What You Should Expect From Your Realtor®
How the Sales Process Works
A good realtor® will lead you through the sales process step by step. That means explaining what you should expect as the sale moves forward. This is important so that you don’t run into any unpleasant surprises before, during and after the sale. The same is true if you are buying a home.
Finding Out Your Needs
Your realtor® will want to find out certain things so that they know the best route to take in selling your home. One of the things they want to know is why you are selling, and how quickly you need the sale closed. If you are selling because of relocation for a new job, or for financial concerns that tells your realtor® you might need a fairly fast sale. If you are buying a home, the same type of information can help your realtor® find the perfect home for you.
Finding Your Dream Home
Finding a home that meets all of your expectations is much easier when working with a realtor®. Let your agent know exactly what you are looking for, including that swimming pool, two-car garage, trendy neighborhood and first-rate schools for the kids. Your realtor® will take that information and search the homes on the market that fit your wants and needs with properties that fall within your budget.
Once you find something that sounds interesting, your agent will go with you as you visit the homes in person. Your realtor® can fill you in on details about the home, such as heating costs and condition of the appliances and other items. She will also fill you in on the neighborhoods those homes are in.
Finding Available Properties
Your realtor® has access to the Multiple Listing Service®, otherwise known as MLS®. This is a listing service that shows all the available homes on the market. It lists each property with details about price, square footage, type of property and other valuable information. This one tool, and an agent that knows how to use it, makes your search for the perfect home faster and easier.
Helping with Financial Options
Realtors® are also knowledgeable about the financial side of buying a home. They are able to advise on mortgage options, interest rates and terms. The goal is to work with you to find the best option for your financial situation.
Your Realtor®, Your Negotiator
It’s nice to have someone in your court when negotiating a home sale. Your realtor® acts as a mediator, helping you negotiate offers and keeping the playing field fair between buyer and seller. After an agreement is made, your realtor® will draw up a legally binding document to cement the deal.
Integrity and Honesty
Realtors® must adhere to strict laws and procedures laid out by the individual provinces. They also must agree to abide by a Code of Ethics set down by the provincial real estate association. It is important that your realtor® be a member of such an association. This guarantees you will be treated honestly, fairly and with respect.
Professional Realtor® Standards
Realtors® must be licensed. To get that license they must successfully complete a real estate study program before being admitted to their provincial association. The schooling doesn’t end there. During the first two years as a realtor®, they must complete three more courses as part of their initial training. All realtors® must periodically attend classes to keep their licenses current.