Want To Be a Client or a Customer?
Confidentiality
Client |
Customer |
| Under buyer agency, the buyer can feel secure to divulge information without the fear of harming their negotiating position. | If the buyer is a customer, all information gained about that buyer will be shared with the seller to enhance the negotiating position of the seller. |
Buyer’s Needs
Client |
Customer |
| Under buyer agency, a sales rep. is obligated to pay full attention to all of the buyer’s needs. This can include, but is not limited to, financial, timing, motivation, familial etc… This representation will come without an obligation to match the buyer to a seller-client’s property. | If the buyer is a customer, then the sales rep. is not obligated to satisfy any particular needs other than dealing fairly, honestly and with integrity with the buyer-customer. |
Full Access
Client |
Customer |
| Under buyer agency, it is the responsibility of the sales rep. to ensure that the buyer has access to the entire market. This includes private sales, expired listings, exclusive listings etc… | As a buyer-customer, the sales rep. is acting as a sub-agent and has no such obligation to the buyer. |
First Opportunity
Client |
Customer |
| Under buyer agency, a buyer client should know that he/she will have first access to any new opportunity that comes up. Be it via MLS, or any other means at the broker’s disposal. | A buyer-customer may have access to all potential properties, but only after the buyer-client has been given first opportunity, and not if it conflicts with the buyer-client’s desire for a property. |
Educating the Buyer
Client |
Customer |
| Under buyer agency, the sales rep. is obligated to assist the buyer in making an objective comparison of all competing properties, comprehensive enough for the buyer to make an informed decision as to the value of the property in question, and to make an offer accordingly. | Acting as a sub-agent, it is the obligation of the sales rep to present comparable facts that protect and enhance and value of the property in question. |
Price
Client |
Customer |
| Under buyer agency, the sales rep. is obligated to present all sales statistics in order for the buyer to make the most informed pricing decision, irrespective of the asking price. | Under sub-agency the sales rep. must provide price information to the buyer that supports the seller’s listing price. |
Clauses
Client |
Customer |
| Under buyer agency, the sales rep. is obligated to provide counseling on the protective clauses for the buyer-enough time to arrange financing, home inspection and insurance clauses etc… | Under sub-agency the sales rep. must negotiate clauses that are in the best interest of the seller, which may include, but are not limited to closing dates, chattels or the seller finding suitable accommodation. |
Financing
Client |
Customer |
| Under buyer agency, the sales rep. is obligated to assist the buyer in finding the most suitable, or best financing available for the buyer. | Under sub-agency, the sales rep. is obligated to negotiate the best financing clause in the interest of the seller. |
Negotiating
Client |
Customer |
| Under buyer agency, the sales rep. is obligated to provide negotiating strategies and techniques that are in the best interest of the buyer. | Under sub-agency, the sales rep. is obligated to provide the seller with strategies and techniques that are in the best interest of the seller. |
Previous Offers
Client |
Customer |
| Under buyer agency, the sales rep. must share all known details of previous unsuccessful offers, or any other information that strengthens the buyer’s negotiating position. | Under sub-agency the sales rep. must share knowledge of previous negotiations the buyer has been in, enhancing the negotiating position of the seller. |
Personal Information
Client |
Customer |
| Under buyer agency, any knowledge of any personal information about the seller must be shared with the buyer, including but not limited to the price the seller is willing to accept, a price that has already been accepted or rejected, and the sellers motivation. | Under sub-agency the sales rep. must share information about that buyer which may include but is not limited to; financial information and ability and/or willingness to change closing date. |
Buyer Testimonials
Such an enjoyable experience!
“It was a lovely experience having Jim Gifford as my real estate agent.
Because I was from out of town, he showed me around the Niagara region to help me determine which area best suited me.
Being rather selective we eventually narrowed it down to not only the area but a specific home. I’m ready to move!
Thanks so much Jim for making this such an enjoyable experience!”
Everything has been great!
“I’m not a person of many words but since my son (who is also a client of the team) introduced me to Timothy and Jim, everything has been great.
Thank you!”
We enjoyed their top notch service!
“We went through the whole process of both selling and buying a home with Timothy and his team.
Everything was well looked after and taken care off; we appreciated details such as the moving cards.
We didn’t have to worry about a thing!
Lisa was friendly, easy going and always got back to us right away.
It was a very good experience, we enjoyed their top notch service!”
The whole process has been a fantastic experience!
“The whole process has been a fantastic experience!
It was seamless. I got through the whole process without becoming flustered or stressed.
It was really easy to stay calm and collected.
Jim Gifford has been on the ball the whole time. He kept me updated on everything and always gave his honest opinion. My Mom loved him! Working with the Salisbury Team really has been a great experience!”
Everything was well handled from the beginning.
“Everything was well handled from the beginning.
The initial meeting with Timothy and Jim was very positive.
The process was explained to us and we knew what to expect.
Working was Jim was a great experience!”
The process was painless and the service was outstanding.
“We’ve worked with a few different real estate agents in the past and working with this team was completely different. We felt confident immediately after meeting them; confident that they were well versed in this competitive market, experienced as a team, and willing to devote the time and energy into finding us what we wanted right away. The process was painless and the service was outstanding. Never did I once feel like they were in this for the commission.”
Renting vs. Buying
Renting vs Buying? Should you rent or buy a home and what are the long-term costs? On the one hand, you’re tired of your landlord. On the other hand, buying a home likely means borrowing a lot of money. As well, when buying a home you must make a down payment, money that could otherwise be invested or put into savings. What should you do?