Got a question? Chances are we have the answer, We've compiled the most commonly asked questions about buying
or selling a home here
Q1: What's the difference between a real estate agent and a REALTOR?
"REALTOR," and "real estate agent" are not
interchangeable, although some real estate agents might like them to be
The term REALTOR, is a registered certification mark that identities the
quality of services rendered by licensed real estate agents who are
members of The Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) All real estate
agents are not REALTORS', but all REALTOR, members are real estate
agents REALTOR, members are committed to a strict code of ethics known
as the REALTOR? Code, and are the only ones who have the right to list
your property on the MLS? Systems of their local real estate boards To
correctly be referred to as a REALTOR', a real estate agent must be a
member of CREA.
Q2: What questions should I ask when looking for a REALTOR?
Here are 10 smart questions to ask But remember, this is
Just a starting point Your REALTOR', should be willing to answer any
questions you have After all, that's why you hire the pros
1 How long have you been in the business', 2 What is
your average list-to-sales-price ratio, 3 How will your marketing plan
meet my needs, 4 Will you provide references', 5 What separates you from
your competition', 6 May I review documents that I will be asked to
sign, 7 Can you help me find other professionals', 8 How much do you
charge', 9 What if I'm unhappy with the service', 10 What haven't I
asked you that I need to know?
For more elaboration on each of these questions, visit
our 10 questions to ask when hiring a REALTOR', tool.
Q3: How do I figure out what mortgage I can afford?
Determining the mortgage you can carry is based on a
relatively simple calculation of loan amount, down payment, interest
rate and amortization period A good rule of thumb when figuring your
monthly housing cost is that it should not exceed 32% of your gross
monthly family income or 40% of your gross monthly income Visit our
Mortgage Calculator, plug in a few numbers and see what you end up with.
Q4: Why should I hire a REALTOR?
You're trusting a REALTOR? with your most valuable
possession, your home REALTORS" take this responsibility very seriously
Here's what we promise you.
1. Your REALTOR? is a trained professional REALTORS"
take extensive pre-licensing courses in order to obtain credentials for
practicing in real estate.
2. Your REALTOR? is continuously trained REALTORS" keep
pace with the times by taking continuing education courses to upgrade
their knowledge on a broad range of real estate related issues in order
to be able to continue to provide consumers with current advice.
3. Your REALTOR? does everything by the book A REALTOR"
must be registered under provincial laws that govern exactly how real
estate can and cannot be traded These regulations are your legal
guarantee of professional behavior.
4. Your REALTOR? is an ethical businessperson REALTORS"
must adhere to the extensive Code of Ethics of the Canadian Real Estate
Association Several provinces have additional codes of ethics governing
real estate professionals Your interests must always be put first.
5. Opportunity for recourse Should you have concerns
about the professional behavior of a REALTOR', provincial regulators and
your local real estate board or association take these matters very
seriously and work quickly to resolve any issues.
6. Your REALTOR? has access to a local Board's MLS"
System A Board's MLS" system is the single most powerful tool for buying
and selling a home Your REALTOR" can provide you with exclusive
features of the Board's MLS" System, such as immediate notification when
new properties are listed You don't have to wait for it to be posted on
a web site.
Q5: What should I expect when I enlist the help of a REALTOR to sell my house?
REALTORS? help you get the most for your home and they
remove stress and confusion from the process Here are just some of the
advantages.
Your REALTOR? becomes your home's champion
When you sign a "Listing Agreement" with your REALTOR?,
this is their promise that he or she will use all their skills and
resources to get the most for your home.
REALTORS? know how to attract the most potential buyers
Your REALTOR? is an expert home promoter, connected to a
network of agents and their buyers He or she knows how to write
compelling ads for your home, and only REALTORS? can place your home on a
Board's MLS? System.
REALTORS? will help you increase your homes "sale-ability"
You probably have an emotional attachment to your home,
and therefore can't view It objectively. Your REALTOR? will help you
present your home in the best light, so buyers will fall in love with it
more easily.
Market Knowledge - to help you get the most for your home
REALTORS? are masters of reading the market and pricing
your home for maximum return A REALTOR?'s experience literally pays].
Negotiation Skills - to keep the deal on track
REALTORS? are indispensable when it comes to bargaining
with buyers Tempers can flare and heels can dig in Your REALTOR? is an
expert at smoothing things out.
Q6: Do I really need a REALTOR to sell my home?
Many people who try to sell their own home end up using a
REALTOR? in the end anyway. Before anybody decides to fly solo through
this complex, time consuming and financially perilous process, they
should consider these questions.
Will you really "save" the real estate commission?
When buyers see a home for sale 'by the owner, they see
a bargain They imagine the REALTOR?'s fee going into their pocket, not
yours.
How many potential buyers will you reach?
Selling a home takes more than just hanging a "For
Sale" sign How will you promote your home? Will you write your own ads?
How will you use the Internet? MLS? and the corresponding web site www
REALTOR ca have changed the way people search for homes, and it's hard
to court buyers without it.
you have the time?
Promoting a home is a full time job, and you may
already have one Will you be able to take calls at any time? How about
screening the callers to figure out if they're suitable candidates? Not
everybody who calls is even suitable to walk through your home, but how
do you tell?
Do you know the market well enough to get the most for your home?
Lacking years of experience, the average
do-it-yourselfer is merely guessing at their listing price Often they
set the price too low and miss out on thousands of dollars, or they
price their home too high and drive away willing buyers.
you have the negotiation skills to keep a deal on track?
When an offer comes in, emotions can run high with so
much money on the line This is why direct seller-to-buyer deals often
end in disaster REALTORS? keep it professional and are indispensable
when it comes to bargaining with buyers.