We get it: Everyone wants to save money on major purchases – especially homeownership which is one of the largest purchases you’ll make in your lifetime. So when it comes to buying a house, paying a Realtor’s commission can seem daunting and expensive.

But there’s a reason – or here, we’ve provided 10 – real estate professionals are certified to take care of home buying negotiations and transactions for the public.

• It’s not coming out of your pocket. Seriously. As the buyer, you don’t pay the Realtor’s commission and since this money won’t be coming out of your pocket, you’ve got nothing to lose – and everything to gain – by using a Realtor.

• Paperwork, paperwork … and more paperwork. Once the excitement of open houses and online window shopping fades, you’ll have an experienced professional available to walk you through the endless paperwork – prepared and readied for you – from initial offer to closing.

• You may be lured by dual representation. At a first glance, dual representation may seem enticing as you’ll be able to lean on the seller’s agent to help you with paperwork and decision making. But the seller’s agent will always have the seller’s best interest at heart, not yours.

• The mystery of a home’s history. While sellers are now required to disclose certain details about a home, such as some states requiring disclosure if the property is ‘haunted’ – seriously – a private sale increases the likelihood that certain facts may not be disclosed.

• Hidden expenses may linger. The benefits of using an experienced agent go well beyond the negotiations process. Real estate agents know the pros and cons of various neighborhoods, and therefore may know that a particular area may prove more costly in the long run with insurance costs and maintenance issues.

• Buying may take longer than you expect. Buying a house isn’t a weekend project. From researching the projected cost of utilities to local zoning restrictions, you’ll likely invest a lot of time at a steeper opportunity cost than you had imagined

• Learning a new area can be tricky. If you’re buying a home in a new city or state, it can prove challenging to understand the subtleties of the specific market area. But a real estate agent has this knowledge and can help you craft a realistic offer with the comparable statistics to back it.

• Master negotiators. As today’s housing market heats up, so do negotiations. Competition, cutthroat tactics, all-cash offers, and bidding wars are par for course – for an experienced Realtor. A Realtor can seal the best deal for you while drafting a purchase agreement that allows enough time for inspections and contingencies.

• They know everyone. In business, it’s always about who you know and Realtors are no exception. In fact, from mortgage brokers, real estate attorneys, home inspectors, home stagers and interior designers, your real estate agent likely has a fleet of them at their disposal and at-the-ready.

• Honesty is the ONLY policy. Realtors, licensed real estate agents who belong to the National Association of Realtors – the largest trade group in the country– must adhere to a strict code of ethics. This means we must have your best interest at all times and in all situations.

At DeLeon Sheffield Company, we are committed to working with you – day and night – as you make one of the biggest decisions of your life. We know that buying a home isn’t just financial; it’s emotional. We will be with you every step of the way as you find the perfect house to call home. Call us today to let one of our experienced agents help make your home dreams a reality.

Because at Debbie Richards Group, ‘We’re More Than Realty; We’re Family.’