Why Use a Realtor®?

The process of buying or selling a home is complicated and the rules and regulations that govern the industry change from time to time. Working with a REALTOR® lets you take advantage of the knowledge and expertise of a trained professional.

REALTORS® can work for the property buyer, the property seller or both, depending on what type of relationship the client wishes to enter into.

USING A REALTOR® TO BUY A HOME

• REALTORS® are effective negotiators, ensuring your best interests are represented
• REALTORS® are up to date on the rules and regulations that govern real estate practice in Alberta
• REALTORS® have access to market and sales statistics so you will know if a prospective property is fairly priced
• REALTORS® have a wide network of contacts, allowing them to uncover leads on properties that may not yet be listed for sale
• REALTORS® must adhere to a strict Code of Ethics and Standards of Business Practices, enforced by the local real estate board to which the REALTOR® belongs

USING A REALTOR® TO SELL YOUR HOME

Selling your home is a full time job….

If you are at work most of the day, important leads and inquiries can get lost.  Moreover, you may lack knowledge of legal terminology and experience with financing that could cost you money on the sale.

‘REALTOR®’ is a trademark identifying those professionals who belong to their local real estate board, the Alberta Real Estate Association and the Canadian Real Estate Association.

You can sell your home yourself, but do you really want to?

• A REALTOR® can save you money, time and sleepless nights.
• Your REALTOR® will fully explain what to expect so that you are not faced with surprise along the way.
• A REALTOR® can offer you the multiple Listing Service® (MLS®), giving your home the greatest possible exposure to the marketplace.
• Your REALTOR® will develop a marketing plan that may include advertising, such as: Newspaper ads, A lawn sign, Direct mail flyers, MLS.ca and the internet, Social Media (eg, Facebook, Google+, Twitter etc), E-Newsletter advertising to previous clients
• Your Realtor can give you tips to improve the marketability of your home.
• Your REALTOR® will separate ‘lookers’ from ‘buyers’, saving wear and tear on you and your home, and ensuring serious offers.
• REALTORS® are effective negotiators, acting in your interests and upon your instructions
• REALTORS® are up to date on the rules and regulations that govern real estate practice in Alberta
• REALTORS® know the marketplace and, with access to information on recent sales in your neighbourhood, can ensure your home is priced competitively
• REALTORS® target potential buyers, marketing your property in locations that reflect the buyer profile
• REALTORS® have a wide network of contacts, including other REALTORS®, helping them to pinpoint potential buyers for your property Using a REALTOR protects you, the consumer.
• REALTORS® have access to a range of internet sites on which to list property, such as www.REALTOR.ca as well as other avenues to advertise your property, including local newspapers and real estate publications

You can expect strict compliance with the Real Estate Act and adherence to a Code of Ethics and Standards of Business Practice, enforced by the local real estate board.  This ensures you will receive the highest level of service, honesty, and integrity throughout your transaction.

A REALTOR® IS A PROFESSIONAL

‘REALTOR®’ is a trademark identifying professionals who are members of their local real estate board, their provincial association (Alberta Real Estate Association), and the Canadian Real Estate Association. These organizations unify real estate standards, promote interaction and goodwill among real estate professionals, and assist in formulating legislation affecting real estate.

REALTORS® receive direct support from all three organizations — through seminars, conferences and newsletters — to increase their skills and keep them current with industry trends and legislative requirements.

Ongoing Education 

REALTORS® in Alberta were the first in Canada to achieve mandatory continuing education for the members of their industry. For each two year period, REALTORS® must complete 18 hours of professional development before they can renew their licence.

Standard Forms 

REALTORS® in Alberta use standard plain language listing and purchase contracts, carefully designed to provide maximum protection to you, the consumer.

REALTORS® use the Consumer Relationship Guide developed by the Real Estate Council of Alberta, to explain the relationships between the parties to a real estate transaction and the service expected of a REALTOR®.

Code of Ethics & Standards of Practice 

REALTORS® adhere to a Code of Ethics and Standards of Business Practice that are strictly enforced by the local real estate board. When you deal with a REALTOR®, you are assured of the highest level of service, honesty and integrity.