Buying a home is likely one of the biggest investments you will ever make. You will need to make a number of decisions about this purchase that should be based on the best information available. The best advice you can obtain on buying a home will come from a real estate professional – a REALTOR.
REALTORS are members of the Canadian Real Estate Association who subscribe to a strict Code of Ethics and High Standard of Business Practices. Members of the Victoria Real Estate Board are members of both the British Columbia and Canadian Real Estate Association.
The following is a list of services you can expect to receive from a REALTOR when you buy a home:
1. A REALTOR will fully explain the details of your working relationship (called “agency”) so that you are clear as to when a REALTOR is working for you or for the seller.
2. A REALTOR has access to hundreds of current listings of homes for sale because of a co-operative system called the Multiple Listing Service (MLS). A REALTOR can provide you a customized list of homes that best suite your needs – size, style, features, location, proximity to schools, hospitals, and shopping, etc. Then they are available to make arrangements for you to view the homes that appeal the most.
3. A REALTOR will help you determine how big a home you can afford. Assessing the many financial alternatives is an important consideration when buying a home. REALTORS are familiar with the local lending market and can offer helpful advice.
4. A REALTOR has no emotional ties to any type of home and can be objective in pointing out the merits of one home over another.
5. A REALTOR will have information on zoning changes, taxes, utility costs, schools and recreational services that could affect your decision to buy a home in a specific area.
6. A REALTOR will assist you in negotiating the terms of your purchase. Presenting offers and handeling counter offers can be a nerve-wracking process for someone who is not experienced in the art of negotiating.
7. Finally, a REALTOR will advice you of the legal process required in obtaining title and taking possession of your property. The costs associated with buying a home such as insurance, morgage registration, and legal fees will be explained in detail.
A Realtor’s knowledge and skill can help in many ways and make the experience of buying a home a pleasant and rewarding one for you and your family.
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