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!
