A home is the single most important purchase you can make; it often
represents years of planning, saving and dreaming. You simply can't afford
to make a mistake when so much is at stake.
Most people will need expert help to make sure they make the right choice,
and the expert you should turn to is a REALTOR®.
REALTORS® are professionals who know the real estate business inside
and out. REALTORS® are licensed real estate salespeople who are also members
of a local real estate board or association; as members of their association,
they are bound by a professional code of ethics. REALTORS also have direct
access to the Multiple Listing Service (MLS®) - a vast and comprehensive
database of homes for sale - in their area. REALTORS will guide you through
the details of home buying. They know about current housing prices, mortgage
rates, appreciation, schools, transit and just about anything else you
need to know. In addition, they are adept at identifying other considerations
that may affect your search: personal time constraints, finances and so
forth.
In short, REALTORS® have at their disposal a wealth of information, experience
and advice, and can be your best ally.
The decision to choose a REALTOR® is almost as important as the decision
to buy a home. Without his or her help, it is difficult - if not impossible
- to sort through the thousands of properties on the market to find the
one that suits your family and your future.
Once you have chosen a REALTOR® to work with you and the two of you have
established the type of property you want and need, the REALTOR will put
together an initial list of homes you may be interested in. For first-time
buyers especially, a REALTOR®'s experience during this step can be invaluable.
He or she will streamline the hunt, helping narrow down the possibilities
to those which best suit your requirements. As well, he or she will be
familiar with the neighbourhoods and communities you may be considering,
and can offer helpful feedback.
Once you have picked out a property you would like to purchase, your
REALTOR® will continue to assist you by helping you complete an offer to
purchase and acting as a "go-between" between you and the vendor
and their real estate salesperson.
Those who have used REALTORS® - the vast majority of homeowners - know
the close-knit relationship that can develop from the thorough and often
lengthy quest to find the perfect home. REALTORS® are accustomed to expending
whatever time and effort is needed, and frequently spend a great deal of
time with their purchasers.
This relationship is precisely why many homebuyers insist on returning
to the same REALTOR when they are in a position to sell their home and
buy another.
REALTOR® and REALTORS® are registered trademarks of the Canadian Real
Estate Association and describe a real estate practitioner/practitioners
who is/are a member/members of the Canadian Real Estate Association.
Working With A REALTOR ® Articles