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Anne Barnes

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Why Should I Use a REALTOR®?

Tuesday, November 20, 2007

by Anne Barnes

REALTORS^® work on behalf of both sellers and buyers and bring valuable experience and knowledge to the transaction.

If you're buying, the purchase of a home is probably the largest single investment you will ever make and if you are thinking of doing it alone, you may want to reconsider. All the details involved in the home buying process can be confusing. A REALTOR^® has the time, resources and contacts to make the home buying process as trouble-free as possible. You can trust a REALTOR^® to protect your interests and to look after the details.

A REALTOR^® provides expertise. He/she can help you determine a price range you can afford and can suggest ways to obtain a downpayment or explain alternative financing methods.

A REALTOR^® is familiar with development and trends in real estate, as well as current real estate values, taxes, utility costs, municipal services and facilities and may be aware of local zoning changes that could affect your decision to buy.

A REALTOR^® will be well-acquainted with the details of the neighbourhood you may be considering, including the quality of schools, safety of the neighbourhood, traffic volumes and more.

A REALTOR^® will find you homes best suited to your needs ^__ size, style, features, location and accessibility to schools, transportation, shopping or recreational facilities. With immediate access to homes as soon as they are put on the market, a REALTOR^®can save you much time hunting for the perfect home.

A REALTOR^®pledges to disclose property information and provide the facts needed to help you make one of the most important decisions of your life.

A REALTOR^® can provide advice as to what personal and financial data to bring with you when you apply for a loan, and what other documents you will need to make the transaction run smoothly.

If you're selling, a REALTOR^® can walk you through the more than 140 steps needed to complete a real estate transaction. Selling your home is a very complex procedure that involves large sums of money, stringent legal requirements and has the potential for costly mistakes.

A REALTOR^® is an expert in effectively marketing your home and helping you to set an attractive selling price. Moreover, only a REALTOR^® can give your home far-reaching market exposure through the Multiple Listing Service^® (MLS^®). The more exposure your home gets, the more likely you are to find a buyer willing to pay your price.

Under a seller brokerage agreement (or listing contract), a REALTOR^® is responsible for looking after your best interests, including full disclosure of any information that may influence your decisions.

A REALTOR^® will provide a full explanation of the selling process and what to expect from the beginning, as well as answers to all your questions along the way.

A REALTOR^® will also attempt to separate the lookers from the buyers. This can be a real time saver because it helps ensure that only serious buyers visit your home.

When you receive an offer, a REALTOR^® will have the knowledge and experience to negotiate an agreement on your behalf and according to your instructions.

If you decide to accept an offer, a REALTOR^® will participate in drawing up a legally binding contract that protects your interests throughout the transaction.

Once a legally binding agreement has been signed, a REALTOR^® will help you ensure the proper documentation is finalized and sent to the lawyers, that any conditions to the offer are fulfilled and that your questions and concerns are dealt with to your complete satisfaction.

How Are REALTORS® Different?

Tuesday, November 20, 2007

by Anne Barnes

REALTORS^® in Alberta were the first in Canada to achieve mandatory professional development for the members of their industry.

REALTORS^® in Alberta use plain language contracts carefully designed to provide maximum protection to you, the consumer.

REALTORS^® ^__ and only REALTORS^® ^__ offer the Multiple Listing Service^®, a database of properties for sale. The MLS^® (which includes mls.ca) is a powerful marketing system that provides wide exposure for properties ^__ a benefit to both buyers and sellers.

REALTORS^® adhere to a Code of Ethics and Standards of Business Practices that are strictly enforced by the local real estate board. When you deal with a REALTOR^® you are assured of the highest level of service, education and integrity.

REALTORS^® can save you time, money and sleepless nights. See 'Why Should I Use a REALTOR^®' below to find out how a REALTOR^® can help you, whether you are buying or selling.

REALTORS^® have a wealth of information on various topics, including tips on how to add value to your home, how to use your RRSP to buy a house and what costs to expect during the course of the transaction.

REALTORS^® use the Agency Relationships guide, developed by AREA, to explain the relationships between the parties to a real estate transaction and the service expected of a REALTOR^®. To learn more about agency disclosure, view the Agency Relationships page.