Serving Merrickville, Kemptville, Oxford Mills, Burritts Rapids, South Gower, Jasper, Eastons Corners, North Augusta, Montague, Smiths Falls and the surrounding areas!

Buying A Home:

Choosing a Real Estate Professional

Whether you are selling or buying a home, selecting a real estate sales professional is one of the most important decisions you will make during the process. There are some very important things you should consider when choosing a real estate professional. One of the first considerations is who the agent represents during the process.

Real Estate Agencies

It is important that you know the differences between a professional who represents a seller (the "traditional" role of a sales associate), a professional who represents a buyer, and one who represents both. In most areas, real estate professionals are now legally obliged to disclose, in writing, information on the various types of real estate agency relationships that exist. You should assume the real estate professional is working for the seller unless otherwise stated.

• Seller's Agent - A real estate professional becomes a Seller's Agent by entering into a listing agreement to represent the seller's interests. Seller representation may also be created when a real estate professional shows a property on the Multiple Listing Service and "buyer agency" has not been created. The Seller's Agent can provide information to assist the buyer, but they must place the interests of the seller first. A buyer should not disclose anything to the Seller's Agent they do not want the seller to know.
• Buyer's Agent - A real estate professional becomes the Buyer's Agent by entering into an agreement to represent the buyer. A Buyer's Agent can assist the seller, but does not represent the seller. The Buyer's Agent must place the interests of the buyer first. A seller should not tell the Buyer's Agent anything they would not want the buyer to know, because the Buyer's Agent must disclose any pertinent information to the buyer.
• Dual Agent - Dual agency occurs when a real estate professional represents both the seller and the buyer. It can also occur when the Listing or Seller's Agent works for the same real estate firm as the Buyer's Agent. In most states, the buyer, the seller, and the Agent must agree in writing for the creation of dual agency. The Dual Agent is required to treat the buyer and seller honestly and impartially. In dual agency, the professional's duties are more limited and there is potential for conflict of interest. You may hear the terms "transaction broker" and "intermediary" in association with dual agency.

Interviewing Real Estate Sales Professionals

You may want to interview several sales professionals before selecting one to represent you. If you are selling your home, the real estate sales professionals you interview should cover the following items during the interview:

• Pricing your home
• Increasing your home's value
• Marketing strengths
• Negotiating the sale -The seller's agent should review every offer with you and help you evaluate all aspects of each offer and its financial implications.
• An overview of the local standard Contract For Sale along with typical addenda and a copy for your review

If you are buying a home, the real estate professionals you interview should cover the following:

• Agency relationships
• Many real estate professionals who primarily represent buyers have been specially trained to do so and have received the Accredited Buyer Representative (ABR) designation
• How much home you can afford
• The difference between being "pre-qualified" for a mortgage and being "pre-approved" for a mortgage
• Key features you "must have" in your new home vs. those you would like to have
• How to evaluate and compare the homes you see
• An overview of the local standard Contract For Sale along with typical addenda and give you a copy for review
• The types of inspections you will want to have done on the property you select

To find out more about all of your agency options, contact a Prudential Real Estate Professional now.

Selling a Home:

Our Marketing Strengths

Marketing real estate takes a lot more than a yard sign and classified advertising. It takes networking and maximum exposure to the real estate community.

The key to marketing a property is a thorough introduction to the real estate community.

Prudential Value Range Marketing^sm

Prudential Real Estate is the only provider of Prudential Value Range Marketing^sm in North America. Prudential Value Range Marketingsm attracts more potential buyers to look at your home. That can mean a quicker sale at a fair price.

International Broker Network

With more than 1,700 member offices of the Prudential Real Estate Network throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico, and more than 50,000 sales professionals worldwide, you'll have access to a vast pool of buyers locally, regionally, nationally and internationally¹.

National Relocation

Prudential Referral Services^® provides the network with potential buyers who must relocate within a limited time period because of corporate transfers.

Local REALTORS^® Network

Cooperation and exchange of information between brokers is an additional marketing opportunity used to generate qualified buyers and leads for your property.

Multiple Listing Service

Important information about your property will be submitted to the Multiple Listing Service. This is a valuable resource widely used by the real estate community and is highly effective in increasing awareness of your property.

¹ 2003 Statistics

Moving on Your Own:

From buying or selling a home to planning your move, Prudential Home ConnectionsSM, is dedicated to guiding you through the moving process. With the help of your Home Connections team of experienced counselors, you can save time and money. For more information, call (866) 224-8895 to speak to a Home Connections Counselor. Additional Tips Start the moving process early and you will find it can be a positive experience. Begin with pre-moving planning and organizing. Here are several tips you can use that may help you save time, money and frustration. Thorough planning is also key to an easy move. With so many decisions to make, and details to remember, this moving checklist will help you get organized initially...and stay organized throughout your move.