If you’ve ever bought or sold a home, you’ve probably interacted with a real estate agent. This person is in the business of working with clients to buy and sell homes. The role of a property consultant in Maryland is quite different. They offer insight during the purchasing process to help you make real estate investment decisions. This makes the role of a real estate agent and a property consultant different in several key ways.
Fee
Real estate agents work on commission, while property consultants in Maryland work for a flat fee or on an hourly basis. This frees property consultants from bias. Their payment is not based on your purchase of a certain property or from making any sale at all. They get paid to assist you, whether you purchase a property or not. This allows them to remain objective and work with your best interests in mind.
Approach
A real estate agent approaches their work with you with one objective in mind: their goal is to help you find and buy a property. This is their designated role. A property consultant, on the other hand, can take several approaches, depending on your situation. The consultant can help you decide if now is the best time for you to buy. They can examine your financial portfolio, look at your purchase options and consider your goals to provide an expert opinion about your potential investment. Beyond simply buying a home, they are there to assist you with overall estate planning.
Objective
The objective of a property consultant in Maryland varies from that of a real estate agent in its scope. A real estate agent’s objective is to help you buy a home. This is the only outcome they are working toward. A property consultant’s objective changes based on your needs. Each client has unique objectives. You might have a goal of buying a home in 10 years. In this case, a real estate agent would not be involved for another decade. A consultant, however, can advise you how to plan to meet this goal and help you determine if this is a wise decision.
Expertise
Due to their varying roles, real estate agents and property consultants in Maryland offer different types of expertise. While there is some overlap, consultants can offer deeper insight into property values, personal finances and overall estate planning. Both professionals must possess a strong knowledge of market values and the property buying process. However, consultants look at a broader scope of your finances and investment decisions. Their expertise includes incorporating your long-term goals, current portfolio and any other important considerations to properly advise you about potential real estate investments.
Partner with the Pros
Are you considering a real estate investment? Before you move forward with your purchase, speak with an experienced property consultant in Maryland. The professionals at Jane Campbell-Chambliss & Associates, LLC offer in-depth real estate and investment knowledge to help you make wise financial decisions. Contact us today for assistance with your estate planning.