TORONTO, Nov. 5, 2013 /CNW/ - For most people, buying or selling a home is one of the most important and highest value purchases they will make, and potentially the most challenging. November is Financial Literacy Month, an opportunity for the Real Estate Council of Ontario (RECO) to put consumers on alert for 10 major home buying and selling mistakes that can lead to an unsatisfying experience or even serious complications.
"RECO is responsible for protecting home buyers and sellers. We've seen too many Ontarians encounter these pitfalls," says RECO's Registrar Joseph Richer. "Being mindful of these 10 considerations can help the buying and selling process go a lot smoother."
Here are the most common buying and selling hazards, and how to avoid them:
- Allowing emotions to overtake common sense
When you fall in love with a property it can be hard to walk away. Know your budget and don't overpay. Don't forgo a home inspection just to win a bidding war.
- Hiring the first salesperson you meet
Ontario has over 60,000 brokers and salespersons, with a broad range of approaches to the buying and selling process. Meet with a few different representatives before settling on one, and make sure you feel comfortable with them and their approach to the process. Also be sure to get references and contact them to learn about their experience with the salesperson.
- Not making your expectations clear with your real estate professional
It's important that you and your representative have a mutual understanding about what you're looking for, and what services the brokerage will be responsible for. Make sure you talk to your broker or salesperson about the services you expect them to provide, and get it in writing.
- Failing to read and understand forms and contracts
It can be tempting to speed the process along by signing forms that you haven't read. But taking the time to understand what you're signing can avoid a lot of problems later on. For example, you don't want to find out that you're on the hook for a six month listing agreement to sell your home if you only want your house on the market for three months. In addition, a holdover clause could mean that if you sell your property during a specified period without the assistance of the broker or salesperson, you would still owe them commission.
Make sure all the blanks on the form are filled in before you sign it, and make sure you get a copy of whatever you sign.
- Assuming everything is included
Don't assume that the furnace, dishwasher or other items are included with the property. The seller may want to take the dishwasher with them to their new home, and the furnace might be under a rental contract that you'll be required to take over. Before making an offer, detail all items, known as chattels, in writing. Your offer can also include a clause stating that the seller will pay out any outstanding leases on the home's major systems.
- Forgetting about what's within the walls
Granite countertops and new hardwood floors are appealing, but the insulation, wiring and plumbing are just as important when you're evaluating a property. Ask your real estate representative to look into the age of the home's systems and if there have been any upgrades. If extensive renovations have been done, your real estate professional can determine if the appropriate permits were issued.
- Forgetting about what's outside the walls
When you buy a house you're also buying a place in a community. Some places are lively, others are quiet. Some places are filled with kids while others are not. Visit the neighbourhood at different times of the day to see if it fits your lifestyle. Talk to the neighbours about the community and the locations of various amenities like grocery stores and banks.
- Not doing your research
If you're concerned about buying a home with a troubled past, a simple Internet search for the address can go a long way. This is also something you can ask the neighbours about.
- Making verbal agreements
Verbal agreements aren't a problem, until they're a problem. Putting everything in writing forces both parties to be clear about their expectations and provides a record that can prevent disputes later on.
- Underestimating closing costs
From land transfer taxes to title insurance to a home inspection, the costs of a real estate transaction can add up quickly. Take the time to include estimates and other expenses in the full cost of buying or selling a property.
While all of these tips are essential, the most important advice is to work with a registered real estate professional.
"Registered brokers and salespersons provide a great deal of knowledge and expertise about the buying and selling process, along with specific knowledge about neighbourhoods and local issues," says Richer. "They can also provide crucial help in avoiding these hazards."
RECO's website offers a wealth of consumer-oriented information, including:
- Reconnect: A newsletter that offers tips and news for home buyers and sellers.
- Consumer Bulletins: Publications that address common questions received from consumers.
- Complaints: Consumers are encouraged to submit a complaint if they have concerns about a registered real estate professional. Complaint forms and information about the process are available on RECO's website.
- Registrant Search Feature: A tool that allows consumers to confirm whether they are dealing with someone who is legally registered to trade in real estate in Ontario and whether that person has been the subject of any discipline activity.
RECO regulates the real estate profession in Ontario. RECO is responsible for administering the Real Estate and Business Brokers Act, 2002 (REBBA 2002) and associated regulations on behalf of the provincial government. In order to trade in real estate in Ontario, brokers and salespersons must be registered under REBBA 2002. RECO's mission is excellence in the delivery of regulatory services that protect the public interest and enhance consumer confidence in the real estate profession. For more information, visit www.reco.on.ca.
Image with caption: "Real Estate Council of Ontario. (CNW Group/Real Estate Council of Ontario)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20131105_C9902_PHOTO_EN_32917.jpg
SOURCE: Real Estate Council of Ontario
James Geuzebroek
Manager, Communications
E-mail: [email protected]
Phone: 416 207-3108
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