Dawnell Werner

Call it  using a crystal ball or making an educated calculation, but here is what the experts say.

Calgary Real Estate Board 2012 Forecast.

http://www.creb.com/public/seller-resources/forecast.php

If you enjoy statistics and following the real estate trends. Check back often!

I often get calls from Buyers who are frantically searching web sites and calling up Realtors to try and organize viewings of properties…1 at a time.  I always ask them why they are not working with their own agent.

When I work with a buyer, I send them a list of all the MLS properties that fit their requirements. I then research the homes to see if the location is suitable, if they are a stigmatized property (like a former grow-op) or if there are other factors that the buyer needs to be informed of.  I then ask the Buyer what a convenient time is to view 10-12 properties. I print off a tour book with copies of the history of the home and diagrams of the lot.  Then I contact all of the listing agents and make a tour of all of the homes. I don’t charge for this service, so I wonder why would a buyer do it themselves?

Here is the reason most  people tell me:  The Buyer believes they can get a better price if they call the listing agent. I find this particulary humourous because the listing agent already has a relationship with the Seller. They are hired to negotiate on behalf of the seller.  Now you call them and they are working for the seller and themselves (yay they get the full commission). They are supposed to be impartial but can they be?

Here’s the myth part…Even though they are not to favour either party, the Realtor, will of course, when you ask, throw in half his commission for your benefit. Come on. Ask yourself  why would someone do this for a stranger… because you are nice, a new friend, your kids are cute? Really!!! Why would they give you their earnings? They just met you. They have already negotiated the fees when they listed the property, so if they are going to help anybody, wouldn’t it be the Seller who hired them? Furthermore, you are a buyer, like any other buyer, so why would they work for you for free. Lets get this straight. Market value includes commissions and nobody wants to work for free. Not even for someone as great as you.

Sadly, I see histories on homes where a buyer took this approach and overpaid because they had little or no representation. The listing agent didn’t even tell them of other great homes available or provide them with recent sales.

Here are some of the reasons to hire your own Realtor when you are buying.

* A good Realtor can provide you with vital information like property history, title information, comparable sales etc. They can show you any listed property and even source out homes that are not currently on the market.

*Realtors negotiate for a living, so if you pick an experienced Realtor who is strong at the table they will get you to the best terms and they know what to write in the contract to protect you.

* A good Realtor will handle the deposits, getting documents to the lawyer, obtaining any information you need like condo documents etc.

* They will save you time, doing all the booking, leg work and research.

* Most importantly, they will work for you…not the seller and negotiate in your best interest without conflicts.

BEST OF ALL! As long as the  Seller  is offering commissions to the Realtor for bringing in the Buyer, (the most common practice here in Calgary) you do not pay extra for all this great service.

Face it, buying real estate is not a do it yourself project. There are a lot of mistakes you can make without proper, impartial advice.  Get your own  professional professional representation! You’ll be surprised how much fun it can be. Let your Realtor do all the work!