A Realtor commited to high standards of professional conduct works to the advantage of buyers and sellers alike.
As the internet has ushered in an age of readily accessible information and with dozens of discount self-serve brokerages popping up each day, you can easily be swayed into thinking that handling the sale of real estate is a simple affair. BUT, remember it's been proven that up to 80% of all For Sale By Owners eventually turn to the services of a real estate professional. And with good reason.
Licensed REALTORS are professionally educated, and fully trained to guide you through the sales process with the least amount of risk possible. They are monitored and guided by their brokers and governed by real estate law. They are sworn to uphold to a strict code of ethics and have access to a vast array of resources, including their strong network of real-estate-related professionals with whom they have worked with personally, often for decades. Successful transactions and happy clients are key to their livelihood and reputation. It is their business to know exactly what's going on in their market, as well as their community.
In small communities, RE/MAX REALTORS have frequently been in the business long enough to have been involved in the sales process of the same home more than once-they can anticipate issues with underground oil tanks, previously problematic roofing, zoning issues, flood zones and other un-disclosed situations which may affect the true value of your property. They have a database of experienced professionals to offer solutions that they have personally worked with in the past and have networks of affiliates to facilitate the sales process.
When Buying a Property, a REALTOR will Help You with the following:
Maximizing your Purchasing Power:
Your RE/MAX REALTOR will help you get the best possible property for your budget, notifying you of the newest well-priced properties on the market so that you don't miss out on a great opportunity. They can put you in contact with the best lenders, who are up-to-date with the latest financing options and programs. They will also help you understand and be aware of the hidden costs associated with purchasing.
Home Search Resources:
REALTORS are the first to hear about properties as they come onto the market. Often, the perfect property for you is available but not actively advertised in the market. REALTORS have extensive networks of resources and knowledge that will assist you in finding the best property on the market. A real estate agent's business is to know what's going on in the market, have the network, resources and insider knowledge to assist you in finding the best property for you.
Objective information:
REALTORS will provide you with valuable community information on utilities, zoning, schools, etc. They will help you determine whether the property will provide the right environment you want as a home or investment, and will advise you on its resale value when you are ready to sell in the future. REALTORS understand the history of the property and the neighbourhood and can give you an honest assessment of what's going on in the market and how this will affect your property as an investment. Depending on the area and property, this could include inspections for pests, mould, structural deficiencies, roof condition, septic or oil tanks and well tests, just to name a few. Your RE/MAX REALTOR can assist you in finding qualified responsible professionals to do most of these investigations and provide you with written reports. This knowledge can help you resolve issues that might cause problems at a later date.