Modern technology really is a wonder! It doesn’t seem that long ago that the ability to video conference with someone from anywhere in the world was straight out of a science fiction movie.
On paper, some of these sophisticated tools and resources can make the idea of buying or selling real estate seem quite straightforward. Is there still value in working with a human Realtor® today? In this post, we’ll explore what real estate agents do and how they can help when buying or selling a home.
Do you want inside access to the latest in West Toronto real estate? If so, consider becoming a Sidorova Inwood insider. You’ll also get early access to our latest listings.
What Is a Real Estate Agent?
A real estate agent is simply an individual who has passed a series of trainings and exams and is now registered with the Real Estate Council of Ontario (RECO). They may or may not be currently active, and they may or may not work full-time in the industry.
A Realtor® is a real estate agent who is also a member of the Canadian Real Estate Association. This generally entails a greater level of expertise and care.
Real estate agent responsibilities include fiduciary duty toward their client. Advocating at all times for your best interests isn’t just best practice; it’s the law as outlined by the Trust in Real Estate Services Act, 2020 (TRESA).
How do you know if a real estate agent is the right fit for your transaction? The posts below will help you decide:
- Our Guide to Finding a Toronto Listing Agent
- How to Interview Your Agent Before Buying a Home
- Buying a House in Ontario: Why Work With Us
Why Hire a Real Estate Agent?
Online tools and resources have made it possible to connect with buyers and sellers all over the globe. At the same time, the market changes faster, and new regulations are constantly introduced, which makes buying or selling a home more complicated.
In Toronto, everything happens faster and is even more complex. Houses are in high demand without enough supply to meet the long-term need. By all accounts, we should always be in a seller’s market. However, this is not the case. Why?
Demand is high, but so are prices. When selling a house, it’s not enough to find someone who wants to buy. You must be able to reach and qualify those who can afford to buy.
If you’re in the market to purchase, it’s imperative to get the right house and best value possible. The inability to negotiate a fair deal can stretch your ability to comfortably afford your home. Plus, you want to protect and grow your equity as real estate values rise. No matter what, an expert who represents and advocates for you generally leads to the best outcome.
Planning to buy a new home in Toronto? The posts below can help you stay on track:
- How to Save for a Down Payment on a House
- What to Look for When Buying a House: Checklist
- 5 Little Known Things to Look For When Touring a Home
What Does a Real Estate Agent Do for a Buyer?
Think of what it takes to successfully buy a Toronto house in today’s market. If it were just a matter of finding one you like, you might place an offer on the first listing you see. As you might expect, there’s a lot more to the process than meets the eye. To start with:
- A beautifully-staged home might be hiding a mountain of problems.
- A cosmetically imperfect house might just need a deep clean and a fresh coat of paint.
The right home goes far beyond surface appearances, which is why extensive due diligence is necessary. When you’re not in the market and reviewing homes on a regular basis, you likely won’t know what to look for on your own.
That’s one more reason it pays to work with an experienced expert. We can see past beautiful decor right through to the structure of a house. In addition, the daily duties of a real estate agent include:
- Sifting through countless listings to present you with only the best possible candidates
- Networking with other real estate agents and brokerages to expand your options even more
- Attending open houses and showings with you to help you stay objective
- Analyzing comparable recently-solds to understand true market value
- Helping you craft competitive offers and dealing with the seller’s agent
- Arranging for home inspections, appraisers, and final walkthroughs
- Working with the lawyer in the background to ensure a seamless close
After closing day and you get your keys, your agent’s job is officially complete. However, a true full-service real estate team will continue to offer post-closing support to ensure your move is as stress-free as possible.
Are you on the hunt for the perfect house? Our featured listings are a great place to begin.
Getting ready to sell a house? Get valuable tips from the posts below:
- When Is the Best Time to Sell a House in Toronto
- How to Sell Your House: Before You Begin
- 5 Common Mistakes Home Sellers Make
What Does a Realtor® Do for a Seller?
As a seller, you must achieve the best possible price and terms so you can move forward with your future plans. Often, earning top dollar is necessary to buy your next home in the neighbourhood of your choice.
Even in a hot seller’s market where houses sell quickly, you cannot afford to leave anything on the table. When sales are slow, an expert strategy is even more critical. Once again, the days of a top Toronto real estate agent will be busy and full.
- Advising you on the market and how to best position your home
- Determining what upgrades will help you sell faster and potentially earn more
- If necessary, arranging for repairs with a trusted team of contractors and tradespeople
- Staging your home and arranging for high quality photos and videos
- Generating maximum exposure for your listing through various marketing channels
- Negotiating with buyers and their agents to earn you the highest price possible in today’s market.
Representing clients is a busy job, and we have barely scratched the surface in describing all of the services Sidorova Inwood offers. Whether you plan to buy or sell, we take your success seriously and will stop at nothing to help you achieve and exceed your desired results.
Do you want to know more about buying or selling in the West End? Our West Toronto real estate agents are happy to help. Reach out today at 416-769-3437 or email info@sidorovainwood.com with any questions.
