Do I Need a REALTOR®?

Key Benefits of Working With a REALTOR® for Buyers and Sellers in Chicagoland

If you're considering buying or selling a home in Northern Illinois, many people will tell you that your first step should be to find a REALTOR® you trust. But, especially if this is your first real estate transaction, you might be wondering…exactly what does a REALTOR® do, and why should you consider working with one? 

REALTORS® are licensed professionals, and only members of the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) can officially use the title. All REALTORS® are experienced real estate professionals, but not all real estate agents are REALTORS®. A REALTOR®’s expertise and credentialing offers a range of benefits that can make your buying or selling experience more seamless and efficient.

Here are key reasons why working with a REALTOR® is beneficial for both buyers and sellers in the residential real estate market.

Do I Need a REALTOR®? The Answer For Home Buyers

Yes, if you’re buying a home, you need a REALTOR® in order to ensure a smooth and safe transaction. Here are some of the benefits Chicagoland home buyers often report when working with a REALTOR®:

In-Depth Knowledge of Local Markets

Northern Illinois’ real estate market is diverse, spanning urban, suburban, and rural areas, each with distinct pricing trends, neighborhood features, and amenities. REALTORS® offer valuable insights into these nuances, from knowing which neighborhoods are experiencing growth to understanding future developments that could impact property values.

They also have access to the Multiple Listing Service (MLS), which provides up-to-date information on properties for sale, including exclusive and advanced listings not found on public websites. This gives buyers an advantage in a competitive market like Chicagoland.

Expert Negotiation Skills

Buying a home involves more than just placing a bid. From negotiating price to managing repair requests after a home inspection, a REALTOR® acts as your advocate, working to get you the best deal possible. Their experience with contracts, financing, and various contingencies ensures that your interests are protected during negotiations.

Guidance Through the Legalities

The home buying process involves significant legal documentation and a large amount of paperwork. REALTORS® are trained to handle these complexities, ensuring that all legal information is accurate and all paperwork is submitted correctly and on time, preventing costly legal errors that could delay or jeopardize your transaction.

A Network of Professionals Like Home Inspectors and Mortgage Lenders

Throughout your buying journey, you'll likely need the help of additional professionals, such as home inspectors, mortgage lenders, attorneys and title companies. REALTORS® have built extensive networks and can recommend trusted, reputable professionals, saving you time and ensuring you're working with vetted experts you can trust.

Time and Stress Management

Buying a home can be a time-consuming and emotional process. REALTORS® act as the point person for all the moving parts, managing communication between the seller, lender, title company, seller’s agent and other parties. This reduces the stress on buyers, and leaves time and mental energy for them to focus on finding the perfect home rather than dealing with the logistical challenges of the transaction.

Do I Need a REALTOR®? The Answer for Home Sellers

Though you might see homes listed as “for sale by owner,” the benefits of working with a REALTOR® are just as significant for sellers as they are for buyers. When asked why they choose to work with a REALTOR®, these are some of the benefits Chicagoland sellers cite most: 

Pricing Guidance

One of the most challenging aspects of selling a home is determining the right listing price. This is especially true in today’s challenging, rapidly changing market. REALTORS® use comprehensive analysis tools and local, up-to-the-minute market data to set a competitive price that attracts buyers while maximizing your return.

In Chicagoland, where housing prices vary widely from town to town and even block to block, this skill is particularly valuable. A REALTOR® can assess comparable homes in your immediate area and evaluate market trends to ensure your home is priced to sell quickly and profitably.

Professional Marketing

REALTORS® do far more than simply list your home for sale on the MLS. They know how to stage homes, maximize the impact of professional photographs, and write compelling descriptions that highlight your property's strengths.

Today’s REALTORS® are also skilled at the creative utilization of social media, virtual tours, and video marketing to attract potential buyers. This marketing expertise is especially important in some of the more in-demand suburbs, where homes may appeal to local buyers as well as those relocating to Chicagoland from other regions for work or family.

Access to Qualified Buyers

When selling your home in today’s market, it is critical to attract serious, qualified buyers who are ready and able to make a purchase within hours or days of your listing going live. REALTORS® can communicate closely with the buyer’s agent and assess potential buyers to ensure they are financially qualified, preventing time wasted on individuals who may not be able to complete the transaction.

