STEP # 1

Before you even get started, DO make a plan. Within the foundation of this plan DO include retaining a skilled condo professional. Any Realtor can sell you a condo and any Realtor can represent you in purchasing one however, condos are communities in and of themselves and knowledge on the history of the building, builder, amenities, Rules and Regulations, etc. are required.

The condo market in Toronto (and any city) is a highly specialized field and unless your Realtor is thoroughly knowledgeable about the history of the local condo market, trends and developments within that market "niche", reputations and track records of developers, etc., the benefits that you receive from their involvement may be restricted.

Do research the market to select your Buyer’s Agency Realtor. Ask them to show you their purchases (on their "client’s" behalf) of condos over an extended (2 years) period (I post mine on my website).

Don’t start reading the FREE Condo Magazines to "start your own research" and Don’t start visiting condominium sales sites and/or open houses.

 STEP # 2

Once you have selected your Buyer’s Agent share your goals, lifestyle, work, play, etc., and develop a tangible plan.

Do meet with your bank and get "Pre-Approval". This removes the threat of finding exactly what you think you are looking for but finding out that you can’t afford it. The one thing you want to avoid when purchasing a condo is "uncertainty".

STEP # 3

Once you know your budget and have professional representation (don’t retain a chauffeur - make sure that you are working with someone who knows the market intimately and can steer you away from less than desirable buildings, developers, areas of the city, etc., and someone who is first and foremost a negotiator).

Buying is easy and it can be accomplished without a skilled Realtor but the best buys are those negotiated with and through a Realtor that you know has "negotiating power". You may want to read an article written by one of my clients regarding his purchase at Elev’n 21 (an upscale new development at Charles St. and Bay). With approximately 10,000 to 15,000 "Hits" Per DAY, developers understand that this website attracts genuine buyers thus many developers (not all) respect that flexibility in selling to our purchasers is worthy of their consideration.

From here, the process has only a limited number of areas where do’s and don’ts play their role:

DO write down as much information as possible or save the ad

DO email me the information so that I can get full details for you

DON’T call the Listing Agent or Developers' sales site directly,

DON’T call the owner directly (FSBO) even if the phone number is listed

 OPEN HOUSES

DO open house are rare with condos but upon entering the residence, disclose immediately that you are working with a Realtor (Buyer’s Broker).

DO immediately give my card to the agent or owner holding the open house. If they require you to be accompanied by your agent, DO NOT view the residence. Call me as soon as possible so that we can set up an viewing appointment.

DON’T disclose ANY information about yourself or your buying situation or motivation

DON’T discuss your likes and dislikes with the owner or agent (disclosing information can affect our negotiating leverage).

(I am compensated for my professional fees to represent you by the Developer at no expense to you PROVIDED you follow the proper procedures)

DO upon entering the sales office, disclose immediately that you are working with me

DO immediately give my card to the sales representative. If they require you to be accompanied by your agent, DO NOT view the residence. Call me as soon as possible so that we can set up an viewing appointment.

DON’T enter into a sales office if there is a sign out front that requires you to have your agent present or tells you that they don’t co-operate (industry term for compensating your agent).

• site signs and "hoarding" (billboards around a site) are key advertising "tools" for developers and their sales agents to get you to walk in without a professional Buyer’s Agent
• (NOTE: the minute you register with them you waive Buyer’s Agency compensation)

DO write down as much information as possible (i.e. sign info, address, location)

DO call me with the information so that I can get the details for you

DON’T call the Seller’s Agent or posted phone # "to register"

DON’T call or approach the owner of the property