Would you handle the biggest transaction of your life without support? As a buyer in search of Ottawa homes for sale or investment properties, it can be tempting to handle the home search yourself and forgo hiring a real estate agent. Although many people attempt this for the perceived cost savings and convenience, there are associated risks and disadvantages. Did you know that hiring a buyer agent is free? Let’s review the advantages of buying a home with a real estate agent.

1. Agents Advocate For Your Interests

The listing agent has a fiduciary duty to the seller to represent their client. Their job is to get the most favourable outcome for the seller. Therefore, it is in the buyer’s best interest to have their own representation.

A few of the ways a buyer’s agent will advocate for their client includes providing adequate research and obtaining pertinent information that may not be readily available, adding appropriate clauses and conditions to the agreement to ensure full protection, and providing a proper evaluation of the property to ensure fair market value is assessed.

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There are a lot of questions you may have when buying a home. Here are a few blogs to help you along the way:

• Variable Vs. Fixed Rate Mortgage: Which is Best?
• New Construction Vs. Resale Home
• Condominium Vs. Freehold

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2. Efficiency

Researching homes, viewing properties, and negotiating with sellers can be time-consuming and tedious, not to mention emotionally exhausting. Every real estate agent you connect with will ask you a series of questions from what your buyer qualifications are to what you are looking for. When you hire your own buyer’s agent, you only need to tell your story once. Your agent will save you time by arranging all property showings and gathering additional information. 

3. Confidentiality

Many buyers don’t realize that the listing agent does not owe them confidentiality. Anything you share can be shared with the Seller and could compromise your offer. A buyer’s agent, on the other hand, will use their strategic expertise and only disclose pertinent information that is advantageous to your offer being selected. 

4. Negotiation Skills

Negotiating is a special skill that is developed through crafting hundreds of agreements. When it comes to buying a home, don’t take this lightly: hire the Chell Team who are experts in negotiation. As a buyer it can be difficult not to become emotionally invested. A buyer’s agent will provide you with an objective opinion and support you in making a rational and informed decision.

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Looking for more homebuying resources? Read these articles next:

• Why Now is a Good Time for Homebuyers in Ottawa
• Can You Buy a Home with a Co-Signer?
• Is Now a Good Time to Invest in Ottawa Real Estate?

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5. Market Expertise

Top real estate agents know the housing market inside and out. As a buyer, it’s integral to have market experts to advise you and help you find the home of your dreams. At the Chell Team, we know Ottawa homes!

Your buyer’s agent will recognize if homes represent market value, listing price lures, and the best strategy for the market conditions. When you want something important done right, you hire a specialist. Don’t make the mistake of navigating your home purchase without an experienced buyer’s agent representing your best interests.

6. Relationships

There are many benefits to working with a relationship vs. transactional real estate agent such as building well-respected relationships within the industry to other professionals throughout the home buying process and beyond which results in loyalty on both sides. The Chell Team prides themselves on their relationship-based approach and all the benefits it provides to their clients.

Not all Realtors are created equal. We, at the Chell Team, take pride in the service we provide our buyers. Contact us today to learn how we can help you make your dream home a reality! You can call us at 613.829.7484 or email mail@chellteam.com.