale to maximize the financial benefits to you.
I’m sure right now there are many agents that are reading this and say I do more than list the property on the MLS and do showings. However, those that say that are the agents you should most likely be working with because they see their role as a professional consultant. However, those agents are very busy because they are in high demand and although they want to help everyone they physically can’t.
So hopefully, this makes my point that you most likely will need a real estate consultant. From my experience in over 5000 transactions, I have found that most sellers and buyers want or need someone that they can speak to freely about their transaction and be able to play the “what if” scenarios. If the agent you choose has not experienced or studied financial methods to sell your home, then how can you receive complete advice and recommendations? Additionally, most sellers are familiar with one way to sell their home which generally is the same way they bought their home, going to the bank and getting a loan. More understanding and options are needed.
Did you know that there are at least 6 methods to finance the sale of a home so depending on your situation, one or a combination of methods can be used. There are various criteria to decide which option would work best for you. This is where the consultant comes in to listen and ask questions about your goal in selling or buying a property and then explain the options and most importantly the pros and cons of each option. Again Full Disclosure, every option has risk and rewards and the consultant should explain each method and ways to mitigate the risk. A professional consultant can do this without having any other agenda other than presenting the options and answering your questions.
I have always been a believer that each Seller or Buyer should make their own decision once they have at least three options presented with the pros and cons. There is an order on how these options should be used and the driver is the needs of the Seller or Buyer.
I hope this helps and I am available to discuss this article further and any scenarios you may have to create options that are best for you.
Please note that I consult not only with buyers and sellers but also with real estate agents. I have great respect for these agents because they are being resourceful and collaborative to find the best solution for their clients. Hope to hear from you and be of service.
