If you are using the services of a real estate agent in buying or selling a commercial property, should it make any difference whether or not that person is a commercial REALTOR?

Working with a commercial REALTOR makes all the difference because a commercial REALTOR is a member of your local real estate board, provincial association and The Canadian Real Estate Association and as such subscribes to a high standard of professional service and to a strict Code of Ethics. As a member a commercial REALTOR must abide by a strict code of ethics, so you can be assured he or she is conducting their business with high standards.

REALTOR (or Realtor®) is a trademark used to identify real estate practitioners who are members of The Canadian Real Estate Association. The code of ethics describes the optimum performance the public has a right to expect and makes that performance the “norm” for all members of the Association.

A commercial REALTOR’s commitment to high standards of professional conduct works to the advantage of buyers and sellers alike. For example:

• A commercial REALTOR is knowledgeable about developments and trends in real estate.
• A commercial REALTOR is obliged to provide fair treatment to all parties in a transaction.
• A Commercial REALTOR is committed to ongoing education to increase competence and effectiveness in real estate trading.

Whether you are buying or selling commercial properties, you can be assured of a commitment to public service and protection if you use the services of a commercial REALTOR.

Commercial Realtor Qualities

Here are four most important qualities on which a commercial REALTOR builds his/her business:

Knowledge

If knowledge is power, then a commercial REALTOR is the most powerful professional you can have when it comes to selling or buying commercial properties.

• When you work with a commercial REALTOR you are getting the advantage of professional training and practical experience.
• A commercial REALTOR will get you the facts: comparable prices, neighborhood trends, commercial market conditions and more.
• A commercial REALTOR will help you understand the significance of terms like “conditional offer”, “interim financing” and “right of first refusal”.

Trust

So hard to earn, so easy to lose.

• That’s why trust is a commercial REALTOR’s most prized possession. We will work hard to earn it, and even harder to keep it.
• Whether you’re buying or selling, your commercial REALTOR will keep you informed of developments in your transaction, and be there for you the moment you need help.

Service

It’s an attitude that separates the true professional from the mere sales agent.

• Commercial REALTORS will listen and answer to you.
• Whether you’re buying or selling, a commercial REALTOR will do everything possible to respond to your concerns, satisfy your needs and accommodate your preferences.
• A commercial REALTOR will bring professional negotiating skills, crucial knowledge of the real estate market and a firm appreciation of the neighborhood.
• Commercial REALTORS have access to the Commercial Listing Service‚ (CLS‚), Canada’s most powerful real estate marketing system.

Integrity

There are no shades of gray when it comes to honesty and forthrightness.

• The well-known trademark REALTOR is your assurance of integrity when it comes to buying or selling.
• A commercial REALTOR’s pledge is to be honest in disclosing property information and forthright in providing the facts needed to help you make one of them most important decisions of your life.

Why Choose a Specialist

It is tempting to save the fee for service that you pay the commercial REALTOR and try to sell or buy your property yourself. Certainly it is possible, but weigh any savings from the commission against your peace of mind and the time and money it may cost.

A commercial REALTOR is available to answer your questions and will guide you through the process. Because the commercial REALTOR knows the local market, he or she knows when the time is right to buy and sell and what is the best asking price.

A commercial REALTOR is experienced with mortgage financing, plus many of the other issues that can make or break a deal.

Another bonus is the Commercial Listing Service‚ (CLS), a real estate listing database system available to all Commercial members of your local real estate board, bringing buyers and sellers together. CLS is a registered trademark of The Canadian Real Estate Association; only REALTOR’S have direct access to their board’s CLS‚ system.

From marketing, financing, selection and negotiation of pricing, inspection and closing, a commercial REALTOR can offer you a wide range of expertise.

Courtesy of the Canadian Real Estate Association