Myth

It'll save me money if I just go directly to the listing realtor.

Fact
Many people assume that it is advantageous to go directly to the Listing Realtor when they are interested in a specific property. They think they'll get a better deal or only have to pay half the commission.

There is truly no real advantage to going to the listing realtor. The commission is already specified in the listing contract between the Seller and the Listing Realtor and will be divided between the Listing Realtor and the Realtor who brings the successful Buyer. If there is only the listing realtor, they keep the whole commission. This situation will make no difference to the price you pay.

What is most important is that you as a Buyer work with a knowledgeable professional Realtor with whom you have a comfortable relationship, a Realtor who has taken the time to get to know you and your desires and requirements, a Realtor who will help you evaluate each potential property to find the one that best suits you.

Find yourself a realtor whose style and expertise suit you, and who you trust. The property you ultimately purchase may indeed be listed by your Realtor, and because you have a trusted relationship with him or her, you can be confident that the transaction will be handled professionally with equal concern for each party.

Myth
I'll be better selling it myself.

Fact
There are numerous positives to working with a realtor.

Realtors are experienced negotiator who are familiar with property values, recent sales, and the current markets.
They have advantageous relationships with other realtors.

Other favourable factor:s
Liason with other service providers: home inspectors, water testers, financial services, lawyers and notaries
Pricing advice
Marketing strategy
Making appointments for showings, putting up sign
Maximize exposure

People are often uncomfortable viewing a home with the owner present - they won't stay as long, won't investigate as thoroughly as they would if they were there with a realtor.

Myth
Salt Spring has water problems.

Fact
There are areas of Salt Spring that have either poor water quality or poor water quantity. A good portion of the island is serviced by one of 11 different community water systems. The balance of properties are serviced by wells. Your Realtor can help you identify areas where water could be a problem, help you organize a well water quality/quantity test by a qualified professional, and or put you in touch with the applicable community water system. It is thought that availability of potable water will be the limiting factor for island development.

Myth
And a common myth about rural living - There are impurities in the water.

Fact
There are impurities in ALL water - most people just don't know this. It's simply a matter of how much, which and whether they are merely inconvenient (hard water) or poisonous (arsenic)! And urban areas are often the worst! Thousands of people have died in cities across North America from cryptosporidium parasites in water. The same is not true in rural areas.

Being on a well or a small, local water system simply brings one more face to face with the realities of caring for our number 2 nutrient (right after oxygen!) You just need to test. Annual water testing is a sensible health precaution, and if it should be necessary, modern technology can take care of anything that can be found in water.