| You have been saving your pennies. Waiting for the | | | | believe that is the case. I think, they just weren't certain |
| opportunity to buy that first dream home. Finally, the | | | | what exactly they wanted and something different |
| day has arrived. You have enough for the down | | | | caught their eye. |
| payment. Now what do you do? | | | | Once you start looking at various homes, observe |
| The first thing, you should do, as one of the first time | | | | your interactions with your REALTOR®. Are they |
| home buyers in Canada, is find yourself a Buyers | | | | overly positive about every home? Do they try and |
| Agent. Yes, that can be a very daunting task. With so | | | | minimize negatives when you point them out? Do they |
| many REALTORS (R) in your area, where do you | | | | try and convince you to buy a certain house or rush |
| start? You can ask friends or family for | | | | you to do so. Yes, some homes sell very quick, but for |
| recommendations. You can do a Google search. You | | | | the most part they take a few weeks or even |
| can check the local Real Estate Guide. Once you | | | | months. Owners are less willing to move on their price |
| have chosen your REALTOR (R), they may or may | | | | in the first couple weeks. Why would they? They have |
| not have you try and sign a home buyer contract. | | | | all these excited new first time home buyers suddenly |
| Personally, I recommend you never sign one of these, | | | | coming to look. Of course, if you wait, you risk losing |
| unless there are a couple of conditions to protect you. | | | | that home. You have to weigh the risks and make that |
| First, insist you can buy privately, if you find a home not | | | | decision. But, it should be your decision, without being |
| listed by an Agent (without having to pay a fee to the | | | | pressured. |
| REALTOR (R) if they didn't assist you). Second, make | | | | Lastly, make sure your REALTOR (R) is truly working |
| sure you can cancel anytime, with no financial penalty, | | | | for you. Try and avoid Dual Agency situations, at all |
| if you aren't happy with your real estate salesperson. | | | | cost. If you aren't sure how that works, do some |
| Why should you get stuck working with someone you | | | | research in your favorite search engine to find out |
| are not happy with? | | | | "Who Is Representing You?", to understand the |
| Now that you have chosen a salesperson to work | | | | sometimes confusing "Agency". |
| with, sit down with them to discuss what you are | | | | The good news, if your buyer agent isn't living up to |
| looking for. Over the years, I have heard the term | | | | your expectations and you followed my previous |
| "Buyers are Liars", when someone has bought | | | | instructions regarding signing the contract, you will be |
| something completely different from what they told | | | | able to replace them with someone who will. |
| the salesperson they were looking for. I really don't | | | | I truly hope you find the home of your dreams! |