Expert Management of Offers and Negotiations

Once you receive offers on your property, a REALTOR® will help you evaluate them, considering factors beyond just the offer price. They’ll review contingencies, buyer qualifications, and closing timelines to help you make an informed decision. Moreover, if multiple offers come in, a REALTOR® can guide you through a bidding war, helping you wade through complexity and ensuring you get the best possible price and terms.

Legal and Paperwork Support

Like buyers, sellers face a significant amount of paperwork and legal red tape, from disclosures and inspection reports to sales contracts. REALTORS® manage all the legal documents, making sure everything is in order before closing. This protects you from potential legal issues that could arise post-sale and cost you time or lost sleep, such as disputes over undisclosed home defects.

Faster Sales with Higher Profits

Homes listed with REALTORS® typically sell faster and for higher prices than homes listed by owners. REALTORS® know how to position your home in the market, handle buyer objections, and make necessary adjustments to pricing or presentation that ensure your home sells in a timely manner, for the right price. The quicker your home sells, the fewer holding costs you have, such as taxes, utilities, and insurance, and the faster you can get on with your life!

What Will a REALTOR® Do for Me?

If you’re not already convinced that the answer is “yes!” to the question “do I need a REALTOR®?” consider these long (but far from exhaustive) lists of things a REALTOR® will handle for you or help you with:

Big Things a REALTOR® Does for Buyers

• Assess the market and help you determine when it’s the right time to buy 
• Connect you with mortgage lenders and other qualified professionals who will play a role in the buying process
• Assess your financial situation and goals to help you set your budget 
• Send you relevant listings, including those you might otherwise not have access to
• Set up and attend showings of homes you’re interested in
• Advise on the value and fit of homes you’re considering
• Communicate with the seller’s agent to understand how to position your offer
• Help you strategize to make the best possible offer on a home you’re interested in, based on your goals
• Write and negotiate an offer on a home you’re interested in
• Manage the home inspection process
• Manage all paperwork and legal requirements from offer to closing
• Navigate unexpected situations or legal issues that come up in the buying process

Big Things a REALTOR® Does for Sellers

• Assess the market and help you determine when it’s the right time to buy 
• Assess your property, the local market, your goals and other factors to guide you through pricing your home for sale
• Help you figure out which repairs and improvements you need to make before listing your home, and which you can skip
• Stage your home for sale
• Get professional photos taken of your home
• Prepare marketing materials (print, digital, video) that showcase your home in the best possible light
• Get the word out about your home via social media, their network and other channels
• Communicate with agents representing buyers who are interested in your home
• Connect you with legal professionals and others who will play a role in the selling process
• Manage and help you assess incoming offers on your home to help you accept the best possible terms
• Manage the home inspection process
• Manage all paperwork and legal requirements from offer to closing
• Navigate unexpected situations or legal issues that come up in the selling process

Remember, REALTOR® must adhere to the National Association of REALTORS®’ strict Code of Ethics, which requires them to uphold integrity, honesty and client interests, and they must complete ethics trainings every three years. This provides added protection for both buyers and sellers, and ensures that when your REALTOR® checks items off the list above, they’re doing so with the utmost professionalism.



Moreover, REALTORS® have access to NAR’s vast array of resources and continuing education, as well as resources from their local associations, like Mainstreet REALTORS® which ensures that they are up-to-date on the latest industry trends, laws, and best practices. This is especially important in a complex and ever-changing market like Chicagoland, where local regulations and market conditions can shift rapidly.

Yes, You Need a REALTOR®.

Whether you’re a buyer or seller in Chicagoland, working with a REALTOR® offers numerous advantages. From their deep market knowledge and negotiation expertise, to their ability to handle the legal intricacies of real estate transactions, REALTORS® bring immense value to the table.

By choosing a REALTOR®, you’re partnering with a licensed professional who is committed to upholding the highest ethical standards and delivering a smooth, successful real estate experience. 

So, if you're next time someone asks you, “do I need a REALTOR®?” you can give them a resounding “YES!”