In Real Estate today home sales are often centered around internet-based platforms. The roles of the Real Estate Agent have changed over the years but regardless of all the platforms, information, and hype surrounding AI (Artificial Intelligence), the value-added component of professional representation should not be overlooked. 

 The best Agents in Real Estate add value to their clients by bringing them the additional benefits of their knowledge, experience, and connections in the industry. It is vital for the client and the Agent to leverage all these resources to ensure success. 

 Real Estate Transactions involve not only property and physical assets but also people and dealing with people is something that has more to do with success than anything else. The wants and needs of a Buyer and Seller may be in direct opposition with one another yet central to any completed sale is the need for agreement. In any transaction, if the negotiations become 100% adversarial, they will almost always fail.  

To be certain, the fiduciary responsibilities of the Real Estate Agent belong to the client they are representing. So, in this manner, the Agent uses their experience and abilities to work toward the benefit of the client they represent by helping them get the most out of their position. Sometimes it is
the smallest things that make it possible for the parties involved to reach an agreement and whether or not they cost money they can be emotionally very valuable.  

There are intangibles in any transaction that can create emotional blocks for one or both parties, and sometimes the real value comes from finding out what is most important to the client being represented. With so many other components of a contract besides the price of the property, it is easy
to see how things can get hung up. The best Agents recognize this and help to put all the additional components together so that both sides feel like they have a win. 

The key is in not only negotiations but also having clarity on the areas of "give and take" within an agreement that matters to the client and what makes the most sense to focus on. This may include sentimental value, timing for closing, time is of the essence clauses, amounts for Earnest and Option money, HOA fees and transfer agreements, property taxes, lease agreements, transferring security deposits if any, non-realty items being transferred with the sale, surveys, performance dates for inspections, payment of home warranty policies, and potentially much more. 

Each one of these items has the potential to create stress, cost the parties the Agent is representing more money or in the worst case prevent the deal from even closing. Value-added services are apparent when the representative you are working with helps you get over the hurdles that may present themselves within a transaction thereby saving you time, money, or hassles. Experience in this department can go a long way when applied for your benefit resulting in immeasurable "Value" received! 

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