Another example of how working with a buyers agent protects your interests

When Matt was first introduced to me I was immediately told that he did not want to work with a buying agent and that he was looking to work with selling agents only.  He felt that he could get a better deal working with listing agents exclusively.  Having experienced this sentiment before I sent him my pre-crafted email that tells three stories of why having a buyers agent representing you is in your best interest.  I get it.  I understand why people want to save money on a purchase but the reality is most agents won't drop their commission and when you work with selling agent to buy a home you forfeit the opportunity to have someone watching...

I'm an idiot for thinking people should get an inspection...Why wouldn't you get an inspection?

I recently got into an argument with someone about the importance of a property inspection when buying a home.  I am a firm believer in having one completed when purchasing a home and the other person did not agree at all.  Their point was that if an inspector is not held liable for their inspection then what is their worth?  The disagreement finished in a Donald-Trump-esq name calling display where I was called an idiot, a fool and numerous other four letter words for recommending that buyers get a property inspection.  To me, getting an inspection is important and I don't believe in 'telling' , so let me show you the importance...

Agents not showing homes over reduced commissions

Bringing light to another issue that I have seen in the real estate industry, the reluctance of realtors to show a property due to commissions offered by the sellers.  I have witnessed, seen and know of realtors who will simply not show a listing because of the commissions being offered by the sellers. The practice is starting to increase in regularity as we see more discount brokerages enter the market that offer less commission to the agent representing the buyers.

The Los Angeles Times talks discounted commissions

I recently came across an LA Times article about the practice of not showing homes over reduced commissions and thought about a few recent examples that...

Trango almost died...

If you are a dog owner or lover then this post will likely resonate with you in some way.

For those that don't know Trango is our Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever.  One of my favourite areas to go trail running with Trango is Paskapoo Slopes.  If you live on the Westside of Calgary and enjoy the outdoors you have probably visited the trails there at least once. 

If you haven't been, image a network of forested, single track trails interlacing the hillside to the east of Canada Olympic Park (COP) still within city limits.  COP uses the trails in the summer for many of their mountain biking camps and routinely the trails are full of hikers, trail runners and people trying to quickly...