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Consulting a REALTOR®

REALTORS® are members of The Canadian Real Estate Association who subscribe to a Code of Ethics and Standards of Business Practice. Members of the Vancouver Island Real Estate Board are members of both the British Columbia and Canadian Real Estate Associations.

• A REALTOR® will fully explain the details of your working relationship (called "agency") so that you are clear as to when a REALTOR® is working for you or for the seller.
• A REALTOR® has access to hundreds of current listings of homes for sale because of a co- operative system called the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®).
• A REALTOR® can provide you with a customized list of homes that best meet your needs -- size, style, features, location, proximity to schools, shopping, etc. - and then make arrangements for you to view those homes that appeal to you the most.
• A REALTOR® will help you determine how big a home you can afford.
REALTORs® are familiar with the local lending market and can offer helpful advice.
• A REALTOR® has no emotional ties to any type or style of home and can be objective in pointing out the merits of one home over another.
• A REALTOR® will have information on zoning changes, taxes, utility costs and school and recreation services that could affect your decision to buy a home in a specific area.
• A REALTOR® will assist you in negotiating the terms of your purchase, which can be a nerve- wracking process for someone who is not experienced in negotiating.
• A REALTOR® will advise you of the legal process required in obtaining title and taking possession of your property; the costs associated with buying a home such as insurance, mortgage registration and legal fees will be explained in detail.

Source: Victoria Real Estate Board 2015

Selling Your Home - Why it Pays to Use a REALTOR®

Before selling your home, you will need a clear understanding of the legal issues and potential pitfalls. One wrong action could result in a lot of cost and frustration, which is why it is essential to have a REALTOR® working with you, as he or she will make the sale of your home a successful and satisfying experience.

REALTORS® use the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) to give your home maximum exposure. MLS® is a computer-based system that relays valuable information about your home to hundreds of REALTORS® and potential homebuyers.

Setting a price for your home is an important but difficult process. Again, this is where the services of a REALTOR® prove invaluable. REALTORS® have the experience to help you understand how the market works and decide upon a realistic price that meets your goals. REALTORS® also pre-screen potential buyers to make sure only those who are serious and financially qualified view your home.

REALTORS® will also develop a marketing plan to help your property receive maximum exposure. This will likely include placing your home on the MLS® system and placing a "For Sale" sign on the front lawn. The plan will likely also include arranging open houses for other REALTORS® and potential buyers, and developing advertisements and feature sheets/mailers to market your home.

Once you have accepted an offer to buy your home, your REALTOR® will help ensure that all the proper paperwork is completed. He or she will also make sure that both parties meet the necessary conditions outlined in the agreement.

When you work with a REALTOR® you will likely get a better price for your home than if you try to sell it yourself. Apart from the financial benefits, however, there is an extra measure of comfort and security that comes from having a REALTOR® on your side. Remember that REALTORS® are governed by a code of ethics and standards of business practice. They have also been trained and licensed under the provincial Real Estate Services Act to assist in transactions involving real property. When it comes to buying or selling property, using a REALTOR® just makes sense.

Source: Victoria Real Estate Board 2015

RJ Toor

REALTOR® -  RJ Toor Powerhouse Real Estate

rjtoorremax@gmail.com

RJ Toor learned integrity, honesty and a strong work ethic as a child. They're traits that form the core values of his thriving business and he wouldn't have it any other way. Coupled with a solid foundation in today's latest technology, extensive sales experience and excellent communication skills, he offers a unique blend of expertise that keeps his clients coming back. RJ has been around real estate for a lifetime. As the eldest child in an immigrant family - where strong work ethic was learned - he was the only English speaker and the one his family leaned on, translating property transactions and dealing with bankers, lawyers, mortgage brokers and Realtors. So, it was natural for him to go into real estate. But first, he carved out a 22-year career in automotive industry and business management.

The real estate industry has changed dramatically over the years and, in this environment, RJ's extensive knowledge and sales and negotiating skills are especially valued. He is one of the select few agents to achieve Top Ten status in his first full year as a Realtor. And he was voted Best Realtor 2012 by the Readers Choice of Kamloops Daily News. This level of success means RJ, who specializes in residential and commercial real estate, earns referrals and repeat business from his many satisfied clients. He has deep roots in Kamloops, having lived in the community for many years with his wife, three children, and their Maltese poodle. A hockey enthusiast (he also enjoys skiing, wakeboarding and RVing), RJ is a strong proponent of volunteering and giving back. He has served extensively as a director on minor hockey boards in both Prince George and Kamloops and has been a team manager for several teams. Always calm under pressure and with a keen ability to really listen to his clients to understand their needs, he believes his greatest contribution is to be their trusted advisor, their advocate. They know they can count on him for an honest, thoughtful analysis of the market and local home  values and trends, and to help them navigate the complex buying and selling process. Put him to work for you today.