When you are choosing a realtor, many questions come to mind. Is the realtor knowledgeable about the area where you want to buy? Skilled in negotiating the best price? Acting with your best interest always in mind?

And -- something you might not have considered -- does the realtor have experience in construction? The edge provided by a background in construction also enables a realtor to help you find and buy a good home.

How so? Read on to find out the benefits of a realtor with construction experience.

In-Depth Property Evaluation

Even the best realtor can do only so much research. Realtors with construction experience can give you an in-depth and accurate evaluation of a property. They can detect any problems with a home and tell you what repairs are necessary, and they can give you an informed estimate of the cost of these repairs.

Realtors with construction experience can identify hidden structural problems, code violations, or other construction-related flaws that affect the value of a property and your decision to buy or sell. As a result, you avoid unpleasant surprises.

Such a realtor can then properly represent you during negotiations. Let's say your new home looks great from the outside, but it turns out that the roof is buckling in a way that is not easy to see; or perhaps there's something off about the electrical system. In other words, the sorts of things that would be evident only to someone with construction experience who knows what to look for. If you decide to go ahead with a purchase anyway, knowledge of these faults enables your realtor to obtain the best possible deal for you.

Accurate Pricing and Fact-Backed Negotiations

Any realtor may check the local market and see what properties are selling for. But a realtor who knows how to investigate more deeply can give you a more on-target evaluation of a property.

A realtor with construction knowledge can conduct a comprehensive market analysis, comparing your property to recently sold properties in the area that are similar in size, features, and condition. By considering the construction quality and any renovations or improvements made to these properties, the realtor can more accurately determine the fair market value of the home being priced.

Realtors with construction experience often have a deep understanding of the local real estate market and its trends. They can provide insights about the demand for certain kinds of property, the potential return for renovations, and the desirability of certain construction features. This information can help you decide whether to buy or sell a property and whether to make repairs or renovations in light of their estimated effect on property value.

How to Renovate a Historic Home

Now that you've gotten the best deal, it's time to renovate. A realtor with construction experience can give you top guidance on what renovations to do and how to go about doing them. Such guidance is especially important when renovating historic homes in cities like New Orleans, where renovations must be completed in a certain way to maintain the historic integrity of a home.

In such a case, realtors local to New Orleans can give homebuyers like you the benefit of their specialized knowledge about the characteristics, architectural styles, and historical significance of these properties. They can tell you about local preservation guidelines, restrictions, and processes that may affect your renovation project -- the kind of knowledge you need to ensure that you are complying with applicable regulations.

A Direct Line to Contractors and Construction Professionals

A realtor with experience in construction has connections with more than a few contractors in the area. If you need a certain kind of tile installed in your historic bathroom, no problem. Your realtor knows a guy!

This is a huge advantage when hiring construction professionals. You won't have to peruse online reviews. You won't have to guess. Your realtor has already determined who are the best of the best contractors, saving you time and energy.

If you plan to undertake construction or renovation projects after buying a property, even new construction, a realtor with construction experience can also provide management support: help you coordinate with contractors, obtain necessary permits, and oversee the project to make sure that it stays on track. This kind of assistance is especially valuable if you are unfamiliar with the construction process.

Working with a realtor who has construction experience helps you make more informed decisions, navigate construction-related challenges, and maximize the value of your real estate transactions.