Buying a Home

Buying a home can be an exasperating and time-consuming experience. But not if you enlist the services of a REALTOR.

A real estate professional understands the market, knows exactly what is available and can match your needs and budget to your new home efficiently and effectively.

Don't depend on blind luck to find your new home - enlist the services of a real estate representative; one who specializes in the sort of property you would like to buy. Choose a REALTOR you feel confident can turn our dreams into reality. Once you have, here's what to expect ..

The Voice of Experience
A REALTOR will not take it for granted that you know all the in's and out's of the buying/selling process. Instead, he or she will provide you with a full explanation of what to expect - and that's important so you're not faced with any surprises along the way.

Assessing Your Needs
One of the first questions a REALTOR will ask is, "Why are you moving?" A REALTOR will also explore any time constraints you might have (perhaps imposed by the need to relocate for employment), your financial situation and any future plans. A REALTOR will also help you decide where you want to live and what type of house is best for you. There are plenty of housing options available in the marketplace - new homes, resale homes, townhouses, condominiums. A REALTOR can help you choose the one that best suits your current and projected lifestyle. It's all part of getting to know you so your purchase will be handled to your complete satisfaction.

Targeting Your Dream Home
A REALTOR will help you identify what you want in your new residence. A pool? A garage? An extra room? A particular building design? What about the neighborhood? 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 also accompany you as you view houses and help you assess their suitability and price. As an expert on a property, a REALTOR can provide facts on the neighborhood, the cost 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 MLS
Multiple Listing Service or MLS is an exclusive service accessible only through a REALTOR - and it can be a very valuable tool. Through MLS, the details of a wide variety of listed properties are made available to the REALTOR you work with. That can save you a tremendous amount of time and effort in your hunt for the right home.

Arranging Financing
REALTORS have broad and current knowledge of the financing choices available to home buyers - and there are many of them, an often confusing array. At your request, a REALTOR will assist in evaluating mortgage options and obtaining financing at the most attractive prevailing rates and terms.

A Skillful Negotiator
REALTORS are experienced in arranging fair deals. He or she will assist in negotiating an offer, acting as a mediator to head off potential conflicts between you and the seller, and draw up a legally binding contract.

Who Pays?
A REALTOR is usually an agent for the seller. This means you normally don't pay for the REALTOR's services. The person who sells the house pays. So when you and the seller agree on a price for your new home, that is the total amount you will pay (with the exception of legal fees, taxes and so on). There are no additional REALTOR fees to worry about.

Prepared by the Ontario Real Estate Association