Why Should You Work with a Realtor?
Published on 5 April 2019 in Blog Home Buying Tips Ottawa Realtor Tips by
Last updated on May 10th, 2024 at 01:48 pm
Did you know that real estate licensees aren’t all the same? When you see the Realtor® mark next to an agent’s name, it means that agent belongs to the largest professional association in real estate which requires agents to follow a strict code of ethics. So buyers can rest assured that they’re in good hands. If you’re trying to decide whether to work with an agent or not, here are some reasons why it’s always wise to work with a realtor if you are buying or selling your home.Ethical and Honest Representation
Realtors are members of the National Association of Realtors in the United States and the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) in Canada. To work under these associations, agents must abide by the Realtor Code of Ethics and adhere to strict codes of conduct. The standards they must operate under are stricter than those that govern regular agents, and they also have to pledge to put the interests of their clients ahead of their own. So when you hire a realtor, you can expect honest and ethical representation.Highly Trained
A realtor is not only highly trained and skilled in real estate, but they’re also continuously learning to keep up with the market as it evolves. As part of their membership requirements, Realtors are expected to complete ongoing training and keep up with all the latest industry trends and changes to the laws and regulations. Unlike part-time agents, realtors handle many transactions throughout the year and are on top of their game when it comes to being informed of any new, relevant information.Search Power
There are a number of properties that are often not listed but are in fact available. A Realtor can help you find those off-market deals and also help you avoid any scams or out of date listings.Negotiation Skills
Not everyone has the knowledge that’s necessary when you can negotiate a little more wiggle room, but a realtor does. It’s essential to have someone that will work on your behalf to ensure that the offer you’re presented with is the best one for you.Legal Knowledge
The purchase and sale agreement has a number of legal terms and conditions that are easy to misinterpret. One misstep could leave you in a financial situation or even legal jeopardy. A realtor has all the legal knowledge necessary to ensure that when you sign on the dotted line, it coincides with what was agreed upon to keep your interests protected.Five Ways Ottawa Expert Realtors Help Home Sellers Like You
We Take Plenty of Photos of Your Home’s Interior and Exterior
Because most home buyers will first search online for their dream home, we make sure that they have plenty of photos of your home to browse. When taking these photos, we ensure that they portray your home in the best possible way. Our interior photos make the rooms look as spacious as possible.We Can Create Virtual Tours to Showcase Your Home
While still photos are nice, virtual tours really help the buyer to visualize what it would be like living in your home. And if experience tells us anything, these virtual tours are quite useful to helping attract prospects.We Ensure that Outdoor Signage is Visible and Attractive
You’d be surprised how many home buyers will drive through Ottawa neighborhoods looking for “For Sale” signage. They are not only trying to find their perfect home but also get a feel for the neighborhood. Thus, by putting signage in your front yard, we’re ensuring that we’ll attractive these prospective home buyers.We Use Print and Online Advertising to Expand Our Advertising Reach
Although some people still exclusively read the local newspaper, other home buyers only use the web nowadays to get their news. By advertising in various mediums including newspapers, real estate publications, and more, we reach as many potential Ottawa home buyers as possible.We Host Open Houses Whenever Possible
Although open houses aren’t effective for every home for sale, they can be an ideal marketing strategy for some homes. Generally, those homes located near high traffic areas are ideal candidates. At the very least, it’s one other tool available for selling your home.How to Choose the Right Realtor
Here are several pointers to help you make the best possible decision:- Identify at least three licensed real estate professionals.
- Interview the real estate professionals you have identified. Having a conversation with the person is a good way to find out if your personalities and goals match. Ask them any and all questions you have; bring a list of them with you so you won’t forget anything. And most importantly, are they listening to your wants and needs?
- Find out about their marketing connections, plus what they will be doing to assist you.
- Select a strong negotiator. Ask your realtor whether he or she has ever been in a tough negotiation, and how he or she negotiated a fair price.
- Compare interview notes. Think about each agent and decide which one is right for you. You should choose someone aggressive (as in, dedicated rather than having a bad attitude), but who doesn’t make you feel anxious or pressured.
- Talk money. Usually, the seller foots the bill for a real estate professional’s commission, but don’t assume this will be the case. Ask point-blank what your financial obligations are throughout the process. Your real estate agent should have the knowledge and experience needed to provide you with a smooth, hassle-free transaction.
- Before signing a contract, know that the term “Disclosed Dual Agent” often means that the real estate agency does not represent your interests 100-percent.
- Buyer agency agreements are common but be careful. What if the realtor doesn’t follow up with you, for instance? Or, what if you don’t get along, and what happens if the agent doesn’t understand your needs? Remember that a buyer agency agreement is negotiable, and you can help negotiate the specific terms.
- Ask for references from your realtor. This shouldn’t be a big deal; it’s a last-step investigation that could confirm or reject your impression of the agent.
- Find a real estate agent who is savvy about technology. Through the online tools available to agents these days, you can expect quick and informative e-mails about new property listings, not to mention relatively speedy replies to your queries.