First of all, all our exceptional, personalized services are FREE for prospective Buyers as we get paid by the Seller's agent/brokerage.
Secondly, back in 2018 the law in British Columbia has been changed. From now on, Seller REALTORS® are prohibited by both law and ethics code to represent Buyers and Sellers in the same transaction. Reason being, the law makers rightfully believed that it is impossible for a REALTOR® to treat both parties equally correctly. Among many other things and especially when it comes to money, sellers and buyers usually do not have the same interests.
According to the ethics code, a Realtor must always act in the best interest of his client. So how can a Realtor act in the best interest of Buyer and Seller in the same transaction when Buyer and Seller are usually not on the same page? Please also note that the Seller and the Seller's REALTOR® are never the Buyer's best friend
So what makes a good agent a Top REALTOR® ?
Ethics Code
In BC, every real estate agent is bound by the ethics code and by by-laws. So make sure the REALTOR® you picked adheres to a high personal ethical standard so you can talk candidly with him knowing he will keep confidential information private.
Knowledge
Bernie Bogner has taught his agents a few decades ago that it always pays to have the upper hand in real estate transactions. Top REALTORS® stay up-to-date on the latest trends in housing and real estate, proactively pursuing professional development and continued education. Top REALTORS® have in-depth knowledge of different neighborhoods around most parts of Vancouver, so they can make recommendations based on what’s important to the buyer—whether that’s proximity to schools and daycares or restaurants, shopping and nightlife. They know if a house is a good deal or if it’s overpriced. For sure.
Experience
It is always a good idea to ask the appropriate questions to ensure your REALTOR® has the experience to provide you with proper assistance. As a rule of thumb, the longer a REALTOR® has been practicing the more experience he has. Who wants to be represented by a young lawyer in a $1 mil. lawsuit who just finished university? Nothing wrong with young lawyers but a lawyer with hundreds of lawsuits under his belt is probably the preferred solution. Or would you really trust an investment advisor at the bank when you have reasons to believe that he is highly indebted and collects commissions for selling you an investment?
Consequently, Top REALTOR® such as Bernie Bogner with decades of experience and financial stability are better equipped to help buyers to make an informed purchasing decision.
Negotiation Skills
Like Bernie Bogner, Top REALTORS® come into every negotiation well-prepared and they stay cool under pressure, examining all angles. Top REALTORS® are highly persuasive, negotiating for the best interests of their clients every step of the way. In fact Bernie has proven hundreds of times that he is a strong negotiator.
The Devil is in the Details
Due to the nature of the business, REALTORS® spend a lot of time “in the weeds.” From comparing housing prices to making suggestions for home improvements and reviewing the fine print in contracts, real estate professionals must be attentive to details. Top REALTORS such as Bernie Bogner listen carefully to buyers, uncovering the specific things they’re looking for in a home. They take care when staging a home for a showing, and they’re creative with their MLS listings, providing compelling and detailed descriptions of the homes they’re selling.
Tenacity
Real estate is a demanding profession, requiring long hours and hard work to close the deal. Mediocre REALTORS® are reactive while Top REALTORS® are tenacious and determined to sell your house or help you find your next one. Like Bernie Bogner, they pursue every lead and put time and effort into marketing properties so that they stand out from others on the market. In other words, they hustle!
Honesty
People call Bernie on a regular basis and ask for his advice and services. Many people know the three E's in the money business: Education - Experience - Ethics.. That's why highly experienced Top REALTOR® like Bernie Bogner are always in high demand and trusted.
You are well advised to look for a Top REALTOR® who can be 100% honest with you no matter what. Financially stable and honest Top REALTORS® will tell it like it is, even when they know it’s not necessarily what you want to hear (such as bringing your attention to some not-so-nice aspects of a property). Top REALTORS® are the experts and have your best intentions at heart. After all, they must adhere to the ethics code and put clients' interests in front of their own.
Communication
The REALTOR® profession is extremely time-sensitive, so strong communication skills are a must-have quality in REALTORS®. Regular communication could mean the difference between selling your home and the buyers that “got away.” It could mean losing the chance to make an offer on your dream home. Always hire a Top REALTOR® who is responsive and gets in touch with you often using your preferred method of communication, whether that’s a phone call, text, email or the gold old-fashioned face-to-face meeting.
Please also read: Picking the right Realtor is Crucial