FAQ's

What Is A REALTOR®?

The term "Realtor®" is a registered trademark of the National Association of Realtors®. Not everyone that holds a real estate license can call himself or herself a Realtor®. The term "Realtor®" can only be used by individuals who are members of the Canadian Real Estate Association and subscribe to its Code of Ethics.

What Are The Benefits Of Working With A REALTOR®?

The decision to buy or sell a home or property is one of the most important ones you can make. Choosing a REALTOR® is also an important decision. A REALTOR® has the interest, resources, and dedication to guide you throughout the process. A REALTOR’S® professionalism and knowledge sets him apart from other real estate agents.
A REALTOR® not only has the knowledge of the entire buying and selling process, but he is also able to obtain vital information on the current and future trends, legislation, and other issues that affect property owners. REALTORS® have information available on loan products and loan sources as well as properties.
Unlike other real estate agents, a REALTOR® is a licensed real estate professional who is a member of a local real estate board, The Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) and a provincial association. A REALTOR® has successfully completed an intensive course of study and has skills, knowledge and experience in real estate transactions. They must adhere to provincial law and abide by a REALTOR® Code of Ethics, ensuring a high level of service, honesty and integrity.
Only a REALTOR® can display the REALTOR® logo which is a federally registered mark licensed exclusively to members of the National Association of REALTORS®. This mark represents a high standard of professional conduct in serving the interest of clients and customers.

What Separates One REALTOR® From The Rest?

You mean there’s a difference? All real estate agents ARE NOT created equal? NO. Some are serious, driven and committed to their profession, some aren’t. Some believe strongly in continued improvement and education, some don’t. Some are actively involved in their community, some aren’t. Some are REALTORS®, some aren’t. Some simply work harder, longer and more effectively on behalf of their clients. You don’t have to make a good choice when you can make a GREAT one.

Do I Need An Experienced Agent Or An Educated Agent?

It is in your best interest to have an agent with both, experience and education. If you utilize an agent with little or no experience, they may not have yet developed the skills needed to negotiate and represent YOUR best interest. They may not have built solid relationships with the key people who get you from an accepted offer to the closing table successfully. However, if you utilize an agent who has been in the business for quite some time but does only the continuing education required, they may not have the knowledge you deserve in regard to the latest technology, business practices, etc. You need a agent who utilizes the most efficient means to notify you of all new listings immediately, keeps informed on the changes in local law, codes and ordinances, etc.

What is your opinion on the so-called real estate bubble?

The fact is the investment gurus making these predictions have a vested interest in turning people away from real estate - they sell stocks. These are the same stocks that have over te past years cost people their life savings, their retirements, their kids' college education and their sense of security. I have yet to see a real estate investment drop in value by 50 percent within 6 weeks. Yet how many stocks have done exactly this?

What is dual agency?

In the case where the property your agent is representing you to buy is also that agent's listing, dual agency applies. This means that the agent is representing both parties.

What is a Buyer Specialist?

A Buyer Specialist works solely for you and has no legal or other responsibilities to the seller. When working with a Buyer Specialist, you have the advantage of personal representation, independent counselling, loyalty, confidentiality and trust. On the other hand, while helping you present an offer, throughout the negotiation process and closing of a transaction, the traditional agent (i.e. listing or seller's agent) has certain fiduciary responsibilities to the seller.

What is Your Buyer Notification Program?

Once we have your criteria, we search the Multiple Listing Service daily to find properties that match your criteria. Once a match is found, we send the data sheets for that property to you, either by email or postal mail. This allows you to look at properties on your time and to review all of the details of that property. We are available by Internet so you can easily send us an email if you have questions or would like to make an appointment to see a property.

Can A Buyer Specialist Show Us The Same Properties?

Yes, a Buyer Specialist can show you every home listed within the Multiple Listing Service (MLS), Real Estate Owned (REO) and For Sale By Owner (FSBO) properties. Additionally, a Buyer Specialist can show you builder models to select new construction or custom built homes and unlisted homes.

