Getting Started
Representation Paperwork
When working with any real estate agent, there are two standard documents you will sign along the process to formalize your working relationship to create an “official working relationship”. Each form is linked below so you can see a sample of the form which also includes red text that explains all of the legal jargon!
Buyer Representation Agreement (BRA)
This form states that you are confident in us and our brokerage to help you find your next home. It basically outlines the location, type of home, duration of the search, and how we will be compensated for working with you. It will also outline the services we will be providing, so there is total transparency as to what you can expect during this process!
There will also be a ‘Schedule A’ which will outline all of the services we will be providing to you so that there is total transparency about what you can expect during this process!
Real Estate Council of Ontario (RECO) Information Guide
This guide will go over the following:
Working with a real estate agent
The benefits of working with a real estate agent, what you can expect, and the responsibilities of clients.
Know the risks of representing yourself
Explaining the risks if you chose not to work with a real estate agent and the risks of receiving assistance from a real estate agent who is working for the person on the other side of the transaction.
Signing a contract with a real estate brokerage
When you work with a real estate agent, you sign a contract with the brokerage the agent works for. These contracts are called representation agreements. This section highlights what you should look for before you sign.
Understanding multiple representation —
This means the brokerage, or the agent represents more than one client in the same transaction. This section explains how multiple representation works, the risks, and what to expect if you agree.
How to make a complaint
Ontario brokerages and real estate agents are accountable for their conduct. The guide can go over how you can raise a concern with the brokerage and with RECO
We’ll also have you fill out another document, to save time later…
The FINTRAC Identification Form
This form was created approximately 10 years ago to try to curb/stop money laundering in Ontario. By filling it out, you are confirming that you are who you say you are. Yep, some people give false names to other Realtors as a way of laundering money. Crazy, but it does happen. Every single trade in real estate requires this form to be filled out by all parties. To read more about why we are required to collect this personal information click the button below.
We will be sending you the paperwork to sign later in the process when we get to the phase so that you have time to read through them and ask us any questions about the forms you will be signing.
Starting Your Search
It is time for the exciting part…finding your next home! We are going to discuss how we will deliver listings that fit your criteria and help you narrow down what you are looking for. Your search is basically divided into two stages:
Recon Phase
Ready-to-buy Phase
Recon Phase
We start by inviting you to REALM, a modern real estate platform, to give you direct access to up-to-date listings and market insights. We’ll already have a search set up to show all of the available properties that match our search criteria
We typically set up client searches based on:
Location
Price
Type of home
Bedroom count
This ultimately means you'll see listings that aren’t going to work (e.g., the parking spot isn't going to work, the basement is too short, it needs too much work, it could go over our budget, etc.) The good news is we'll have the chance to review each listing, to look more closely at each space to see what truly rises to the top and is worth learning more about.
Here’s how REALM can benefit you:
Real-Time Listings – You’ll see new listings, price changes, and sold data as soon as they’re available—no more outdated information!
Personalized Home Search – We’ll set up a custom search based on your preferences, so you only see homes that match what you’re looking for.
Save & Organize Favorites – Easily keep track of properties you like, compare them side by side, and revisit them anytime.
Seamless Communication – You can send us messages, ask questions, and share feedback on listings—all in one place.
Stay Ahead in a Fast Market – With instant updates, you won’t miss out on opportunities, especially in Toronto’s competitive market.
Think of REALM as your personal home search assistant, making the process smoother and more efficient! We’ll send you a weekly recap highlighting the properties of interest with notes about each one, recent sales, etc. This will help us narrow down what you are looking for during the search and ensure you’re always in the loop.
Recent Sales and Current Availability
In the beginning, we will need to get you up-to-speed on recent sales within your search and all the properties currently on the market that meet our criteria. We will send you links so that you can look through properties that were either recently sold or are currently available. Take some time to note anything that stands out and then we will regroup to discuss!
We will also be going to view different places because by physically going into spaces, you will learn more about the condition, flow, vibe, and immediate area. The pictures and price get us curious, now we must scratch that itch!
Remember that the "List Price" is simply a "Marketing Price" to get you intrigued.
This phase typically can last up to 1-2 months and our goal is to get you acclimatized to the market, spaces, and sale prices.
Ready to Buy Phase
After we feel comfortable enough with what we are seeing we can now start to act on actively finding you that next space to call home! In this stage we are actively looking to buy a home, as such, we will ramp up our reaction time in getting out to see spaces and exercise our due diligence with compelling housing options.