The question of whether to use a REALTOR® in the home buying or selling process is common one. Have you ever found yourself asking, “Why should I hire someone to help me with this process?” In the day and age of Internet with resources such as Zillow, Trulia, and other like sources, where everything has become “do it yourself” in the spirit of saving a few dollars; is there a right answer or business model?  For most people, buying a home is the largest financial investment they will ever make. It may be the only time you can say you went shopping and spent a quarter of a million dollars (or more). So shouldn’t you work with a REALTOR® to get the best advice possible for that investment?

A REALTOR® is a client advocate, the market expert and the negotiating tiger all wrapped up into one independent contractor. Because REALTORS® are usually solo practitioners, they wear many hats. They are sales people, but they are also marketing directors, social media managers and data analysts all in one.

Despite the economic and financial challenges young adults have braved since the recession, the millennial generation, those 34 and younger, represented the largest share of recent buyers, according to the 2015 National Association of Realtors® Home Buyer and Seller Generational Trends study. The survey additionally found that an overwhelming majority of buyers search for homes online and then purchase their home through a real estate agent, with millennials using agents the most. About 88% of home buyers purchase their home through a real estate agent or broker.

Homeowners rely on REALTORS® to help them find the most qualified buyer and to navigate the home selling processes. Rules regarding home sales are always changing, and it is the REALTOR®’s job to stay on top of those market dynamics and pass along their expertise to their clients.

REALTORS® direct their home-buying clients to the best financing options for their situation, and they steer all their clients to make better decisions in preparation for the home buying or selling process.

For instance, a homeowner who wants to list their home might be advised to take a home equity line of credit (HELOC) before listing to make necessary repairs—because once the property is listed, a bank will not lend on that property. A buyer might be advised not to buy a car before starting or closing on a home purchase, because such a big ticket purchase would change their debt-to-income ratios and might disqualify them for a home loan.

One of the REALTOR®’s most important roles is as the unbiased voice of reason. The REALTOR® is the objective set of eyes in the transaction. They help sellers see outside their personal connection to a property, and they help buyers stay level when faced with a multiple-bid situation.

A REALTOR® can help a buyer save money and help a seller to make the most money. Because they go through the home buying and selling process daily, they can warn clients of potential dangers and looming changes in regulation and process.

This rings true even in an area like La Plata County. Having an expert that can get you from point A to Z is invaluable. The REALTOR® will be the trusted advisor that knows about down payment assistance programs like the Regional Housing Authority and the La Plata Homes Fund. They will know who to contact when looking for the best rates for and programs for a mortgage. They will help out of coordinating with title companies, movers, home inspectors, and help direct the entire process of buying or selling. From navigating the area, to finding what the client needs, then negotiating a fair price, and then making the transaction get closed is only part of the story, and your REALTOR® can help with the rest.

Jerome Bleger is the 2015-16 President of the Durango Area Association of REALTORS® and a broker for the Wells Group Real Estate Brokerage and can be reached at Jerome@wellsgroupdurango.com and 970-375-7004.

Chrystal Caruthers and the National Association of Realtors contributed to this report.