Will A Buyer Representative Disclose More Information To Me?

Yes, indeed! Because a Buyer Specialist's fiduciary responsibility is to you, he or she can be more forthcoming with any negative aspects about properties that you are investigating for purchase.

Does A Buyer Representative Make Decisions For Us?

No. As your personal ally, advocating your best interests, a Buyer Specialist is obligated to provide you with maximum information about buying a home, each step of the way. That means disclosing specifics about location, property values, offering price, negotiations, counteroffers, contingencies, financing and the entire closing process. Armed with such vital and detailed information, you'll be thoroughly prepared to make decisions that are right for you and your family.

What About Negotiating The Details?

First, a Buyer Specialist is fully qualified and highly skilled in the back-and-forth negotiations and financing queries that precede the closing of most real estate transactions. Second, a Buyer Specialist is also experienced and committed to helping protect your nest interests in the purchase. Representing you and supporting you - that's a powerful combination!

What Is Meant By "Confidentiality"?

Since a Buyer Specialist is legally obligated to only you, he or she can help you maintain absolute privacy with regard to financial and personal information. That's just another important benefit of working with a Buyer Specialist.

What Is The Difference Between A Seller's Agent And A Buyer Specialist?

Simply put, a seller's agent works solely on behalf of the seller. A Buyer Specialist works solely on behalf of the buyer. Each agent owes specific duties to their client, which includes the utmost good faith, loyalty and fidelity while negotiating on behalf of and acting as an advocate for their client. All agents are required by law to disclose to potential buyers or tenants all adverse material facts about the property actually known by the Broker.

Do home buyers need the help of a Buyer Specialist?
You bet! Because when buyers work with a Real Estate Professional who is 100% loyal and completely committed to them, chances are that the entire home-buying process will go smoothly, with a higher level of buyer satisfaction.

Do All Agents Have The Same Information Available?

All Brokers have access to the same listing information. I tell you this because I've had clients in the past that didn't understand I can show them any listing out there. So if the home you want to see is listed by ABC or XYZ I can show you the home, represent YOUR best interest.

How Can I Be Notified Of All New Listings?

Simple. Just send me an e-mail including your contact information, e-mail address and details of what you are looking for in a home. I can enter your information into my Instant Notification Program. I'll pull up everything available through every real estate company in our market that matches your criteria and forward full listing sheets to you. Then, each day, you will receive updates of any new listings available and when the right property comes on the market, you will know about it immediately.

What Is A Home Inspection?

A home inspection is a professional, objective, visual examination of the condition of a home. It is used to determine whether there are any major defects with the physical structure or system inadequacies. In most cases, home inspections are performed after a sales contract, conditional upon a satisfactory home inspection, has been accepted by the seller. The inspection can usually be arranged immediately to within a few days. The homebuyer is typically encouraged to attend the inspection, so that he/she can see first hand the workings of the home. It also presents an excellent opportunity to ask questions about the home or to discuss potential changes. The home inspector's service is primarily one of education. The goal of the inspector is to provide a better understanding of the physical condition of the home. After the inspection is completed, a written report should be prepared detailing the results.

Why Should I Get A Home Inspection?

A home is the biggest investment most people make in their lifetimes. Since there can be serious flaws even in homes that appear to be in beautiful condition, setting up a professional home inspection will save you money, educate you about your home, and provide you some much-needed peace of mind. If you're buying a home, getting a home inspection means you know about any problems and their solutions before you move in. If you're selling a home, getting a home inspection means you know you're complying with full disclosure laws, and means you can consider selecting contractors rather than waiting for the buyer to do so.

Won't My Appraiser Do A Home Inspection?

Typically, no. The purpose of an appraisal is to determine a home's market value. The home inspections should cover all of the major systems of a house, including structure, exterior, roofing, electrical, heating, cooling, insulation, plumbing and interior. A home inspection should not be confused with an appraisal, a municipal code inspection, an environmental audit or a homeowner's warranty.