Are you ready to start looking for your ideal home? If you are not used to buying a property it can be quite an anxious process. There is a lot of information and many documents, many buyers competing for the same properties, and other challenges, before you get your hands on those house keys. The process can be complex and stressful—especially if you are a first-time buyer. Having a Buyer's Agent, a real estate professional like me by your side can make all the difference.
There are different types of Real Estate Agents such as buyer’s agents, seller's agents, listing agents, and so on. If you are a buyer, you require a buyer's agent. A buyer's agent assists a real estate buyer navigate the real estate market, and in the process save the buyer time and money on their way to their new home. Especially making sure that there are no surprises once you get the keys to your new home.
A buyer’s agent will guide you through the home-buying transaction and be at your disposal for any questions or concerns. Here are some of the things a buyer’s agent will do:
Buyer’s agents are legally bound to help buyers, whereas listing agents—the real estate agent representing the home listing—have a fiduciary duty to the home seller. That’s why it’s in the buyers best interest as a buyer to get an agent who is there to represent them.
However, you may still not be comfortable after signing an agreement saying you know someone is a double agent. You might want to hire an agent who is not representing the owner, and who is looking out for your best interests.
A good buyer’s agent can ease your way to homeownership—and a bad one can result in a bumpy ride.
You should not just take the first buyer’s agent you meet (as two-thirds of home buyers do), or blindly accept the recommendation of a friend (more than half do this). Instead, it’s best to interview at least three agents and ask them a few questions, including the following:
Once you agree to work with someone, you will have to sign a contract called an “exclusive buyer agency agreement,” outlining the agent’s services and compensation. This contract also means that this person will be your sole representative and that you won’t work with other buyer’s agents.
Home buyers don’t need to worry about the expense of hiring a buyer’s agent in Canada. Why? Because the seller pays the commission for both the seller’s and buyer’s agents. Typically, the commission is the equivalent of about 3.5% of first $100,000 and 1.5% on balance, which is split evenly between both agents (on a $300,000 home, that would be $3,250 for each). However with 2% Realty the seller only pay 2% of the sale price (on a $300,000 home, that would be $3,000 for each), a saving of $500.
As a Buyers Agent I can assist you by seeing through the beauty of the fall colours
Data is supplied by Pillar 9™ MLS® System. Pillar 9™ is the owner of the copyright in its MLS® System. Data is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed accurate by Pillar 9™. The trademarks MLS®, Multiple Listing Service® and the associated logos are owned by The Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) and identify the quality of services provided by real estate professionals who are members of CREA. Used under license.'