Good reasons to consult with a REALTOR® when purchasing your new home
  1. The number one reason, of course, is the Multiple Listing Service. The majority of homes for sale are listed through the MLS, and you must be represented by a REALTOR® to purchase any of these homes. There are plenty of other excellent reasons why you will want to take advantage of the services provided by a REALTOR®.

  2. Our Top of the Line Property Search Computer Programs provide you with the most up to date information on a daily basis, giving you the jump on other buyers. See Daily Buyer Search for more details.

  3. A REALTOR® can draw on their years of experience and ongoing immersion in the market to tell you which homes have true value, which are over-priced, or which will have hidden costs in the long run. A REALTOR® can also provide invaluable insight into the potential for return on investment.

  4. A REALTOR® must adhere to a rigorous code of ethics. A direct buyer or seller is not so constrained. Buyers and sellers both want the protection a REALTOR® can offer.

  5. Much of a real estate company's business comes from corporate or personal referrals. This market is unavailable to private buyers.

  6. REALTORS® often have a number of contacts in the community who are interested in selling to the right buyer, but don't actually have their house for sale at the moment. I have access to these homes, as well as similar homes through other REALTOR®' contacts.

  7. Seeing homes becomes much less of a headache. No more driving around, only to find out that the owner is not home when you arrive to look at it.

  8. Private showings eliminate the possibility of a personality conflict between seller and buyer.

  9. Demonstrating property is an art. Not everyone enjoys poking through other people's closets. It's the salesperson's job to recognize and demonstrate the home's strong points and its features.

  10. A REALTOR® can select the best route to a showing and point out comparable properties for sale or sold recently, so you will have more of a feel for the properties you are looking at.

  11. Real estate professionals are trained to follow-up and negotiate with sellers. Such follow-up is normally expected and does not have a detrimental effect on a buyer's bargaining position, while a private buyer doing follow-up can seem desperate.

  12. In real estate, the offers are in writing and irrevocable. Private buyers and sellers often give verbal agreements and then revoke them.

  13. REALTORS® are trained to negotiate better than a buyer can on his own behalf.

  14. REALTORS® have home inspector contacts, and lots of experience in the industry. I can offer you advice in selecting a home inspector, or can book an inspection for you. I can often get last minute inspections, where as a customer off the street might not.

  15. A REALTOR® is aware of many different ways to finance a purchase and often have reliable financing contacts, while a private buyer is on his own in finding suitable financing.

  16. A REALTOR® can help eliminate red tape and keep legal costs to a minimum. If you are not using a REALTOR® to draw up your contracts and collect other legal documents, a lawyer will have to do it for you, and they will charge you accordingly.

  17. REALTORS® stay involved with the deal until the transaction is closed.