Consulting a REALTOR®

REALTORS® are members of The Canadian Real Estate Association who subscribe to a Code of Ethics and Standards of Business Practice. Members of the Victoria Real Estate Board are members of both the British Columbia and Canadian Real Estate Associations.

The following is a list of services you can expect to receive from a Realtor when you buy a home:

• A Realtor will fully explain the details of your working relationship (called “agency”) so that you are clear as to when a Realtor is working for you or for the seller.
• A Realtor has access to hundreds of current listings of homes for sale because of a co-operative system called the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®).
• A Realtor can provide you with a customized list of homes that best meet your needs -- size, style, features, location, proximity to schools, shopping, etc. – and then make arrangements for you to view those homes that appeal to you the most.
• A Realtor will help you determine how big a home you can afford.
• Realtor are familiar with the local lending market and can offer helpful advice.
• A Realtor has no emotional ties to any type or style of home and can be objective in pointing out the merits of one home over another.
• A Realtor will have information on zoning changes, taxes, utility costs and school and recreation services that could affect your decision to buy a home in a specific area.
• A Realtor will assist you in negotiating the terms of your purchase, which can be a nerve-wracking process for someone who is not experienced in negotiating.
• A Realtor will advise you of the legal process required in obtaining title and taking possession of your property; the costs associated with buying a home such as insurance, mortgage registration and legal fees will be explained in detail.