Question:
I am interested in looking at a for sale by owner property, but I want to take my REALTORŽ along for advice. Is this possible?
Janice

Answer:
Dear Janice,

Although this may be possible it would be a good idea to discuss this with your REALTORŽ before making arrangements. There are two ways a REALTORŽ gets paid for the work they do when representing a buyer. In the first instance the seller agrees to pay a commission which is shared by the listing and selling REALTORŽ in the event that a deal occurs. The other way a REALTORŽ can be paid when representing a buyer is through a “Buyers Brokerage Contract”. In this arrangement the Buyer agrees to pay the REALTORŽ an agreed on amount if a purchasable property is located.

To ask your REALTORŽ to come and look at a for sale by owner property is fair if you allow them some time to arrange with the seller to recompense them for their efforts. In the event the seller will not sign a listing agreement then it would be fair of you to offer some type of payment to your REALTORŽ if an agreement to purchase occurs. In both cases by assuring that compensation will be paid to the REALTORŽ and the Brokerage you can rest assured that you are well represented.

A REALTORŽ will go that extra mile for you, but is it fair that they be paid for what they do? I think we both know the answer to that question. The advantage to being represented by a REALTORŽ is that the information on the property will be verified, that you are paying a fair price by getting you current comparable sales information, and that you will seek the necessary documents or inspections that may be needed. The REALTORŽ will ensure that your bank receives the information you need, that inspectors are booked and appointments are kept, and that the information on title transfer is forwarded to your lawyer.

So in answer to your question ask your REALTORŽ but allow them the ability to get paid for what they do, because all of us want to be rewarded when we do our jobs.

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The Moose Jaw Real Estate Board reserves the right to print only those questions that they deem appropriate. If you would like to have a personal response to your question include your name & address and a reply will be forwarded to you.

Address your inquires to:
Ask A REALTORŽ
c/o Moose Jaw Real Estate Board
79 Hochelaga St. W.
Moose Jaw, SK
S6H 2E9