You?re buying your first (or second, or third) home. It?s an exciting time but is also plagued with endless questions and worries. Before you throw your hands up in frustration, consider enrolling the help of a real estate agent.

The Digital Age has created a dichotomy surrounding real estate that is both interesting and difficult. Many people believe the Internet provides all the knowledge and know-how that they could possibly need when buying a home. However, there are things that even the Internet can?t help you with.

The average first-time home buyer is 31 years old while the average repeat buyer was 53. In 2014, almost 90% of those homebuyers used the help of a real estate agent or broken when buying their home. The high percentage of those entrusted their experience with a realtor proves the advantages of such a relationship.

Local real estate agents bring many advantages to the table, including the powerful ability to negotiate. Real estate agents are trained and prepared to play hardball with homeowners and fellow real estate agents alike. They earn their living by trying to find you the best home within your budget that is on the market. In order to do this, they need to be ready to lay down the law when it comes to asking prices, closing costs and contracts. While paying a real estate agent a commission is a turn-off for some potential homebuyers, the amount being paid in commission pales in comparison to some of the costs an experienced agent can offset.

Realtors are professionals who have spent their entire career learning from the real estate market while dealing with fellow agents. They know what questions to ask and what questions to avoid. They can spot shady business deals from a mile away and aren?t afraid to call out anyone hoping to gain from underhanded business tactics. A large majority (40%) of home buyers enlist the services of a real estate that has been referred by a friend or family member. This adds an element of trust to the relationship. This is the type of person you want in your corner. Keep this in mind when choosing a real estate agent.

When it comes to buying a home, it is a long-term (potentially life-long) investment and commitment that shouldn?t be taken lightly. Without a real estate agent on your side, you pose the risk of being taken advantage of on the market. Rushing blindly into buying a home will likely result in undesirable consequences for years to come.