Viewing Homes

Find and work with a reliable REALTOR®. These dedicated individuals work hard to ensure your property investment is a solid one. They're an invaluable resource for knowledge, contacts and advice that help turn buying a property into your future home.

REALTOR® relationships fall primarily under two categories - agency relationships and non-agency relationships.

Agencies Explained Single Agency – in this relationship, the REALTOR® represents you exclusively.

This means the REALTOR®'s primary obligation is to act only in your best interest. Anything you tell your REALTOR® agent is strictly confidential. The REALTOR® also has an obligation to disclose to you any information he or she has that is related to the transaction.

Dual agency - refers to the situation where the REALTOR® represents both the buyer and the seller as agent at the same time.

Both parties are required to sign a dual agency contract setting out the obligations of the REALTOR® to both parties, and obtaining the agreement to this type of representation from all involved.

Non-agency

It is possible for a REALTOR® to work with you without being your agent. In this case, the REALTOR® can give you information, but cannot provide you with advice. In this scenario, nothing you say to a "non-agent" is confidential, so be careful about what you confide. As a buyer you will likely want your REALTOR® to act as your agent.

Remember, the REALTOR® Code requires REALTORS® to disclose the nature of the relationship they have with you, and the duties and obligations associated with that relationship. Make sure you have this discussion with your REALTOR®. Selecting a REALTOR®

  • Ask family and friends for recommendations
  • Visit open houses
  • Check online – www.realtor.ca
  • Check out “For sale” signs in your prospective neighbourhood
  • How REALTORS® help you
  • A resource to answer your questions
  • Help determine your property “wish list”
  • Assist with developing your budget
  • Work out your price range
  • Share market knowledge
  • Help compare homes and neighbourhoods
  • Set up appointments
  • Walk you through potential homes
  • Provide financing answers
  • Explain mortgage options
  • Negotiate on your behalf
  • Draw up the legal paperwork
  • And more!
  • Use the local real estate Board's MLS® System

    With the MLS® System, preview properties with the help of a REALTOR® to ensure you're only shown homes that meet your needs and budget.

    The MLS® System can give you exclusive access to property opportunities that are not available to the public.

    Stick with your REALTOR®

    Scattering your time and energy amongst multiple REALTORS® will work against finding your best home.

    Most REALTORS® have equal access to the same property listings, so there's no real advantage to having multiple REALTORS®.

    When given time, your REALTOR® can become an expert on your specific needs and tastes, ensuring you see properties that are of real interest to you.

    Canada's money laundering reporting requirements

    Your REALTOR® will advise you of FINTRACT’s reporting requirements, the federal agency responsible for administering Canada's Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing legislation and regulations.

    By federal law, your REALTOR® is required to complete a client identification form, and must ask you as a buyer for verified ID such as a driver's license or passport. Find out more on the FINTRAC web site at http://www.fintrac-canafe.gc.ca

    See what’s out there

    Now it's time to see what's available. This step can be fun or exhausting. But with an expert REALTOR® helping, you'll be able to sift through to your dream home much more effectively.

  • Save time and plan your real estate outings
  • Read the real estate ads in local papers
  • Work with your REALTOR® to decide which neighbourhoods are favourable
  • Take note of schools, shopping, and recreational areas
  • Look for “not-great” areas such as industrial parks, railway tracks, and airports
  • Visit during the day and night
  • Take advantage of open houses
  • Ask questions!
  • Welcome to the wonders of www.REALTOR.ca

    REALTORS® have access to house-hunting tools called MLS® Systems, operated by real estate boards across Canada. You can view publicly available information about MLS® listings at www.REALTOR.ca.

    Most listings have multiple photos, and some even have 360-degree views. With the interactive mapping feature, it’s fast and easy to zero in on your favourite available homes. A REALTOR® can help you stay on track with what you can afford.

    While visiting a potential home is thrilling, don't be distracted from your real goal, finding a home that meets all your needs and fits your budget.

    Bring this House Hunting Checklist to homes you're serious about buying. Good luck and happy hunting!