Discover what a Realtor can and can't do during a real estate transaction. Learn how they can assist with lenders, inspectors, and the buying process in Georgetown, Texas.

What a Realtor Can and Can’t Do

Buying or selling a home can be one of the most thrilling yet daunting experiences in life. Recently, I encountered a situation that perfectly illustrates the complexities and boundaries of a Realtor's role. Let me share what happened and, in the process, clarify what Realtors can and can't do for you.

Crazy Incident: A Learning Experience

Imagine this: a husband hires an inspector, not on my recommended list, who then misses several critical issues. Understandably, the client is furious. However, instead of holding the inspector accountable, he blames me. It’s a tough pill to swallow, but it's a reminder that, as Realtors, there are clear boundaries to our responsibilities.

What Realtors Can and Can't Do Regarding:

1. Lenders

What We Can Do:

• Provide a List of Trusted Lenders: We can give you a list of reputable lenders we've worked with and trust.


• Coordinate the Lending Process: We can work closely with your chosen lender to ensure everything runs smoothly and structure an offer that meets your needs.

What We Can't Do:

• Choose Your Lender: We can't tell you which lender to use. That decision must be yours.


• Direct the Lender's Actions: We can't instruct the lender on specific actions regarding your line of credit or approval amounts.

To give you a head start, read our article on Choosing The Right Home Loan Lender

2. Inspectors

What We Can Do:

• Recommend Inspectors: We can provide you with a list of qualified inspectors.


• Schedule Inspections: We can help you coordinate and schedule inspections.

What We Can't Do:

• Select an Inspector for You: The final choice of which inspector to hire is yours.


• Interpret Inspection Reports: We are not licensed inspectors. While we can offer advice on negotiating repairs, we can't interpret the technical details of an inspection report.

Read this article in order to Avoid Post-Closing Nightmares With A Thorough Home Inspection

3. Real Estate Expertise

What We Can Do:

• Market Analysis: We run comparable data, understand market trends, and advise you accordingly.


• Negotiation and Advocacy: We negotiate on your behalf, ensuring your interests are represented.


• Marketing Your Property: We handle the marketing to attract potential buyers.

What We Can't Do:

• Make Decisions for You: Ultimately, decisions regarding buying, selling, or repairs are yours to make.


• Act Outside Our Expertise: We stay in our lane, offering guidance based on our real estate expertise without crossing into legal or financial advice.

To give you a competitive advantage read this article that we wrote about Smart Insider Tips For Picking The Right Realtor

The Importance of Staying in Our Lanes

In real estate, everyone has a specific role to play. Lenders are the experts in financing, inspectors ensure the property is sound, and Realtors guide you through the buying or selling process. By respecting these boundaries, we ensure a smoother, more efficient transaction for everyone involved.

Conclusion

Realtors wear many hats, but there are clear limits to what we can and can't do. The incident with the upset customer, where the inspector missed critical issues, underscores the importance of understanding these boundaries. Our job is to guide, coordinate, and advocate for you, but certain decisions and responsibilities, such as choosing inspectors or lenders, remain in your hands. By recognizing these limits, you can set realistic expectations and enjoy a smoother, more successful real estate experience.

TL;DR

Realtors can guide you through the buying or selling process, coordinate with lenders and inspectors, and market your property. However, they can't choose your lender or inspector, direct lender actions, or interpret inspection reports. Each professional has a specific role, and respecting these boundaries ensures a smooth transaction.

FAQs

1. Can a Realtor choose a lender for me?
   
   
   
   • No, a Realtor can provide recommendations but the choice is yours.
   
   
   
   


2. Can a Realtor interpret an inspection report?
   
   
   
   • No, only licensed inspectors can interpret their reports.
   
   
   
   


3. Can a Realtor recommend inspectors?
   
   
   
   • Yes, Realtors can provide a list of recommended inspectors.
   
   
   
   


4. Can a Realtor negotiate on my behalf?
   
   
   
   • Yes, Realtors negotiate terms and advocate for your interests.
   
   
   
   


5. Can a Realtor give legal advice?
   
   
   
   • No, Realtors cannot provide legal advice.
   
   
   
   


6. Can a Realtor schedule inspections?
   
   
   
   • Yes, Realtors can help coordinate and schedule inspections.
   
   
   
   


7. Can a Realtor tell a lender to increase my loan amount?
   
   
   
   • No, Realtors cannot instruct lenders on specific actions.
   
   
   
   


8. Can a Realtor help with market analysis?
   
   
   
   • Yes, Realtors provide market data and analysis to inform your decisions.
   
   
   
   


9. Can a Realtor decide on repairs for me?
   
   
   
   • No, the decision on repairs is ultimately yours.
   
   
   
   


10. Can a Realtor help with marketing my home?
    
    
    
    • Yes, Realtors handle the marketing to attract potential buyers.
    
    
    
    
    • 
      

      Looking for more real estate insights or ready to start your home buying journey? Connect with us at T. Kerr Property Group, where your home dreams are our mission.

      
      

      Call us today at: (512) 851-8350