3 Disadvantages of Using a Long Distance Real Estate Agent

Too many times, people think that working with a big city real estate agent, who lives a couple hours away, gives them an advantage or edge in Hopkins County. Sellers may believe an agent from the metroplex guarantees a longer list of buyers. Or buyers may think an out-of-town agent knows how to better negotiate on contracts. But there are several ways a long distance agent can actually do a disservice to their clients. Here are a few disadvantages:

1. Lack of Availability to Show Properties.

You may decide to use a long distant agent but beware that an agent located two hours away will be limited on showing your property to any of their buyers, much less, new buyers. Driving two hours through heavy traffic challenges the best of us but especially when navigating that with multiple buyer showings. Which could result in the seller losing many showings because the out-of-town agent is unavailable. And with the speed at which marketable properties fly off the shelf, you want a nimble agent who can show a property on short notice.

2. Lack of Area Knowledge.

Selling houses in subdivisions inside the metroplex will be much different than trying to sell rural land in Hopkins County. Property values of a house with acres of land will vary greatly to one sitting on a crowded urban tenth of an acre. A local agent watches the market and is more aware of the rural area values.

There’s also raw land. In a big city, a subdivision lot will automatically come with water, sewer, and electricity. However, a tract of land that sits on a county road doesn’t always have access to water. And parts of the county don’t support drilling a well either. For more vital information on buying acreage, here is What You Need To Know Before Buying Raw Land in Hopkins County.

As a seller, having available utilities will increase the value of your land and you want someone who understands that. As a buyer, you want someone who knows the area well enough to make sure the property provides what you need. A good local real estate agent that’s more intimately familiar with the area can knowledgeably assist their sellers and buyers. Such as where future industry may be coming (ie., solar farms, lakes, new businesses, etc). And with experience, local agents have developed relationships with the local utility companies too.

3. Limited Resources Before & During Contract Phase.

In determining the raw land value, a local person will be familiar with which electric company or co-op operates in the district where the land is located. This allows the local agent to make contact and verify if it has access to water or electricity. Again, access to one or both will increase the value.

Financing is critical too. A local agent guides buyers to which local banks that’ll give them the type of financing that is needed. Whether it is for land over 100 acres, or conventional loan, FHA, VA, USDA, or other loan options. Buyers with buying power benefits the seller too. And once in contract, required inspections or repairs may be needed.

A long distance agent won’t be familiar with local inspectors, electricians, plumbers, painters, or contractors for repairs or remodeling, cleaning, or movers. And then there are problems that might arise while in contract where it is beneficial to have a local agent who is available to work out the kinks. Selling and buying is difficult enough and made even more so when you do not have local resources or contacts throughout the process.

Key Takeaway:

It is possible to work with a long distance agent, just be aware of the challenges and set-backs. Make sure that you pick an agent that will best serve your needs. Between social media marketing, digital magazines, real estate websites and search engines, collaborations with news outlets, and various other savvy resources, a smart local agent will maximize the exposure for their client’s property that will build a portfolio of buyers for their sellers. And bonus, a local agent provides more one-on-one, in person service too.

Buying and selling can be complicated. A good agent will expertly guide you during a stressful and important financial moment.

• Interview any prospective agents and discover how they plan to market your property or how much availability they will have for the area you are looking to buy.
• Ask how much experience they have in buying or selling rural land or property.
• Ask friends or family about agents they have worked with in the past or who they recommend.

About the Contributor: Tonya Bradford works at Janet Martin Realty and brings 16 years of experience as a real estate agent, assisting buyers and sellers in the Northeast Texas area. Her tenacious attitude also served her clients for 9 years as an insurance agent for Farm Bureau in Cooper, Tx. Having lived on a farm for over 40 years, Tonya is familiar with all aspects of the beef cattle industry, hay production, dairy cattle industry, poultry production, and row crop farming. Her continued commitment to helping her customer find their new home or farm and ranch, are what most excite her! Put her dedication and love of real estate to work for you.