Why Use a Local REALTOR®

While a B.C. real estate license is good anywhere in the province, there are some compelling reasons why you should use a local REALTOR® when buying or selling property.

It’s in your best interest to use an agent who knows the local real estate market and no one knows local real estate better then a local REALTOR®. Local real estate agents have extensive knowledge of the area and unique insight into local property values. They have expertise in the local market; and current issues and trends. They regularly attend local property tours, know the listing inventory and know their way around the area, can identify areas the market feels are more or less desirable, and can also save time when looking for a hard-to-find listing.

They are familiar with local issues (traffic patterns, services, utilities, creeks, hazards); they know what’s considered above the snow line and what’s considered below, they know about local permit areas and are familiar with local municipal requirements for building, renovating and secondary suites.  Those with longevity in the business will be familiar with building eras and what to be aware of over time, including things like how homes were heated when first built (oil tanks?), what areas were before they were residential (industrial? Cottage country?).

A local area REALTOR® has cultivated relationships over time with their colleagues.  After all, the essence of the MLS System is co-operation, and what better way than to get to know your local colleagues and work together with them for the benefit of the people we all serve?  A good & familiar relationship based on trust & co-operation makes things go smoothly for all concerned.

In the case of Royal LePage Sussex, we have over 300 local agents and are the largest volume-producing firm on the North Shore.  Why is that important?  We network with these people daily.  We have an internal “hotsheet” so we may hear of something coming to the market before it hits the MLS system, giving our buyers and sellers a little bit of an advantage in timing.  We hear some of the actual stories & reasoning behind the numbers.  We can share knowledge, feedback, ideas and expertise among this group in an environment of trust & mutual respect.  We have the best administrative & management staff in the business.  We are all here to help one another, and that helps us all better serve our clients. 

A local area REALTOR® not only studies the market statistics, but lives them, and can make sense of them to put them in perspective for their clients.  Is the data market-wide?  Or is it pocket oriented?  (ie.) sub-area specific?  Are some areas performing better than others?  Which parts of the local area have always sold well over time?  Which ones have traditionally been a challenge to sell?  When is the best time to sell or buy? …

An agent who lives and works in the local area can be on hand for inspections and appraisals. They are involved in their community and can put you in touch with service people you may have need of.   

If a buyer is from out of town, they can even play a little bit of “Tour Guide” after the home touring part of their trip is over… ..and who knows, they might even turn out to be a neighbor!

Looking to buy or sell on the North Shore?  Give us a call.  Looking in other parts of B.C?  We have a wide network of professionals who are experts in their respective communities and we would be happy to introduce you to the right person for you!

After such a beautiful summer, the weather is changing .... Let us help you prepare for the new season with some tips and advice in preparing your home and yard for colder weather. This weekend is the perfect opportunity to check a few items off your list!

#1 - Walk it Out

Take a walk around your property and make note of any signs of damage to the roof, siding or foundation. Be sure to schedule any repairs in the next couple of weeks!

#2 - Clear the Gutters

After the leaves have fallen, clear your gutters and downspouts of any leaves or debris that could otherwise lead to clogs. Clogged gutters can cause exterior damage, so installing leaf guards may be a good investment!

#3 - Stay Warm

Call a professional to inspect and clean your chimney annually to prevent dangerous chimney fires. Consider having a home heating inspection to ensure your furnace or gas fireplace is working properly. Also, replace the filter in your furnace.

#4 - Hoses and Sprinklers Away

For next month, remove garden hoses from outdoor faucets to prevent water from backing up, which can freeze, expand, and crack the faucet or pipes. Drain your irrigation system to avoid any broken pipes or sprinkler heads. A professional can assist if you're not sure how to get the job done properly.

#5 - Care for your Plants

Late fall is the best time to prune plants and trees - when the summer growth cycle is over. Your goals is to keep limbs and branches at least 3 feet from your house so that moisture won't drip onto roofing and siding, and to prevent damage to your home's exterior during strong winds.

#6 - Seal it Up

Grab a couple of tubes of color-matched exterior caulk ($10 - $15 per tube) and make a journey around your home's exterior, sealing up cracks between trim and siding, around window & door frames, and where pipes and wires enter your home. Preventing moisture from getting inside your walls is one of the least expensive and most important of your fall jobs. You'll also seal air leaks that waste energy!