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RE4 - The CanadenChampion, Tuesd!ay, March 3,199M A Realtor Helps Smooth the Home Buying Process Fînding the right home, getting a fair price, cal- culating mortgages rates, figuring out closing costs ... al of these factors and many more make the buying proeess confusing and then trans- forms it into an experience that is one of most exciting trnes of your flfe. Think of aRealtor as a professional who brings buyers and sellers together for the sale of proper- ty. I'hey have access te the MELS services which are operated by these boards. This service pro- vides Realtors with a listing of a wide variety of property for sale, which could very well inclutie your "dreamn home". Who Does a Realtor Work For? A Realtor usually works for the seller and, therefore represents his or hier best interests. However, as a buyer, you can still expect compe- tent service, knowing the Realtor is bounti by ethics anti law to lie honest and thorough in rep- resenting a property for sale. A Realtor wili provide you with a wide range of services anti will not take it for granteti that you know ail the în's anti outs of buying a home. So, one of the flrst tings hie or she will do is thoroughly explain what to expect, an you dont encounter any surprises along the way. Narrowing Down Yoear Home Choices A Realtor will help you zero in on specific locations for your new home. He or she will also help you tiecitie what type of home you would like to buy since there are many options such as new homes, resale homes, townhouses, anti con- dominiums. in addition, a Realtor will help you differentiate hetween your neetis, wants anti what you can actually afford. ibis profile of your home is compared with what's available on the market. A Realtor will then accompany you as you view houses anti help you asses whether or not the property anti price is right. When you actually iscover your "dream home", a Realtor will help you select the most appropriate mortgage option anti obtain financ-1 ing at the most attractive prevailîng rates anti1 terms. Negotiating Skills Negotiating is one of a Realtors ameas of exper- tise. So, you can rely on him or hier to arrange a fair pice for your home. A Realtor will assist in negotiating an offer, act as a mediator te smooth over any potential conflicts hetween you andthle seller anti draw up legally inding contract. Selecting a Realtor So, how do you go about flnding a Realtor to help make your home huyîng dirans a reality? Actually, there are several easy ways to make your selection. One of (lie best ways is to ask your frientis, relatives anti neighhors if they can recmmenti a Realtor who they have used in (lie past. Another way te become famniiar with Realtors is to check local newspaper ativertisements. Many of them operate in specific areas where they know the properties anti locations very well because they research ail the listings anti inspect many of (lie open bouses. Therefore, tbey have an excellent ides of (lie market value of compara- hIe properties in those areas. Another fun idea anti effective way to meet Realtors is to visit open houses in an ares where you woulti like te huy your home. You can alan check (lhe real.estate signs in that ares for nanes of Realtors. If there isn't a name on te sign, cail (lie phone number isteti on t anti ask te speak to thie brokerage firm's 'expert' in (lie ares. One way that some home buyers look for a Ker Rcli aagmn d Realtor is to contact a real estate board. However, boards do not provide referral services for Realtors. They only information they can provide about a specifie Realtor is whether or flot he or she is a board member. Once you've narmowed down your choices to a couple of Realtors, make sure that you interview them to find out which one has the best combina- tion of experience and knowletige in the type of home andi ares that you are interesteti in. 0f shoulti be strong factors in your decision. Also ask them for references from previous huyers and sellers who have workcd wilthîhm. Once you have selected a Realtot. reroilo lyal to him or her if this individual has earmet your trust. Keep in mmnd that he or she will be spend- ing a lot of timne and effort to help find the right home and will not be paîi until the transaction is completed. scarp- 2 bedroom model in Village 3pring Parc. Have a firm buyer iow for ready for Spring occupancy! Cail Colin Best TWO CONDGMINIUM UNITS available. N ~ 3 bdrm available immediafely. 1- >% 4pc & 1-2pc bath, i-sut aundry, balcony. 2 parking spaces. $142.900. *2 bdrm suitable for investor. * ..- Aready bas tenant in place. $129.900. Caîl Jin, or Lorraine Kerr. (905) 876-0407 UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY to lease approximately 10,000 square feet located centrally in Milonas Ce Sqrusareh former Town Hall is avaai tn(ar g q ae for lease imm ediately. numerous. Cail Jim or Lorraine Kerr. 905) 876-0407. r-ý 1 1 ý Lr-ý