Vancouver Real Estate News Blog

There are more than 16,000 realtors listed in the Greater Vancouver area today, but the question remains do you need them?  The Vancouver housing market has remained stable and steady, and prices have been on an incline even during the rough housing times in other markets.  This seems to be a straightforward market, why call on a professional?

Today’s Realtor offers a more competitive edge for both the buyer and the seller.  There are three types of realtors, Buyer’s Agent, Seller’s Agent and Dual Agencies (offering both). 

For the Buyer, the Buyer’s Agent works with their wish list and the available properties to get the house they are dreaming about.  The Realtor would be helpful with new changes in real estate laws, mortgage and down payment options and would understand what neighborhoods fit their list best.  The right negotiation skills can make all the difference in the final closing price and the buyer’s ability to get the deal closed; the Buyer’s Agent can be pivotal in that role. 

For the Seller, the Seller’s Agent can protect the process.  The Seller’s Agent is also up to date on the real estate laws, knows how to keep the sale from creating a lawsuit or back firing all together.  The Seller’s Agent can make recommendations to improve curb appeal and competitive value in the market.  The Seller’s Agent can also help with the asking price strategy to make the selling process as painless as possible.  The Seller’s Agent will have marketing skills, access and techniques to put your listing deep into the stream of potential buyers. 

Open houses, time with potential buyers, showing the house on weekends and evenings, all takes an enormous commitment, missing appointments and opportunities can be costly; the Realtor can take this burden from your back and use their contacts to increase your potential buying pool. 

Sometimes, what seems to be a money saving opportunity can actually end up costing more in the end.  The housing purchase is one of the biggest investments made, making certain each party is happy with the outcome requires the professional expertise and experience of a certified Realtor.  Negotiating well, financing well and making the contract and sales process quick, painless and accurate are part of what a professional realtor will bring to the process.  Today’s Realtor has some incredible new techniques and marketing skills to get you connected to just the right buyer or seller for your closing. 

Just because you can do something, doesn’t mean you should.  Saving pennies and losing thousands will never be good math.  Find a Realtor you trust and rely upon their experience, your research and you are much more likely to end with the results you hope for in the transaction.  The Realtor® database online will allow you to find professional realtors by area, specialty and location.