Real Estate Matters
As our Shore Local area enters the last quarter of 2025, the real estate market has a lot going on. Interest rates are becoming more affordable, down payment assistance programs are available and new listings are coming on the market every day.
Buyers are making offers and there is a lot of positive activity as open houses are being held with buyers out and about looking to own their new home by the end of 2025. Sellers are ready to sell and buyers are looking to buy. This is why hiring a buyer’s agent to assist you is so important.
Finding the perfect home means juggling countless choices: location, bedrooms, style, commute, schools, condo vs. house vs. 55+ vs. acreage, HOA or not, pool, well/septic or city utilities, sidewalks or privacy – oh my. It’s overwhelming and can feel impossible.
Don’t worry. Your local Realtor will be there for you. Now more than ever, hiring a professional real estate agent is an essential part of any successful home sale.
The mandated real estate procedures that went into effect in August 2024 require all sellers to fill out and provide seller disclosure forms on the property they are selling. A completed copy of the form must be provided to potential buyers when entering into an agreement to purchase a home.
In addition, when you ask to view a property with a real estate agent, the agent is required to ask if you currently have a buyer/broker agreement in writing with any other agent. If not, then the real estate agent must obtain a buyer/broker agreement from you before showing you the property.
This is required and essential in establishing the business relationship that you will have with the agent going forward. It outlines the obligations, fiduciary duties and responsibilities of care and loyalty to you in assisting you with finding your new home, including the manner and amount of compensation – the commission – to be paid to the agent’s brokerage, either by you, the buyer, or the seller included in your offer to purchase the home of your choice.
Why hire a real estate agent?
A real estate agent is your trusted advocate in the buying process. According to the National Association of Realtors, more than 90% of all homebuyers and sellers find and sell their homes through a real estate agent.
The term Realtor may be used only if a licensed agent, their broker of record and their real estate office belong to their local, state and national associations of Realtors, who are held to a higher standard of practice with continuing education and a strict code of ethics.
Real estate agents are licensed with the state and are educated to assist buyers and sellers in the home-buying and selling process.
Real estate agents are required to have their license with – and may only be paid by and through – their broker of record, the owner-broker of the real estate agency with whom they are licensed.
After obtaining additional years of education, completing multiple transactions and gaining full-time real estate experience, some agents may become licensed associate brokers or real estate brokers.
Many years of continuing education, dedication and knowledge are required to maintain a real estate license and build a successful career in real estate, in service to the community and to you.
These and many other qualities are offered to be of service to you in assisting you in the buying process.
Your agent is a well-trained, strong negotiator who is ready to get you the home that you want, helping you find and make the best choice in a home for you and your family that you will enjoy for many years to come.
For More Real Estate Questions, Information and Advice Contact Elisa Jo Eagan “The Real Estate Godmother” (609)703-0432 and Remember…”There’s No Place Like Owning Your Own Home!”
