The Advantages Offered by a Real Estate Broker
Briefly, the advantages of doing business with a real estate broker:
1. BE BETTER PROTECTED
Doing business with a real estate broker ensures you are protected by law. Indeed, the profession of real estate broker is governed by the Real Estate Brokerage Act and supervised by several organizations so that consumers are served in a fair and competent manner.
In addition, to be a real estate broker, you must have obtained a licence from the Organisme d’autoréglementation du courtage immobilier du Québec (OACIQ), after basic training and rigorous examination.
Furthermore, real estate brokers:
- are obligated to verify all the information used to promote the property for sale. They ensure, among other things, that the description is correct and that all the measurements are correct;
- must undergo continuing education activities in order to update their knowledge according to the evolution of their profession;
- use the most recent version of the required forms;
- provide you with legal protection and make sure you are served by qualified professionals supervised by law.
2. BENEFIT FROM PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
Real estate brokers are highly qualified professionals that are well supervised. They are governed by a code of ethics and standards of professional practice.
- Real estate brokers are in the best position to provide you with the best advisory service for your real estate transactions. They will accompany you by helping you consider several critical aspects to make your purchase or sale successful.
- Real estate brokers have an extensive network of essential business contacts for the purchase or sale of a property. This network includes building inspectors, notaries, financial institutions, mortgage brokers, appraisers and any other professional required for your transaction.
- The broker is responsible for completing all legal forms of sale and purchase. These documents protect you and can save you from costly mistakes.
In that respect, doing business with a real estate broker allows you to complete one of the most important transactions of your life by avoiding many worries. Not to mention that you only pay for the results obtained, because the broker must make a sale to receive compensation.
3. SELL OR BUY AT THE RIGHT PRICE
Real estate brokers will advise you on the fair sale price or the right purchase price of a property. In fact, they evaluate the fair market value of a property through privileged access to the Centris® system. This allows them to carry out a comparative analysis of the market. Brokers will therefore be able to compare the property for sale or the coveted property regarding the sales history of the property as well as the sale prices of similar properties in the same sector.
Real estate brokers take care of everything when selling a property. They will set the asking price after discussion with their customers. They will make inquiries. They will manage the visit requests. They will promote the property for sale. They can act as a negotiator, etc.
They are the professionals of choice and will bring the best possible profile to your property thanks to the Centris® system.
4. ENJOY EXCLUSIVE RESOURCES WHEN MAKING A PURCHASE
The real estate brokers will support you every step of the way through to the signature at the notary's office. They perform the following tasks, without being limited to:
- Use the strength of their network and Centris® system to help you sell or buy a property.
- Carry out property visits with you and / or arrange visits to your property according to your availability.
- Fill out an offer for you and represent you during the negotiation. These skills will be more than welcome throughout the biggest transaction of your life.
- Be also aware of all verification you must complete and advise you accordingly. Indeed, Real estate brokers can make several recommendations regarding inspection, evaluation, financing, etc.
Whether it's financing, technical inspection of the property or legal aspects, your broker will guide you through the process.
5. RECEIVE GOOD ADVICE
Doing business with a broker means having the assurance of getting good advice, in all objectivity, to make a success of your purchase or sale transaction.
TIPS FOR BUYERS
Do you dream of a big house by a lake? Is it really the property that will meet your needs? Sometimes we must know the difference between our dream house and the one that really suits us. Before you start your research, take some time to think it over.
Your Needs
Each family has its own needs and priorities. How many bedrooms and bathrooms do you need? Is a dining room an absolute necessity? And the garage, will it become another storage space?
Your Tastes
Consider your tastes and abilities. If you're not a handyman, avoid homes that need major renovations. You fell for a big yard? Remember that you will have to maintain it. If you prefer city life you'll have access to theatres, services and restaurants, but it'll be noisier, and you won't have as many green spaces. In other words, determine your priorities
What is your Budget?
Do not make the mistake of buying a house whose price is beyond your means. To find the property that's right for you, adjust your needs to your budget. Once you become a homeowner, your investment will increase in value and allow you to opt for a property closer to your dreams. Initially, think about building up cash reserves for all expenses related to your purchase and any unforeseen expenses. Do not forget about maintenance, insurance and repairs, whose annual fees are usually 2% or 3% of the price of the house.
Your Environment
Your environment is also an important factor. Is there a daycare or school nearby? Will your children be able to use public transit, or will you need to take them to all their activities? Also think about the distance that separates you from work.
ADVICE FOR SELLER
It is essential to make a good impression to attract the interest of potential buyers.
Outside the House
The exterior appearance of your property is very important. An attractive look encourages the buyer to visit the inside of the house. Your lawn must be neat; during the winter, have photos on hand to help the visitor visualize the appearance of the yard during the summer. Cleanliness is paramount: an unobstructed entrance and sparkling windows will make all the difference.
Inside the House
Cleanliness is also essential inside the property. Clean up and get rid of unnecessary items. Remove old furniture that obstructs passages or clutters rooms. Clear the space so visitors do not feel cramped.
Is the house in need of a new coat of paint? A freshly painted property often sells for a much higher price. Be aware that dark colours do not promote sales. Select instead clear and brighter tones. The state of your carpets can also be a determining factor. If they cannot be replaced, clean them to give them back their youthful appearance.
The kitchen and the bathroom must be spotless. Take time to clean appliances and faucets, as well as the bathtub, toilet and sink. Clear the countertops and do not leave dishes in the sink or towels on the edge of the tub. Let the buyer see all the storage potential.
Throughout the house, repair leaky faucets, defective handles, drawers and cabinet doors that hardly close, etc. Replace burned bulbs and damaged hotplates. These small repairs are relatively inexpensive and will have a positive influence on the buyer.
Create a Pleasant Atmosphere
It is essential that your home is well lit. Open the curtains during the day and turn on the lamps at night. If necessary, add lamps in dark corners. Make sure the house is well ventilated. Do not repel the buyer with strong odours, such as incense or spicy foods.
During the buyer's visit, be discreet and leave your broker alone with the customer. It will be easier for him to highlight your home and the guest will feel more at ease to offer their comments.
Documents to Have With You
Do you want to sell your property quickly? Put all the odds in your favour and make sure that the transaction runs smoothly keeping these essential documents close at hand:
- certificate of location of the property;
- test results for pyrite, vermiculite, iron ochre, etc., for the concerned regions;
- invoices for renovations to the property;
- declaration of co-ownership, if applicable;
- lease in the case of a rental property;
- statement of municipal and school taxes;
- statement of monthly electricity costs;
- statement of fixed costs associated with the property.
