A skillful, knowledgeable broker can make a tremendous difference in the homebuying/selling experience. It is our primary objective to provide reliable information and good advice. Sticking to this simple formula has helped us earn the loyalty of our many repeat customers throughout our real estate career.
Given that a buyer has access to all area MLS listings through the Niagara Association of Realtors website how important is it really to retain the services of a Buyer Agent representative?
MARKET KNOWLEDGE - A Buyer must be able to rely on his or her Agent as a market resource. As well informed, experienced Agents we know our community and its housing stock. It is important, early on in the relationship between Buyer and Agent, that the Buyer be satisfied with the "market smarts" and the approach of their Agent.
UNDERSTANDING YOU THE BUYER - One of the complaints that we hear most often from buyers is "my Agent is just not hearing what I am saying". Good Agents are invariably good listeners. When Buyers are straight forward and have a reasonable vision of what they are seeking to achieve in a home purchase, there is no justification for an Agent trying to match customers to inappropriate properties. To help us better understand your needs, it is sometimes very useful to put in writing your wish list, your financial capability, your timetable for making a purchase, and a list of properties you may have already seen (with some critical comments on each). Once we get a clear sense of what you are looking for we can monitor, on a daily basis, new listings coming on the market and advise you if any appear to be a good fit for you.
TIME COMMITMENT - In addition to giving you our expertise, we also give you are time and undivided attention. When selecting an Agent it is common sense to deal with one who is fully committed to serving his or her clientele. Staying on top of an active market means tracking daily sales, following price reductions, new listings, etc. on a 7 days-a-week basis. Working with an Agent who works less than full-time is usually not to a buyer's advantage.
MANAGING THE BUYING PROCESS - In the last ten years the process of purchasing property has become much more involved. For the most part, these changes have been beneficial to both buyers and sellers. Today, it is the norm for buyers to purchase property with a series of contingencies that often involve provisions for structural inspections, property condition disclosure provisions, city by-laws review,et cetera. As experienced Agents, we know that our responsibility goes beyond the initial negotiating dynamics and document execution to thoroughly following up and managing the post-offer contingencies.
AGENCY DISCLOSURE: By Ontario provincial regulation, Agents are required to disclose the parties that they are representing. All Agents are obligated to deal with both buyers and sellers fairly and honestly. Seller's agents are expected to negotiate the best price and terms for their client, the seller: Buyer's agents represent the buyer. Dual agency can occur when the listing agent works directly with a buyer.
WHAT WE AS AGENTS LIKE TO SEE IN A BUYER - Being direct and up front with your Agent allows us to better understand your circumstances. If you are not completely certain of your preferences or your timetable, tell us. If, for instance, there is no way you would find a condo without an acceptable view, let this requirement be known to your agent early on. The more definitive you are in detailing what you would like, the better. In return, expect and ask your Agent to present facts and opinions forthrightly. If for instance, there is no way the buyers' budget will meet their wish list, we can work together to establish more realistic parameters.
IT IS YOUR CHOICE - There are many excellent agents in the Niagara area - take the time to select the one who best meets your needs.
