A home is one of the biggest purchases that you will make in your lifetime. It can also be a confusing process. That’s why it’s important to enlist the services of someone who can help guide you through your purchase – a REALTOR®. REALTORS® have the education and expertise to help turn your dreams into reality. Once you have selected a REALTOR®, here’s what to expect.
An Explanation of the Process
A REALTOR® will not take it for granted that you know all the ins and outs of the buying/selling process. Instead, he or she will provide you with a full explanation of what expect – and that’s important so you’re not faced with any surprises along the way.
When you enter into a representation agreement with a Brokerage, you can expect your agent and REALTOR® to look out for your best interests, and you can expect confidentiality, competence, loyalty and full disclosure from them.
An Assessment of Your Needs
One of the first questions a REALTOR® will ask is “Why are you moving?” A REALTOR® will also explore any time constraints you might have (perhaps imposed by the need to relocate for employment), your financial situation and any future plans.
A Plan to Find your Dream Home
A REALTOR® will help you identify what you want in your new residence. A pool? A garage? An extra room? A particular building design? What about the neighbourhood? Proximity to schools or work?
A REALTOR® will compare your needs, wants and budget with what is available on the market – and make recommendations that save you time and effort.
He or she will also accompany you as you view houses, help you assess their suitability and price. A REALTOR® can provide facts on neighbourhoods, verify information, recommend the use of other professionals to assist in the process, and so on.
In other words, he or she will work with you to achieve your “dream.”
Access to Properties for Sale
Multiple Listing Service® or MLS® is an exclusive service accessible only through a REALTOR®, and it can be a valuable tool. Through the MLS® system, the details of a wide variety of listed properties are made available to the REALTOR® you’re working with. That can save you a tremendous amount of time and effort in your hunt for the right home.
If you are interested in learning about what is available on the market, MLS® systems offer a public portal called REALTOR.ca that enables you to preview properties for sale.
Knowledge of Financing Options
REALTORS® have extensive knowledge of the financing choices available to home buyers and there are many of them. At your request, a REALTOR® will assist in evaluating mortgage options and obtaining financing at the most attractive prevailing rates and terms.
A Skilled Negotiator
REALTORS® are experienced in arranging fair deals. A REALTOR will assist in negotiating an offer, acting as a mediator to head off potential conflicts between you and the seller, and draw up a legally binding agreement.
Buying a home can be a confusing and time-consuming experience. Not if you enlist the services of a REALTOR®.
A real estate professional understands the market, knows exactly what is available and can match your needs and budget to your new home efficiently an effectively.
For additional information, go to www.howrealtorshelp.ca