When you first start searching for a new home, you’ll likely start by browsing homes for sale online. These days, technology allows you to have quite a bit of information at your fingertips. You can literally shop for a home from your couch.

Eventually, however, most homebuyers use the services of a buyer’s agent, a real estate agent who represents the buyer’s interests in a home sale. Despite technology’s increasing role in real estate sales, buyer’s agents can still be very helpful. Here are five reasons to consider a buyer’s agent for your home search.

1. Local expertise

Sure, you can find a lot of information online about a home listed for sale. But sometimes, it takes somebody who knows a neighborhood well to provide details a website can’t.

You might have questions about the local school district, crime rates, access to healthcare, and more. Maybe you’re curious about the general lifestyle of a locale or wonder how friendly or social a neighborhood is. Agents who’ve sold multiple homes in particular areas over the years have intimate knowledge of locales that you can’t find online.

2. Insider’s advice

A high asking price doesn’t necessarily mean a home is a bad deal, and a low price isn’t always an indicator of a good deal. It all depends on what you get for your money. It’s more about value than price.

An agent has a good idea of that sort of value. They know what features similar homes in a price range have or don’t have. They know whether or not any repairs that might be needed will be worth it. They have an understanding of what sorts of issues with a home make it smart to refuse to waive contract contingencies. The professional advice from a real estate insider is often something you can’t get anywhere else.

3. Recommendations for other professionals

Over the years, experienced agents establish relationships with other professionals in the field. Those relationships mean agents can provide homebuyers with recommendations they might need.

For example, many agents have contacts in the mortgage business and can refer you to a loan officer or mortgage broker they know can get the job done. When it’s time for a professional home inspection, your agent will probably recommend one they know and trust. The same goes for contractors who might be needed to get an idea of costs for any work that might be required.

4. Negotiation

You might think it’s simple to make an offer on a home, but there are almost always other details of a purchase contract that need to be negotiated.

What’s included with the house is sometimes not cut-and-dry. If you like, say, the hot tub or certain pieces of furniture, how do you ask to include them? Do you know what sort of concessions you might ask for should the seller want a longer-than-normal time to closing?

A real estate transaction involves a legal contract with big financial implications. Having an agent negotiate that contract for you can give you some peace of mind.

5. Guidance through the process

Searching for and buying a home can be a long, sometimes tedious process. There are many steps along the way from starting a search until moving in, and having someone to walk you through step-by-step can help keep you from being overwhelmed.

There are times when buyers get cold feet or are unsure about what to do once an offer is accepted or turned down. They don’t always know how quickly to apply for a loan or when to schedule the home inspection. A buyer’s agent will get you through it.

The bottom line: There is a lot of information online about homes for sale, and almost everybody starts their search on the internet. But there are some valuable services a buyer’s agent contributes to a home search, including some you can’t always get elsewhere.

Are You Thinking of Buying a Home in Dubois County?

Use our site to search homes for sale in Jasper, Dubois, Spencer, Martin and Davis counties and all of our surrounding areas. Unlike the “big name” sites out there, at Sell 4 Free Welsh Realty our site is directly connected to our local MLS and is updated with new homes every hour. By signing up for New Listing alerts you can stay on top of the newest homes for sale and get price change alerts so you can stay ahead of other buyers and beat them to the hottest deals!

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Newest Homes for Sale in Dubois County

View the newest homes listed in Dubois County in the last 10 days:

Welcome home! This well maintained and regularly serviced 4 bedroom 1930s home that has stayed within 3 generations of the same family is up for grabs! Bring your vision as you step into this gorgeous home with original trim and French doors between the dining and living rooms, 9' ceilings, strong bones, welcoming front porch, and relaxing 3 seasons patio. Replacement windows allow for plenty of natural light. The open floor plan basement houses the laundry, sink, and toilet. An oversized 2 car detached garage goes perfect with the brick home as well as four additional rock parking spaces- two on the west and 2 on the northeast of the house. A smaller shed that was once used as a smoke house and garden tools storage is next to the detached. More! A 1.90 acre lot is included to do with as you please! There is a partial chainlink fence lining the three sides of the rear half of the lot. Tall cedars line a part of the the west for privacy.

$219,000 Active

1281 E 2nd Avenue Jasper, Indiana

4 Beds 2 Baths 1,250 SqFt 1.900 Acres

Listing courtesy of Keasha Fromme from Carpenter Realty LLC.

This nice, well kept home in the heart of Huntingburg is sure to please. There are two bedrooms on the main level, and large bedroom upstairs. The custom headboard and built-in bunk stay with the house. The oversized living room and dining area have beautiful hardwood floors. Upstairs is a den that is currently being used as a 4th bedroom. The basement provides an abundance of storage, and has direct access to the garage. Outside is a child's paradise with large yard and basketball goal with concrete pad.

$174,900 Active

105 E 1st Street Huntingburg, Indiana

3 Beds 2 Baths 2,080 SqFt 0.290 Acres

Listing courtesy of Steve Lukemeyer from F.C. TUCKER EMGE.

Welcome home to Huntingburg's desirable Hunter's Crossing neighborhood! This pristine 1564 square foot ranch has 3 bedrooms, 2 full baths with a thoughtfully designed layout. The open concept design and vaulted ceilings in the living and kitchen areas add to the spacious feel of this home. The living area has large windows which overlook the stunning in-ground pool. A gas fireplace with floor to ceiling stone surround makes an impressive statement in the living area. The living area is open to the kitchen which has an island with sink and dishwasher for convenience. The kitchen has beautiful granite countertops, stainless appliances, and space above the cabinets for decor. Off the kitchen is the lovely dining area, which also overlooks the pool and has a door that opens to the covered patio. The owner's suite which is off the living area also overlooks the pool and has vaulted ceilings. An ensuite bath off the owner's suite has a jetted tub, walk-in shower, and huge walk-in closet. Two additional bedrooms and a second full bath are on the opposite side of the home for more privacy. A nice laundry room is off the foyer and leads to the two-car garage with extra space. Out back, the 18'x36' in-ground saltwater pool with automatic cover and heater makes this home an absolute perfect place to entertain! A large patio and beautiful black metal fence surround the pool area. There is also a covered patio as well for enjoying the outdoors in the shade. A large back yard and nice utility shed rounds out this perfect property. Extremely budget-friendly utilities are a plus at this home. Budget for utilities including electric, gas, water, and sewer is only $268/month. Hurry or you will miss your chance at this lovely home that is convenient to everything!

$319,900 Active

210 W Stellar Way Huntingburg, Indiana

3 Beds 2 Baths 1,564 SqFt 0.300 Acres

Listing courtesy of Jennifer Fritz Wahl from ERA FIRST ADVANTAGE REALTY, INC.

5 Reasons to Consider a Buyer’s Agent for Your Home Search