Finding the Right Buyer’s Agent
Referrals are the most common way to find a realtor, but if you’re new in town or the first in your circle to buy a home, this task can present its own set of challenges. Buying a home is a huge undertaking which most should be wary of going at alone. For the most part, Realtors who help with the buying process are an invaluable resource to the buyer and most often “Buyer’s agents” are paid by the listing brokerage, meaning no out of pocket costs for the buyer. So, shopping around for the right realtor to help you navigate the real estate waters is an important first step in the real estate buying process that should not be disregarded. Choosing the right agent can save you time, effort and aggravation in finding the right home for your needs and budget.
Finding an agent when you’re looking to buy or sell is not the most difficult task in Vancouver. But finding the right realtor who is both knowledgeable and has your best interest at heart is paramount to starting the home buying process right, here are few things to consider:
Real Estate Agent Specialization
Find a real estate agent who specializes in what you are seeking. Having someone working for you who is knowledgeable about the housing type, (townhouse, condo, single-family home, etc.) as well as the area can point out things that you can easily overlook when working with someone who is less familiar.
Working Schedule
Choose an agent who works on your schedule. If the agent is unavailable to take your calls after you’re home from work at 6pm, this working relationship will only frustrate you. Make sure you are aware of the realtor’s availability prior to agreeing to work with him or her to avoid any uncomfortable confrontations.
Additional Services
Does the agent provide additional services? Working with an agent that has built relationships with mortgage brokers, inspectors, lawyers, cleaners, painters etc.. can save you a lot of footwork, particularly when moving from a new area. Ask questions before hiring your realtor to avoid unexpected hassles.
Personality IS important. Make sure you like the person you will be working with for the next undetermined amount of time. Buying a home does not often happen quickly and the agent should make you feel comfortable around them so that you feel open to ask the questions you need answered throughout the entire process. But also be wary about hiring on personality alone, the agent must also tick off all your checkboxes of professionalism, integrity and experience for the best possible working relationship.
Remember, real estate agents have a high fiduciary duty to disclose all aspects of a property they are showing you. Good or bad, an agent has a duty to you, as the buyer, to give you all the details of a property known to him or her. Regardless of whom you choose to hire, know that choosing a Buyer’s agent is always better for you as a real estate buyer than the alternative of not choosing an agent at all.
When your new property search and purchase is entrusted to Ariane Benjamin & the Vancouver Townhouse brand, we personally guarantee a full and comprehensive consultation to determine your specific objectives, needs and wants, provide mortgage qualification assistance, if appropriate, walk you through a contract of Purchase and Sale and other forms used in Real Estate transactions, conduct an ongoing timely search of housing availability on the Greater Vancouver Real Estate Board Multiple Listing Service (MLS) and set you up on a Private Client Services website that keeps track of all the new listings, sold listings, price changes that match your specific criteria which you will see 48 hours before mls.ca receives them. Ariane will be personally available for your questions and concerns at all times via cell phone and on call via a 24-hour pager number for after hours concerns.
At Vancouver Townhouse, we take giving back seriously, a donation is made on your behalf to the Children’s Miracle Network at the completion of the transaction.