We all know it can be browsing the Internet for your next home, but when it comes time to actually buy a home, working with a real estate agent can make a big difference. A buyer's agent will take the time to help you find the right home and put you on the path to home ownership.

With millions of real estate agents active across the country, you can choose the one that best suits your personality and the one that will help you get exactly what you need from your next (or first) home like Sitges real estate agent envyrealty.

1. They will get you a better price. Have an internal professional network

The professional real estate network is unlike any other business network you know. Real estate agents are constantly interacting with each other about properties and discovering hidden gems along the way. It's not an internal network of people you run in the same circles with, so having access to that network will be incredibly valuable to you when buying a home. Don't be afraid to ask your agent about some of the professional real estate associations he or she may be affiliated with in your industry.

2. Their ethics and experience

The fundamental advantages of working with an estate agent come down to the two big "E's": ethics and experience.  Real estate agents voluntarily hold themselves to higher standards, and this is important for the same reason that doctors take the Hippocratic oath and lawyers swear to a code of ethics. Real estate agents are professional fiduciaries who abide by principles, responsibilities and standards of conduct that put the client first and preserve the dignity and respect of the real estate profession. 

Expertise is demonstrated in a variety of ways, including locating homes that meet often very specific wants and needs, pricing and valuation, knowledge of the building code, drafting binding contracts, emotionless negotiation and the coordination necessary for a smooth closing. In what is often the most important purchase of your life, it is critical to have an experienced real estate agent by your side.  If you are well represented, you will be able to sell for more, buy for less and avoid major mistakes.

(Source: Chris Kallin, SeattlebyDesign, Realogics | Sotheby's International Realty)

3. They know the terrain

One of the best things about working with real estate agents is that they know the city they're working in. For you, this translates into a knowledge of the market, the area and real estate issues that you might not otherwise be aware of.

This will come in handy when you know what kind of neighbourhood you want to live in, how far you want to commute to work or what kind of schools you want your children to go to. For example, you may find a house you really like; an agent will be able to tell you more about the neighbourhood, such as the quality of the schools, crime rates or pending commercial development.

4. Know the market

The real estate market changes from week to week. Some changes are small, such as small price fluctuations in a neighbourhood, while others are more significant, such as interest rates. Each state, city and small municipality has its own real estate markets beyond what happens at the national level. Real estate agents are constantly monitoring these changes for their buyers which keeps you informed of all these volatile details so you can buy your new home at the best possible time.

When you use an estate agent in the buying process, they will help you make the most of your budget. They are there to know when a home is priced right, or too high, or even too low for the neighbourhood it's in. Your agent wants the purchase price to be a great investment so you can reap the financial benefits of home ownership. A real estate agent knows what certain features are worth and how they will affect your finances for years to come. Best of all, your agent is there to make sure you don't pay too much for your home or the neighbourhood it's in.

5. Save you time

If you've ever sat down at your computer to start looking for a home, you're already aware of how time-consuming the process can be. House hunting can be a time-consuming, never-ending game. Once an agent understands the details of what they are looking for in a house, they can work to eliminate anything that does not match their criteria. In addition, agents attend events and open houses all the time on behalf of their buyers so they don't waste your time. Working with a real estate agent is the best way to eliminate looking at homes that just won't work for you.

6. Have access to the mls

The Multiple Listing Service is one of the most effective communication tools in the home buying and selling market. Unfortunately, you don't always have access to it unless you work with a real estate agent. This is not to be confused with many of the online home search tools, as they do not always contain all available listings, which could hurt your search. The MLS is a powerful tool in the real estate industry that is designed to alert agents to things like open houses, notifications of new listings and other helpful tools to put you in the right place at the right time.