With so much information available online, many people wonder "Why should we hire a real estate agent?" If you've wondered the same thing here are a few reasons, why you might want to consider hiring a professional real estate agent, like myself.


I Have Education & Experience
You don't need to know everything about buying and selling real estate, if you hire a real estate professional who does. David Ogilvy, a respected executive, once said “Hire people who have more experience at doing a job than you do, then let them to get on with it. Look for people who will aim for the remarkable, who will not settle for the routine.” Why not hire a person with specialized education and experience to represent your interests throughout this significant investment? We're all looking for more precious time in our lives, and hiring a professional Real Estate agent can give you that time with the security of knowing you are being well represented. The trick is to find the right person.


I Negotiate for a Living
What are the characteristics of an effective negotiator? Does being a realtor automatically make a person a good negotiator? Not necessarily. While all Real Estate agents are exposed to some basics of negotiating during their training, this does not mean they are instant experts. I have been fortunate enough to have engaged in a great number of negotiations and each time I have taken something away, which has allowed me to grow. My past experience and continued education has allowed me to develop a skill set, which I believe is beneficial in negotiaitions.
I bring these skills to any negotiation:
Planning expertise
General practical intelligence
Communication skills
Knowledge of homes and neighborhoods throughout the Niagara Region
The ability to perceive positions of strength and utilize them to our advantage
The ability to think clearly in stressful situations
Personal integrity

Top producing agents negotiate well because we have gone to the table time and time again and we know what particular strategies work in various situations. We can remove ourselves from the emotional aspects of the transaction, which is often difficult for the buyer and seller. Good agents are not messengers, delivering buyer's offers to sellers and vice versa. We are professionals who are qualified to present our client's case in the best light. We are unconditional in holding client information confidential from competing interests. A great negotiator can save you thousands of dollars.


Paperwork, I know all about it
One-page deposit receipts were prevalent in the early 1970s. Today's purchase agreements run 10 pages or more. That does not include the federal- and provincial-mandated disclosures, nor disclosures dictated by local municipalities. Most real estate files average thicknesses from one to three inches of paper. A mistake or omission in this area could be costly both financially and legally. I have completed 100’s of these documents and I know how to protect your interests.


I know your neighborhood
As a local Agent, who has sold many houses throughout the Niagara Region, I either possess firsthand knowledge about your neighborhood or can identify the benefits for presentation to potential buyers. I can identify comparable sales and hand these facts to you. If you are purchasing a home I can help you with information on schools, crime or other demographics.


I can offer price guidance
Professional agents do not select prices for sellers or buyers. However, as an agent, I help to guide clients to make the right choices for themselves. I will spend my time gathering all of the relevant information in order to help you make an informed decision based on specific data and current market supply/demand. I can also help you weigh all the data supplied in order to choose a negotiating strategy.


I know the current market conditions
Good real estate agents know market conditions, which can have a major impact in your selling or buying process. Many factors determine how you will proceed. Data such as the average per square foot cost of similar homes, median and average sales prices, and average days on market and ratios of list-to-sold prices, among other criteria can have a huge bearing on what you ultimately decide to do.


I have a Strong Professional Network
I network with other professionals, many of whom provide services that you will need to buy or sell. Whether it’s a Lawyer or Financial Planner I know which individual or company has a reputation for efficiency, competency and competitive pricing. Red Adair, a renowned American, once said “If you think it's expensive to hire a professional to do the job, wait until you hire an amateur.” I can help you in this area. I can give you a list of references with whom I have worked and provide background information to help you make an informed selection.


I am your Buffer
Agents take the spam out of your property showings and visits. If you're a buyer of a home, I can do all of the set up work for the showing of any and every property you wish to see… eliminating the need for you to answer the same multitude of questions over and over and over again. If you're a seller, I will filter the calls that lead to nowhere from those that are not looking to buy… or the neighbors looking to “take a peek”. In Real Estate these inquiries are called “Lookie loos”, as they are people who often masquerade as buyers but have no real intention of ever buying. Other types of Lookie loos are those who are curious about the interior of other people's homes and have developed a hobby of touring open houses. As someone who has conducted 100’s of Open houses, I can protect your home during this time.


After Closing I am still one call away
Even the smoothest transactions that close without complications can later have issues. One call to your agent can straighten out the confusion. Many questions can pop up that were overlooked in the excitement of closing. I stand by ready to assist. As a professional agent I won't ever leave you in the position of having to fend for yourself.


I love this business and it will always be my career
The basis for an agent's success and continued career in real estate is referrals. Few agents would survive if their livelihood was dependent on consistently finding new business. This means I have a vested interest in making certain my clients are happy and satisfied. It also means that, as an agent totally committed to this as my career; I will be there for you when you need to hire an agent again.