We’ve Lived Abroad

Christian, Paul, and Fran have traveled extensively and each has lived for extended periods of time in other countries. We love new cultures and experiences and appreciate the differences that every country offers. But, while the transition can be fun, it can also be difficult. We can help with your adjustment to life in Toronto.

The real estate system in Canada is very different from that of other nations. Here are a few details on how our system works:

  • Canada uses the most efficient and transparent real estate system in the world. Virtually all properties for sale are available on one single system – called the M.L.S. (Multiple Listing System). As Realtors who are members of the Toronto Real Estate Board, we have access to the Toronto M.L.S. system, and therefore all available properties
  • there are two sides to every transaction: seller and buyer; and usually each side is represented by his/her own real estate agent. As a buyer, you have a right to completely independent representation by a Realtor, whereby your best interests are first and foremost.
  • working with a team like Trilogy Agents saves you time, as you have one point person for every property for sale via the MLS system, regardless of which brokerage has contracted the listing
  • we save you money – in 99.9% of cases, our fee is paid by the seller. There is no direct payment by you for our services. The fee flows through the MLS system from the Listing Brokerage to our company.
  • we negotiate on your behalf. We’ll provide you with comparable sales that have recently taken place and an “opinion of value,” so that you can make an informed decision on the appropriate price to offer on a property

 

  • you’ll be impressed by our professionalism. As licensed members of organized real estate, we are bound by a strict Code of Ethics in Ontario and in Canada. Our industry is self regulated via the Real Estate Council of Ontario (RECO). A recent review of RECO conducted by Elaine Todres and Associates, a third party consultancy firm, concluded: “RECO is viewed as a well-managed organization that demonstrates many of the best practices of regulatory governance, oversight, stakeholder relations, and operational performance”
  • an offer (i.e. purchase contract), or an Agreement of Purchase & Sale, is legally binding on all parties. So you are assured that no one else can secure the home you wish, or change the terms of the Agreement, after you have entered into a binding Agreement.
  • a note on “gazumping”…. in the British system, another buyer can “gazump” your offer and the Seller could ask for more money, terminate your transaction, or change the mutually understood terms. This situation does not occur in Canada since your Agreement is legally binding on both parties
  • we work with outside professionals – we’ll coordinate the closing of the transaction with your financial institution and your lawyer. In Ontario, Realtors are not part of the closing (i.e. completion) of the transaction. You are required to employ the services of a lawyer to finalize the closing. We can assist you by providing a list of reputable real estate solicitors
  • we are there at every step along the way. Our service is very “hands-on”. We will be there to help you throughout the entire transaction process.
  • we know a lot of real estate agents – if you need a referral to a top-tier agent in another city in Canada or in the USA, we have a vast network to put you in the very best hands

Whether your goal is to move to, invest, or purchase a secondary residence in the Greater Toronto Area, we would be pleased to be your local experts. For knowledgeable, friendly and trustworthy advice, contact Christian, Paul and Fran today.