Buying a home is one of the most important financial decisions you will make, and although you probably have been through the process before, is can be a challenging experience, but every move is different and the variables can change. Working with a Realtor will reap benefits for you. You will be provided with all the information you need to make an informed decision, and you should be fully involved in every aspect of the purchasing process. A professional Realtor should be available to you to answer any questions you may have along the way.
Working with the right Realtor is extremely important and will enable you to reap the best possible benefit.
Your First Task … Choosing The Right Realtor For You!
The first, and most important thing in purchasing a home, is finding the right person to represent you in the purchase of your home, to find a committed and knowledgeable professional real estate representative who will listen to your needs, and work with you every step of the way. You want an agent who provides you the highest level of customer service that suits your specific needs.
Things To Consider When Choosing A Realtor
Choose A Realtor:
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Who works full time in the real estate business
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Who keeps up with the latest market trends
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Who has high ethical standards
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Who is honest
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Who will put YOUR interests first and foremost
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Who is detail oriented in order to protect your interests
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Who has the training,knowledge and experience to assist you with a vast range of resources through the Multiple Listing Service to find the home you want for the price you can afford
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Who is thoroughly familiar with the community you want to move into
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Who know the price variables from each neighbourhood
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Who you feel personally comfortable with
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Who is Professional
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Who you can feel you trust and have confidence in
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Who listens carefully to what you say, and will respond to your specific needs
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Who has the experience… someone who will provide you with a full explanation of what to expect along the way
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Who can provide all the services you may need during the course of the buying process
A committed, professional and ethical real estate salesperson will make your real estate transaction as smooth and effortless as possible for you. Here are some of the things you should expect when working with a Realtor.
What You Should Expect From a Real Estate Professional
Through the MLS service your agent can keep you up to date on new listings that come on the market that meet your needs, as soon as they are listed. They will input your “search criteria” into their database, and you can receive emails automatically when new listings become available that fall within your search criteria. You can then preview these on a daily basis. The advantage here, is that you will receive these new listings before the general public, as the public websites extrapolate information from TREB (Toronto Real Estate Board) and are usually not visible for 24-48 hours.
Mortgage Prequalification
In order to know exactly what price range you should be searching in, pre-qualification of a mortgage is very important. If you require assistance, your agent can find financial institutions to assist you in this regard, at rates that can be fixed for up to 90 days
Attending to your needs
Your needs will be your agent’s first and foremost priority and will listen very carefully so he/she have all the background possible to assist you in fulfilling these needs.
Prepare the Offer
When you find a home that most suits your needs and are ready to proceed with an Offer, your agent will prepare the offer, review it together with you so you are familiar with, and understand each component, and guide you through the offer process, making sure all your concerns are reflected in the offer, and your best interests are addressed.
Keeping in Touch
After the offer has been accepted, your agent will stay with you until you are safely moved in. There may be little things that need attention, and he/she will always be available to resolve any of those small problems that may arise. He/she will follow up with you after moving date to ensure everything is satisfactory.
What Your Agent Needs From You …. To Give YOU The Best Service
To give you the very best service your agent needs a commitment from you to work together in a “partnership.” He/she will do all the legwork and they need you to be there when crucial decisions are required to be made.
Work Exclusively With One Agent
Without a contract the Buyer’s agent was particularly vulnerable to working without getting paid. Too often, Buyers would ask them to show them house after house, and then buy from another sales representative. One favourite Buyer trick is to attend open houses without their agent and tell the listing sales representative they aren’t working with anyone. Buyers mistakenly believe that they are learning about more homes without a sales representative at their side, or that they may possibly get a better deal. The truth is…they don’t! They usually pay more for the home than they have to when they buy from the listing sales representative directly.
Then consumer awareness dawned. Buyers began to realize that whoever represented them at the closing table was on the side of the Seller, not theirs. They realized that they deserved to have a true advocate, and the Buyer’s agent was born. The only way was to create a binding agreement that protected both parties, thus the Buyer Representation Agreement was born.
Realtors are dedicated professionals in every aspect, and are committed to your needs, as their client. Your agent will have access to ALL the listings in the area in which you are searching. Together he/she will work with you to find the home that is right for you. There are benefits when working exclusively with one agent, and entering into an Agreement with your agent, is your commitment to them, as well as theirs in providing you with the best possible level of service.
Be Accessible
There will be times, both before and after an Offer to Purchase has been signed, when your agent may have to contact you urgently. Your prompt return of calls will help them to work in your best interests.
Never Have Discussions with Listing Agent or Vendor
Many a sale has been lost because of a seemingly unimportant remark. Please direct any and all questions or concerns to your agent.. that is what he/she is there for.
Concerns, or Change of Plans
Keep your agent informed of your thoughts and concerns. He/she can resolve any problems that may arise if you talk about it to them, so keep the lines of communication flowing freely.
When You See A Property
If you happen to see a home for sale, or see a newspaper ad, that you want information about get in touch with your agent immediately. Provide him/her with the listing company name, phone number, and the street address of the property. Your agent will get the information for you and get back to you as soon as possible, and you can then decide whether you want to see the property.
Setting Up Showings
It takes time to arrange appointments for viewing properties. The Seller has to be contacted with the request, and then a confirmation given to your agent. Trying to set up appointments at the last minute often leads to 1 or 2 of the properties not being available to view due to insufficient notice given, and much too often these turn out be the ones you want to see most.
Conclusions:
Research carefully, before you select an agent to represent you. Referrals from someone who has used a particular agent and were happy with the services they provided are a good way to hire an agent to represent you. Ask the agent to provide referrals for you, and ask questions… are they available quickly to respond to your call? Are they familiar with the neighbourhood where you want to buy? Choose someone you feel comfortable with, have trust in and who you feel will act in your best interest!
Gloria Valvasori
Sales Representative with Signature Service GMAC Real Estate
www.gloriavalvasori.com
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