{"id":1342,"date":"2018-02-11T18:37:23","date_gmt":"2018-02-11T18:37:23","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.mikeseal.ca\/?p=1342"},"modified":"2018-10-23T22:26:00","modified_gmt":"2018-10-23T22:26:00","slug":"selecting-and-working-with-a-realtor","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/web3.ezmedia.ca\/cobbri\/selecting-and-working-with-a-realtor\/","title":{"rendered":"Selecting and Working with a REALTOR\u00ae"},"content":{"rendered":"

Buying or selling a home in today’s market requires a lot of work and a lot of knowledge about sales and real estate.\u00a0 It’s one of the largest purchases or biggest business transactions many of us will ever make.\u00a0 It doesn’t pay to depend on blind luck.<\/p>\n

Whether you are a buyer or a seller, there are distinct advantages to using a REALTOR\u00ae.\u00a0 A REALTOR\u00ae, is a licensed real estate professional who is a member of a local real estate board, as well as the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA).<\/p>\n

This individual has the experience and qualifications needed to successfully conduct a purchase or sale.\u00a0 In Ontario, you can expect strict adherence to provincial law and a\u00a0 code of ethics. This ensures you receive the highest level of service, honesty and integrity.<\/p>\n

If you are a buyer<\/strong><\/p>\n

In today’s busy, complex world, purchasing a home can be a lot more time-consuming and complicated than other business transactions.\u00a0 First-time buyers, especially, quickly discover that there’s a lot more to buying real estate, than deciding what vacation to take or what car or suit to buy.<\/p>\n

Using a REALTOR\u00ae from the start can provide you with the sound , effective advice and professional services you need to get the best deal possible.\u00a0 Once a REALTOR\u00ae has a clear understanding of what you want and what you can afford, their knowledge can save you a lot of time looking at homes that aren’t right for you.<\/p>\n

A REALTOR\u00ae can pre-screen properties so that you should only have to visit a handful of homes to make an informed and wise selection.<\/p>\n

Much of the early search with a REALTOR\u00ae can be done through the Multiple Listing Service (MLS\u00ae) and preliminary discussions.\u00a0 As you visit and react to each home you see, the REALTOR\u00ae will have an increasingly better idea of what you want and don’t want.<\/p>\n

A REALTOR\u00ae will also be able to advise you on the various options available for financing a home and tell you when to bring in other experts such as a lender, home inspector, lawyer and insurance agent.<\/p>\n

If you are a seller<\/strong><\/p>\n

Sometimes a seller will be tempted to sell their home on their own, believing it will save them the cost of the real estate commission.\u00a0 But, selling a home is a very complex procedures, involving large sums of money, stringent legal requirements and the real potential for very costly mistakes.<\/p>\n

Just as most of us lack the knowledge to do a major repair on the family car, most sellers lack the depth of knowledge, experience and amount of time needed to sell a home on our own.\u00a0 A REALTOR\u00ae not only has the qualifications and expertise, but is committed to spending the time it takes to get the best deal possible.<\/p>\n

Selecting a REALTOR\u00ae<\/strong><\/p>\n

Before you make a REALTOR\u00ae part of your team, it pays to shop around and sharpen up those interviewing skills.\u00a0 The REALTOR\u00ae you select should be someone who knows the neighborhood you live in or want to live in; who can provide you with sound, effective advice; and who has broad and current knowledge of today’s real estate market.<\/p>\n

Begin by identifying several candidates and interviewing at least two or three before making a final decision.\u00a0 If you were pleased with the services provided by the REALTOR\u00ae who helped you make a previous sale or purchase, he or she may be your best choice.<\/p>\n

Jot down the names and telephone numbers printed on “For Sale” signs you notice around the neighbourhood, in local real estate ads or publications.\u00a0 Also, ask friends, family and business associates to recommend some names.<\/p>\n

Interviewing REALTORS\u00ae<\/strong><\/p>\n

The REALTOR\u00ae you select should be someone who shows genuine interest, knows the current real estate market and has a good track record in the sale and purchase of properties you’re interested in.\u00a0 This individual should make you feel comfortable and that they have your best interest in mind.<\/p>\n

Be sure to get a resume and references and to ask questions such as:<\/p>\n