Research Tools for Searching for Real Estate Property Listings in Vancouver

Updated May 3, 2019 by Mike Stewart PREC

So you’ve hired a Realtor in Episode 3: How to Hire a Realtor. Now its time to put them to work!

Nobody likes to waste time. In this Episode we will talk about how to efficiently search from a home with the assistance of a Real Estate Agent. Let get started!

Get Some Good Real Estate Research Tools – Private Client Services

Your Realtor will have some great web-based real estate research tools, like Private Client Services (PCS) that will notify you of new listings you are interested in, let you know whats actively on the market, and most importantly, how much properties are selling for.

New listings show up on PCS 24 to 48 hours before any publicly accessible real estate website such as Realtor.ca or REW.ca.

Sold price data shows up on in your PCS account within a few days of a sale once subjects are removed.

With publicly accessible real estate websites, sold price information is not publicly available and listings are taken down when the properties sell.

Why is sales data important? Because it allows the Buyer to understand the market based on sold price data that allows them to distinguish between what is a good deal and what is not.

Start Looking with an Open Mind

Once you have access to a web based research tool like Private Client Services, its time to start looking at properties. From PCS you can email your Realtor the list of properties you want to see as well as a time you’re available and your Realtor should handle the rest.

  • Keep an open mind when looking. There may be options you never expected that might be perfect for you.
  • See as many properties as you can to get a clear idea of what is available at what price. Its a horrible feeling to buy something only to find out that what you really wanted was available but you missed it.

Communicate and Eliminate Options

As you search for that perfect property keep in mind what is important to you and what you like. Eliminate properties that don’t work for you and that you don’t like. Heavy sleeper/light sleeper? Don’t like the heat? Like light or not? Noise bother you? Big balcony small balcony? Make sure to communicate your needs, wants, and preferences to your Realtor. The more information your Realtor has, the faster they can find you properties you will like.

What to expect from your Realtor

The British Columbia Real Estate Association requires all Realtors in BC to have you the Buyer sign a document called Disclosure or Representation in Trading Services.

This document does not bind you to the Realtor in any way.

It simply discloses to you the Buyer exactly the nature of the Agency Relationship.

Remember your satisfaction as the Buyer is the most important thing in this process.

Check out the next Video in the Series! Vancouver First Time Home Buyers Advice Episode 5: Comparative Market Analysis for Buyers!

I welcome your thoughts, questions, and comments!

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