Real estate agents do more than just help you search for a home. They balance several jobs at once in order to help you find the home of your dreams. From finding you properties that fit your budget, to negotiating contracts and filling out all the paperwork, real estate agents are some of the hardest working professionals a homebuyer can work with.
At any time, a real estate agent may be a:
Travel Guide
Not sure how to go from dreaming to owning? An agent can map out the process from start to finish.
Sounding Board
Agents can help you assess how realistic your dreams are — and how they fit with your lifestyle.
– Urban (Condo)
– Suburban and Rural (town house, Duplex, Semi-detached, detached)
Location Scout
Agents often have access to more homes than listed for the public — via Realtor.ca (also known as MLS) and other technologies not available to the general public.
Human GPS
Your agent knows the schools, communities, best restaurants and amenities in the neighbourhoods you’re considering.
45% of buyers with children <18 say proximity to schools is a top priority when purchasing a home.1
Forensic Accountant
Paying a fair price? An agent can tell you what similar homes to the one you’re buying have sold for recently.
Your agent can help you determine if your new home qualifies you for a first-time homebuyer $5,000 non‐refundable income tax credit.2
They can help you decide if you need to use the Home Buyers’ Plan (HBP) to withdraw up to $35,000 from your RRSPs.3
Air Traffic Controller
Agents can coordinate with their team of professionals including an RBC mortgage specialist, lawyer, inspector and more to keep the home buying process running smoothly.
Lead Negotiator
Agents act as the go-between for you and the seller’s agent, keeping you in the loop on price and contract negotiations, making an offer, inspector-required repairs, and your final move-in date.
Sources:
1. “2018 Moving With Kids,” NAR Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers.
2. Canada Revenue Agency (CRA).
3. Canada Revenue Agency (CRA).
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This article is intended as general information only and is not to be relied upon as constituting legal, financial or other professional advice. A professional advisor should be consulted regarding your specific situation. Information presented is believed to be factual and up-to-date but we do not guarantee its accuracy and it should not be regarded as a complete analysis of the subjects discussed. All expressions of opinion reflect the judgment of the authors as of the date of publication and are subject to change. No endorsement of any third parties or their advice, opinions, information, products or services is expressly given or implied by Royal Bank of Canada or any of its affiliates.
