You’re trusting a REALTOR® with your most valuable possession, your home. REALTORS® take this responsibility very seriously. Here’s what we promise you.
Your REALTOR® is highly trained.
REALTOR® training is so rigorous that candidates often fail the pre-registration courses. Those who do pass must master a long, diverse list of subjects ranging from housing construction to family law
Your REALTOR® is continuously trained.
We keep pace with the times. All Licensed REALTORS® must take continuing education courses to make sure their knowledge on subjects like legal issues and technology are up to date.
Your REALTOR® does everything by the book.
A licensed REALTOR® must be registered under provincial laws that govern exactly how real estate can and cannot be traded. These regulations are your legal guarantee of professional behavior.
Your REALTOR® is an ethical businessperson.
REALTORS® must adhere to the extensive Code of Ethics of the Canadian Real Estate Association. Several provinces have additional Codes of Ethics governing the behaviour of real estate professionals. Your interests must always be put first.
Your dealings with a REALTOR® are insured.
For your peace of mind, provincial regulators sponsor consumer protection programs that may require, for instance, that REALTORS® maintain Errors and Omissions Insurance. Often deposits consumers make in real estate transactions are also insured under these programs.
Opportunity for recourse.
Should you have concerns about the professional behavior of a REALTOR®, provincial regulators and your local real estate board or association take these matters very seriously and work quickly to resolve any issues.
Your REALTOR ® has access to the real estate board’s Multiple Listing Service (MLS).
The MLS system is the single most powerful tool for buying and selling a home. It is a complex information-sharing and cooperative marketing network created by REALTORS® to help consumers buy and sell homes.
What to Expect From Your REALTOR® When Selling
Working with a REALTOR® for the sale of your home will ensure your best interest will be kept in mind throughout the whole process. Not all real estate professionals can call themselves REALTORS®, and that is why it makes the difference.
Your REALTOR® Will Guide You
Working with a REALTOR® will ensure that you are guided through the process of selling your home. Starting from the evaluation process to closing, it is your REALTOR®’s duty to be aware of current market conditions and requirements necessary for the transaction to take place.
Your REALTOR is required to let you know of all expenses associated with the process of selling your home to ensure that you are going into this process knowing exactly what to expect.
REALTORS® Service Your Needs
From the first point of contact, a REALTOR® will work to determine exactly where you lie within the process of selling your home. Introductory questions may be along the lines of “When do you plan to sell your home?” or “How much do you hope to sell for?”, and they will continue to ask more questions in order to get a full picture of your situation and how they can be of most value to you.
REALTORS® have large networks of professionals to even further support you outside of their realm of expertise.
Accurate Home Valuations
REALTORS® go through specific training in order to generate accurate home valuations. They have access to a series of resources that allow REALTORS® to provide an accurate number that will make sure you get the most out of the sale of your home.
It is a REALTORS® duty to provide accurate valuations, and seek out any property details that may increase or decrease the price of the home in order to accurately represent the home. Once a price has been determined by the REALTOR, they will walk you through a CMA and work with you to establish the final listing price.
Skilled Negotiations With Your REALTOR®
REALTORS® are indispensable when it comes to bargaining with sellers. Tempers can flare and heels can dig on. Your REALTOR® is an expert at smoothing things out.
REALTORS® are experienced in arranging fair deals. Your Agent will assist in negotiating an offer, acting as a mediator to resolve potential conflicts between you and the seller, and draw up a legally binding agreement.
Adherence to Standards
The title of REALTOR® is reserved for individuals that are part of the Canadian Real Estate Association. These individuals will have had to go through training and pass a write exam to earn the title. Once a REALTOR®, professionals are held to strict standards set forth by The REALTOR® Code Of Ethics.
This Code of Ethics has been put into place to protect you and your best interest, and to ensure you only get the best out of your real estate transaction.
Legal know-how? They know how.
There is a lot more paperwork in the background of a seller's transaction, that’s why working with a REALTOR® will ensure that you will not miss anything. REALTORS® are required to stay up to date with legal requirements and standard paperwork needed for processing transactions.
As large transactions can fall through at the slightest complication, your REALTOR® is specially trained to recognize problems and provide solutions before they even arise, to stay on track and keep the proceeding moving. They will be able to provide you with a network of resources to make sure that you are ready to close on time.
What to Expect From Your REALTOR® When Buying
Your REALTOR® Explains the Process
A REALTOR® will guide you through the ins and outs of the buying process, including current market conditions ranging from legislations, to transactional procedures, and everything in between.
REALTORS® are upheld to very strict standards set to prioritize the interests of the buyers.
REALTORS® Assess 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. They need a detailed picture of your wants and needs in order to serve you better.
When the scope of work is out of a REALTOR®’s realm of expertise, they will direct you to qualified professionals to aid in the purchase of your home.
A Plan to Find Your Dream Home
A REALTOR® will help you recognize what you’re looking for in a new home. An outdoor pool? A double-car garage? A fenced-in yard? A particular building design? What about the neighbourhood? 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.
Your agent will also accompany you to view houses and help you assess their suitability and price. As an expert on a property, a REALTOR® can provide facts on the neighbourhood, the cost of utilities, the condition of the home’s features, and so on. In other words, he or she will work with you to achieve your dream.
Access to Properties for Sale
Multiple Listing Service® or MLS® is an exclusive service accessible through a REALTOR® website and it can be a valuable home-searching 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 pursuit of your home search.
REALTORS® are further obligated to uncover any details regarding a property as to ensure no misrepresentation of the property and avoid any errors.
REALTORS® are Skilled Negotiators
REALTORS® are indispensable when it comes to bargaining with sellers. Tempers can flare and heels can dig on. Your REALTOR® is an expert at smoothing things out.
REALTORS® are experienced in arranging fair deals. Your Agent will assist in negotiating an offer, acting as a mediator to resolve potential conflicts between you and the seller, and draw up a legally binding agreement.
Honesty and Integrity
Most real estate professionals in Canada are members of the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) and only members of CREA can call themselves REALTORS®. When you work with a REALTOR®, you can expect strict adherence to a Code of Ethics. And that code is very important to you because it assures you will receive the highest level of service, honesty and integrity.
Legal know-how? They know how.
A mishandled document can ruin a sale, or lead to legal action. Your REALTOR® has the training and experience to recognize potential problems early and the resources to help you find solutions and get the process back on track quickly.
REALTORS® are required to remain up-to-date on requirements for transactions to take place. With their guidance and network, they will be able keep the home buying process a positive experience.