Why Use a REALTOR®?

Do I need a real estate agent to buy or sell a home in British Columbia?

Advantages

Deciding to put your property on the market is one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll ever make. Navigating the market is a complex process—I can help you with every step along the way. I work hard to ensure you get the best possible price, while also coordinating marketing, showings, negotiating, closing, and everything in between. Here are a few reasons why using a REALTOR® is a good idea.

• Understand real estate values in your neighbourhood; I will help set a competitive price for your property
• Establish a marketing strategy for your property, ensuring that it receives maximum exposure through advertising and networking
• Take care of the many tasks involved in selling property––from placing your listing, to putting up the for-sale sign––ensuring the transaction is as simple and low-stress for you as possible
• Guide your decision-making with detailed advise on your rights, options and obligations
• Negotiate with buyers to achieve the best price possible

You need a real estate agent

Why use a REALTOR®?

You’re trusting a REALTOR^® with your most valuable possession, your home. We take this responsibility very seriously and here is what we promise you:

We’re highly trained – REALTOR^® training is so rigorous that many candidates fail the pre-registration courses. Those who do pass must master a long, diverse list of subjects ranging from housing construction to family law.

We’re continuously trained – REALTORS^® keep pace with the times. All licensed REALTORS^®must take continuing education courses to make sure their knowledge on subjects like legal issues and technology are up to date.

We do everything ‘by the book’ – A licensed REALTOR^® is registered under provincial laws that govern exactly how real estate can and cannot be traded. These regulations are your legal guarantee of our professional promise.

We’re ethical business people – REALTORS^® must adhere to the extensive Code of Ethics of the Canadian Real Estate Association. Your interests are always first.

Your dealings with us are insured – For your peace of mind, provincial regulators sponsor consumer protection programs that may require, for instance, that REALTORS^® maintain errors and omissions insurance. For sale by owner transactions are not insured – one more reason why you need a real estate agent.

You have an opportunity for recourse – Should you have concerns about the professionalism of a REALTOR^®, provincial regulators and your local real estate board or association take these matters very seriously and work quickly to resolve any issues.

We work with the powerful Multiple Listing Service® – The MLS^® is the single most powerful tool for buying and selling a home. As a REALTOR^®, I can provide you with exclusive features of the local MLS^®system, such as immediate notification when new properties are listed and access to strata fees, taxes, and any legal notes on the property title.

Information about REALTOR® ethics and licensing

Insight on why you need a real estate agent

Privacy and REALTORS® – Canadian Real Estate Association.

• Visit the CREA’s privacy web page

REALTOR® Code of Ethics – Canadian Real Estate Association

• Visit the CREA’s code of ethics web page
• Download the CREA’s REALTOR®code of ethics (pdf)

Working With a Real Estate Agent – British Columbia Real Estate Association. Read the BCREA’s

• Working With A Real Estate Agent