The same holds true when it comes to real estate.

Many people only call a real estate agent when they’re planning on selling their property, buying a new home, or doing both. While that’s an important reason to speak to a real estate agent, it’s not the only reason.

Indeed, there are many good reasons for you to give me a call. For example:

• If you have a question about the state of the local real estate market. (Remember that it may be very different from what you hear on the news about the national market.)
• If you want to get a sense of what homes are currently selling for in the area.
• If you want to determine the current market value of your property.
• If you want to find out how much homes cost in neighbourhoods you’d like to consider.
• If you’re thinking about the possibility of making a move, but you’re not sure if it’s the right time.

In other words, don’t be afraid to contact us when you have a question or need some advice about the real estate market.

An offer may contain several types of conditions. The most common are “conditional upon arranging financing” and “conditional upon passing a professional home inspection.” However, there may be other conditions as well.

You should be aware of - and fully understand - all of them.

In addition, the wording of an offer may change during the back and forth negotiations that often happen. Aside from changes to the price, other clauses may be added, removed or reworded as well.

As your real estate agent, I will always explain the changes and ask you to initial them. This is done primarily to ensure you know and approve of what you’re signing.

A recent newspaper article tells the story of a buyer-seller legal dispute that resulted in a six-figure judgement against the seller. This was due, in part, to a lack of understanding of one of the clauses in the agreement.

You don’t want that to happen to you. Take the time to carefully review and understand an offer.