Kristīne Vizule, Real Estate Transaction Manager at Vestabalt
For most people, real estate is not just square meters, an address, or a price in an advertisement. The decision to buy or sell property directly affects quality of life, financial stability, family security, and often emotional well-being in the long term. That is precisely why real estate transactions are an area where professional involvement is not an unnecessary luxury, but a conscious investment in security. Yet a common myth still persists in society – that a real estate agent is merely an intermediary and that this service is optional. It is time to state this clearly: a professional real estate agent is a transaction partner, not an additional cost item.
One of the most significant benefits of working with a real estate transaction specialist is emotional, legal, and financial security. These transactions are almost always emotionally charged – whether a person is buying their first home, selling a family property, or investing for the future. In such situations, emotions often interfere with rational decision-making. A professional agent helps to see the bigger picture, structure the process, and make decisions based on facts rather than fear or euphoria. Financial security, in turn, means not only achieving the right price, but also having confidence that the transaction has been assessed from all perspectives – legal, technical, market-related, and long-term.
The services of a transaction manager save significant time and often money as well. Time that a client would otherwise spend reviewing listings, analyzing documentation, negotiating with multiple parties, and correcting mistakes is structured and optimized in the hands of a professional. Moreover, an experienced agent often protects clients from financial losses they may not even be aware of at the outset. It is also important to note that the work of real estate agents in Latvia is covered by mandatory civil liability insurance, as required by law. All of the above can be described as “transaction well-being” – less chaos, uncertainty, and stress, and a higher-quality transaction process overall.
The role of a real estate transaction specialist becomes even more critical in light of the principle “the debt follows the property,” which has come into force in Latvia. This is not a theoretical concept, but a practical reality that can significantly affect a buyer’s future. An agent is able to identify risks early, verify liabilities, assess documentation, and protect the client from situations that could later turn into long-term problems or financial obligations. In such cases, the agent acts as a risk manager rather than merely a transaction intermediary.
A real estate agent also often serves as a filter of market reality. Buyers and sellers frequently rely on personal expectations, hearsay, or emotions that do not always reflect actual market conditions. A professional’s work is based on data, experience, and daily market practice, enabling them to determine realistic pricing, evaluate offers objectively, and support well-founded decisions. This helps prevent disappointment, overpayment, or unrealistic expectations.
Another crucial role of a real estate agent is negotiation management. Real estate transactions are not only about price – they involve terms, timelines, responsibilities, and compromises. A professional agent is a negotiation strategist who can protect the client’s interests while maintaining constructive dialogue with the other party. Very often, it is the agent’s negotiation skills that determine whether a deal will take place at all and under what conditions.
A real estate agent is also a moderator, mentor, and, at times, a psychologist. Transactions bring together people with different expectations, experiences, and emotional backgrounds. Buying or selling a home often coincides with major life events – family growth, divorce, inheritance matters, or the beginning of a new life chapter. In such situations, a professional agent is able not only to manage the process but also to provide emotional support, reduce tension, and help all parties reach constructive solutions. As a mentor, the agent helps clients understand the long-term consequences of their decisions; as a psychologist, they help prevent emotional escalation.
The reputation of a professional real estate transaction manager is their most valuable asset. In this industry, reputation is built slowly but can be lost very quickly. That is why an agent who thinks long term cannot afford short-sighted decisions or non-transparent practices. Every transaction is an investment in the future. A specialist with a strong reputation understands that their work impacts people’s lives, financial security, and peace of mind, and therefore chooses honest communication, responsible decision-making, and transparent processes. Managing real estate transactions is a way of life. Flexibility, the ability to adapt to people, circumstances, and events, crisis management, and problem-solving are part of everyday work. Many agents have backgrounds in other industries, which broadens their perspective and enhances their professionalism. As a result, they notice details that buyers and sellers often overlook – details that frequently determine the overall quality of a transaction.
Cooperation with a real estate agent is, in essence, a relationship. As with any partnership, compatibility may or may not exist – and that is entirely normal. However, when the right synergy is found, the agent becomes a trusted partner rather than merely a service provider. Often, such relationships evolve into long-term cooperation, with the agent acting as an advisor for future decisions and being recommended to friends and family.
The ultimate goal of a real estate transaction is never victory at any cost. The goal is an agreement that both parties can live with in the long term – without regret, bitterness, or hidden risks. This is exactly the balance that a professional real estate agent helps to achieve. Therefore, the question is not whether you need a real estate agent. The question is whether you want a secure and well-considered transaction. If the answer is “yes,” then say “YES” to a real estate agent as well.
