Why ‘Local’ Matters when it comes to Real Estate

By JESS BARRON, Lindsey’s Inc. Realtors

Have you ever heard the phrase “shop local”?

Many of us prefer to conduct business with a local merchant, even if it is a little more expensive than using a national or regional business. By doing so, you aid the local economy and do business with people you know and trust instead of having a transaction relationship with a national entity.

Locally, the Main Street Newnan organization does a great job promoting “shop local” for the businesses in downtown Newnan.

You may or may not think this concept applies to real estate, but I have seen many clients and customers learn the hard way that it does. Nowadays, it is very easy for a prospective home buyer to go online, search for mortgage lenders, find the best interest rate, lowest closing costs and click a button.

While I have seen this work out for some buyers, most of the time it does not end well, at least in my experience. Whether it is a lack of attention to detail, over-delegation, lack of follow-up or a host of other issues, these buyers coming to me with an “online lender” end up in trouble.

I have seen deals get delayed, or worse, fall apart. A good Realtor will have many local mortgage officers that are hungry to earn your business, will work hard, give you their attention and make the loan approval process smooth for you.

A local lender’s reputation is on the line, so they are motivated to do their best. When you are purchasing a new home, you have enough to worry about between moving logistics, finances, and potential job and school district changes. Selecting a reliable and competent mortgage lender is essential and should be your first step in the home-buying process.

Using a local and knowledgeable Realtor is extremely important as well. We Realtors make a living based on the quality of the service that we give our clients and our reputation. We are motivated to give you the best experience possible as satisfied clients give us referrals, the lifeblood of our business.

In a competitive market with a low listing supply, a local Realtor who has their pulse on things is essential. We can find properties through our network that are not listed for sale or may be hitting the market soon. Being the first to know about these possibilities, could be the difference between you finding your dream home or missing out. The same idea applies to selling your home. We may have the perfect buyer waiting before you even need to prepare your home to list. Just another reason, to “shop local.”

Jess Barron is an Associate Broker with Lindsey’s Inc. Realtors and former President of the Newnan-Coweta Board of Realtors.