Does this scenario sound familiar? You’re perusing the web for your dream home and you think you have found it! There are enough bedrooms for your kids and an in-law suite for Grandma, the price is right, the location is perfect, and the school catchment is ideal! You hop on the phone and try to book an appointment to view this dream house and it is SOLD. Over asking at that. Last week. Sigh, back to the computer you go. 

So why do Toronto real estate agents even bother putting advertising these listings if the open houses are for show, and the sales occurred before the paper even went to print so to speak?

What do they know that you don’t?

Well first off, the listings outside of MLS are more to market real estate agents and firms, second, in this fast-paced market most average family homes don’t need marketing outside of realtor.ca to get scooped up, and lastly, if you’re not working with an agent, you’ve probably already lost the house.

Why get a buying agent?

It goes without saying that real estate agents are the best in the business because it’s well, their business. A local agent will have their finger on the pulse of upcoming properties, potential developments, and unit vacancies long before the public will catch wind of them. For this reason, those shopping with an agent will get the inside information, benefits of realtor relationships, and additional advantages that come with being part of the field.

If your realtor already has your wish list in hand, complete with budget and location boundaries, they can send you properties as they hear of them and even go above and beyond to seek out a property and a seller that hadn’t even thought of selling their home!

Here are some other advantages that come along with hiring a buying agent:

1. It’s free: There is no cost to hiring a real estate agent to look for your next home. They will send you listings, arrange showings, take you to viewings, and do all the paperwork and negotiations that go along with the sale. While there is no fee to hire them, they do receive a commission percentage if and when you decide to purchase a home. 
2. Expert Knowledge: An agent is a huge asset when going to view properties as they know what to look for and what to avoid! While you may see a sizable backyard and walk-in closet, they see an outdated heating system, leaky roof, mould, and a cracked foundation. With their daily deluge of home searches, they are a valuable resource when going through a home. While they may be keen at spotting red flags, they do not replace a home inspector but a second set of eyes is always helpful! 
3. Local Market Advice: Agents tend to have their area of expertise, so to speak, in terms of neighbourhoods, cities, and surrounding boroughs. They can advise on pricing, school zones, entertainment, public transit, and many more landmarks in the area. They stay abreast of the local trends, hotspots, and market details and provide that service to you as their client. 
4. Help With Financing: First-time buyers, and even some seasoned buyers, may need to secure financing in order to get their offer approved. Your agent will have built solid foundations with lenders and brokers in the area that may be great points of contact to assist with financing. Ask them your questions, but remember to do your own due diligence when selecting the right brokerage for you. 
5. Coordinator of Chaos: Have you always wanted your own personal assistant? One that will make your appointments schedule the showings, and maybe even bring you the occasional coffee? Your agent has you covered! They handle all the meticulous bookings and attempt to schedule all of your viewings in the same area, within the same time period to reduce your running around. 
6. Contracts and Contacts: Regardless of how many homes or properties you have purchased, you are probably not well-versed in contracts, fine print, conditions, and legal jargon. Your agent can help make sure all negotiations are above board and recommend real estate lawyers to help! 
7. Your Buyer Can Be Your Navigator, Negotiator and Sounding Board: You will probably spend a lot of time with your buying agent. Yes, that is their job and yes, they do get the commission, but they also have a passion for people finding the right home. They will help steer you in the right direction, weigh the pros and cons of properties, help form offers on houses, keep the negotiations on track, console you when you lose the house you wanted, and celebrate with you when you get your dream home! If you find the right agent, you can form a pretty great partnership, even a friendship that lasts beyond the last signature!

If you are looking for a partner in buying, look no further than our team of friendly, experienced, and passionate buying agents. We will go to work for you, go to bat with you, and make sure you fulfil that Saturday morning daydream of landing in the perfect house, at the perfect time!