Buying is the fun part or at least it should be.  Yet it can be as stressful as selling if you are unprepared or want to make up your own rules as to how it should be done.  Above all else, you should be well informed because a mistake here could mean years of "living with it."  Here are some tips and information to help:

Close Encounters of the Real Estate Kind

For many it happens at an open house.  The agent rises to greet you.  You think, "Oh boy, here it comes.  The agent offers his help.   Inside you know you are lost in a maze of options and are certain the really good houses are at this very moment being sold to someone else, but you say,  "No we're just looking."   It is awkward at an open house. Visitors know we would like to work with them. We know they are afraid of ending up with the wrong Realtor. No one really likes this dance. But we do understand it.  Its the way we feel stalked when looking for furniture. We are thinking, "Get away from me!" Eventually you will choose an agent. To help with this, we've prepared a list of questions and issues that buyers should consider that may help you at an open house or at an interview of an agent candidate.

1. Can the Realtor find St. Catharines on a map?

2. Are there holes in his/her socks?

3. Do the socks match?

Seriously now...

4. Does the Realtor seem prepared for the open house?

a. Are there well prepared feature sheets with useful information.

b. Is there information available about comparable properties.

c. Does the Realtor know about the house he/she is selling?

5. Does the Realtor show more interest in what you have to say rather than the other way around?

6. Does the Realtor show ability to get the information you need to make your decision?

7. Does the realtor make sure you know what you want. Many buyers do not and this leads to the wrong house.

8. There is one last thing you should consider in choosing a realtor. Be loyal to the one you choose. 

We often hear of people who have "three or four Realtors looking for them." Wrong. They have three or four Realtors who have you on the "B" list of priorities. On the "A" list are people who have made a commitment to honour the time the Realtor spends in searching for your new home. If you don't like the service please let the Realtor know. If the right service can not be had, tell the realtor and find another to help. (See page on responsibilities.  Also note the new requirement for a Buyer's Agreement.  If you are working with an agent who hasn't mentioned the Buyer's Agreement, ask why not.)

(see the page on Choosing a Realtor for more ideas)