What to Expect
WHAT TO EXPECT FROM A REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONAL
A REALTOR will not take for granted that you know all of the ins and outs of the buying/selling process. Instead, he or she will provide you with a full explanation of what to expect which will help you to avoid any surprises along the way.
Assessing Your Needs
One of the first questions your REALTOR will ask is, “why are you moving?” A REALTOR will also explore any time constraints you might have, your financial situation and any future plans.
A Plan to Find Your Dream Home
A REALTOR will help you identify what you want in your new residence. A pool? An extra room? A particular building design? A specific neighbourhood? Proximity to schools or work? A REALTOR will compare your needs, wants and budget with what is available on the market and make recommendations that save you time and effort.
He or she will accompany you as you view houses and help you assess their suitability and price. As a property expert, a REALTOR can provide facts on the neighbourhood, the costs of heating, the condition of the furnace and so on. In other words, he or she will work with you to achieve your dream.
Access To Properties For Sale
Multiple Listing Service (MLS) is an exclusive service accessible only through a REALTO and it can be a valuable tool. Through MLS, the details of a wide variety of listed properties are made available to the REALTOR with whom you are working. That can save you a tremendous amount of time and effort as you hunt for your perfect home.
Knowledge of Financing Options
REALTORS have extensive knowledge of the financing choices available to home buyers and the options available for obtaining financing at the most attractive prevailing rates and terms.
Skilled Negotiations
REALTORS are experienced in arranging fair deals. He or she will assist in negotiating an offer, acting as a mediator to head off potential conflict between buyers and sellers, and draw up legally binding agreements.
Honesty and Integrity
Most Real Estate Professionals in Ontario are members of the Ontario Real Estate Association (OREA). Only members of OREA can call themselves REALTORS.
When you work with a REALTOR, you can expect not only strict adherence to provincial laws but also adherence to a Code of Ethics. That code is very important as it assures that you will receive the highest level of service, honesty and integrity.
Highest Professional Standard
Before receiving a real estate license, candidates must successfully complete and extensive course of study developed by OREA on behalf of the Real Estate Council of Ontario. Further to this initial education, within the first two years of practice, licensees are required to successfully complete additional courses as part of their articling with an experienced Broker. All licensees must continue to attend courses throughout their careers in order to maintain their license.