With good MLS searches available online now, is it worth the bother of developing a good working relationship with a buyer’s agent before purchasing a Vancouver property? I think so — the right relationship results in, first and foremost, finding the best possible property, a lower purchase price through strategic negotiation, the avoidance of potentially problematic properties, beating out competing offers, and a streamlined/satisfying experience.
Here are the services I provide my buyer clients:
- defining your top needs and giving you an overview of what the West End and other good Vancouver neighbourhoods have to offer within your price range
- setting you up to be automatically notified of any new listings that match your specific criteria before they hit realtor.ca
- emailing or phoning you when a listing comes up that has special potential for you — this could be in a good building with relatively low turnover, something that achieves the key aesthetic qualities you are after, or a property that is especially well-priced
- heads up on a good property not yet listed
- coaching you on current market conditions and preparing micromarket charts of your top neighbourhoods and property types
- preparing appointments and property tours, and accompanying you on property viewings
- passing along all insider information I am aware of relating to a building, using my own experience and that of trusted colleagues
- giving you my honest opinion if you ask me for it!
- helping you think strategically in terms of price and timing
- writing beneficial terms and conditions into the contract
- negotiating a successful offer on your behalf, and coaching you on what to do in case there are multiple offers
- recommending good professionals such as property inspectors, lawyers and mortgage brokers
- reading strata, cooperative or leasehold documents and sending you my notes
- overseeing property inspection and liaising with your mortgage broker or financial institution to ensure they have complete information and documents
- coordinating subject removal and deposit
- ensuring my brokerage has complete documents to send to your lawyer or notary
- meeting you at the property and handing you your keys — my favourite part!
I work with buyers on the understanding that, in the event of a successful purchase, I will be compensated by the seller through a portion of the commission offered by the listing brokerage. I don’t require the signing of an exclusive buyer agency contract.
If you think we might be a good fit, send me a message or give me a call so we can set up a meeting face-to-face or by Skype.