As exciting as it is to buy a new home, it’s an arduous and stressful process. That’s the case under the most ideal circumstances, but it’s even more trying if there is a language barrier. That is often the case for native Spanish speakers who are trying to buy their first home in the United States. There are over 41 million people in the United States over the age of five who speak Spanish at home, making Spanish the second most spoken language in the country behind English. While one would think it is relatively easy for a native Spanish speaker to find a Spanish-speaking real estate agent when shopping for a home, that often isn’t the case. They often have to make do with an English-speaking agent instead.
If you’re able to read this, you probably don’t have much trouble with the English language, but that doesn’t mean you can’t benefit from working with a real estate agent who speaks Spanish if that’s your first language. Here are just a few reasons why.
Easier Communication
The most obvious reason to work with a Spanish-speaking real estate agent is to eliminate any possible language barrier. Buying a house is a big decision, so you’ll want to work with someone who is going to make it very clear what kind of home you will buy. A real estate agent who only speaks English should be able to tell you everything you need to know about a property before the sale is finalized, that won’t do much good if you can’t understand everything they have to say. Meanwhile, an agent who speaks the same first language as you will be able to communicate with you much more clearly so you can make a more informed decision.
Knowing the Community
A Spanish-speaking real estate agent may also know more about the Spanish-speaking community in your area. This can come in very handy if you’re looking to connect with the local Hispanic community or you want to know if there is much of a Hispanic community in the area to speak of. Of course, it is entirely possible that an English-speaking agent will be able to give you this information as well, but a native Spanish speaker is more likely to be a part of the community themselves. They might be able to provide resources if you don’t know how to find any, and they can otherwise give you a way to connect with others.
Feeling More Comfortable
Finally, working with a real estate agent who speaks your language will make the entire process much more comfortable. You will be speaking with someone who is more likely to share your background, which makes a bigger difference than people know. Your real estate agent may have had similar experiences to your own, and they will be able to speak with you in a more comfortable and familiar manner. Granted, there is no guarantee that they will share your background – Spanish is the official language in 27 countries around the world, after all – but it’s always easier to do business with someone when you have something in common with them, even if that is only a language that you both speak.
Whether you insist on working with a Spanish-speaking real estate agent or you are fine with someone who only speaks English, we will be happy to assist you if you’re looking for a new home in Las Vegas or the surrounding area. For more information on how you can get started with your search, contact Jessica today at 702-840-4415
