Bill McNally

Why use a Buyer Agent in Halton Hills?

By Lia and Bill McNally

When you decide the time is right to start looking for real estate in Halton Hills, choosing the right buyer agent to have on your side is the first logical step. While there are different ways to be represented during a real estate transaction, none offers the benefits of having a buyer agent. This is the only arrangement in which your interests are put first.

What is a Buyer Agency? A buyer agency is an arrangement between a real estate brokerage and a prospective buyer for the purpose of finding a home. All real estate contracts are between the brokerage in which the salesperson is an employed and you, the client. Usually you will both sign a contract for a specific time frame. Your brokerage (represented by the particular agent you select) agrees to assist you in:

-Finding properties that meet your search criteria.

-Preparing a comparative market analysis to ensure you make fully informed decisions so you can take appropriate actions.

-Accurately preparing offers and other documents.

-Negotiations and helping to devise strategies to advance your interests.

-Getting the best possible price and the best possible terms.

-Dealing with mortgage lenders, home inspectors and other professionals.

-Preparing amendments, notices and other forms related to the agreement.

When you sign the buyer representation agreement you agree to:

-Work exclusively with the one particular brokerage.

-Advise the brokerage of any properties you are interested in.

-Not hold the brokerage accountable for any property defects or for failing to show you every home, as it is often not feasible.

Who Pays? In the majority of transactions the seller pays the buyer agent and the buyer pays nothing. There are a few unique situations in which you could be responsible for paying commission. The agent you select will go over them before you sign any documents.

Why not Approach the Selling Agent Directly? You can do this but you must remember that the Agent owes certain duties to the seller. If you agree to be represented by the selling agent as a customer, keep in mind that the agent is obligated to disclose any information he/she finds out about you. So, if you tell the agent how high you are willing to go to buy the house, they have to relay this information to the seller. This puts you at a distinct disadvantage when it comes to negotiations.

If you choose to be represented by the selling agent as a client, the agent owes both you and the buyer the same duties, therefore his/her loyalties are split between you both. The agent will be focusing more on coming to a mutual agreement, rather than trying to get you the absolute best terms.

Bill and Lia McNally of Johnson Associates offer buyer representation services. Each of their clients receives premium customer service. Their business is referral based, so you can be sure they'll go the extra distance to ensure you'll be singing their praises long after you've settled into your new house. Call them at 905-877-5165 if you're ready to shop or if you'd like more information at no obligation.

www.willsell.ca

Acton, Ontario from Past to Present

By Lia and Bill McNally

In 1844 Acton was a settlement originally known as both Danville and Adamville. When Acton was amalgamated in 1873 into a village, it was home to a little over 700 residents. The Adam's brothers were the founding settlers and they named many of the town's streets after members of their family. In fact, Zenas Adam's home, which is now over 150 years old, still stands on the corner of Main and Church Street East.

Back then the largest employer in Acton was the Beardmore Tannery which opened its doors for business in 1865. At the beginning of the 20^th century it had a combined floor space of almost a million square feet.

Today, Acton pays tribute to its rich heritage by taking the name Leathertown, made known by its famous retailer, The Olde Hide House. The old building, which is home to the store, was originally used as a warehouse to store Beardmore tannery's tanned hides waiting to be shipped out, by train.

The Olde Hide House's famous advertising tagline "It's worth the drive to Acton" may elicit exasperation from Acton residents simply due to its repetition, but one step inside the grand building and its hard to deny how true it rings. The massive brick and beamed building has been thoughtfully restored to reflect a century of history. An impressive selection of leather goods including high quality furniture and garments draws visitors from all over Ontario.

Now home to 8000 residents, Acton offers numerous annual events that celebrate small town living. The widely attended Acton Fall Fair has been a September tradition for more than 93 years. Church Bazaars are also customary in the fall and the downtown Leathertown Festival is celebrating its 14^th year in August. The Leathertown festival offers a taste of what Acton has to offer by way of culinary delights, various groups and businesses, and even local talent. The Truck Sale, basically a community garage sale, runs every Saturday morning from May to October.

www.willsell.ca

Real Estate in Acton, Ontario

By Lia and Bill McNally

Moving to Acton still holds a certain stigma in the eyes of many Georgetown residents.

When we as realtors, suggest Acton as a possibility we're almost always met with an indignant "Acton? I'd be embarrassed to live there!"

True, Acton has held the reputation as being working class and stinky (due to the tanning of leather, long ago at a factory where the Olde Hide House is currently located) but things have changed a lot since then and Acton is definitely worth another look.

I like to think of Acton as the old Georgetown. In the past ten years Georgetown has lost a lot of its small town vibe and residents seem to be dealing with more noise, congestion and traffic.

Acton is the perfect solution to those who would like to turn back time. The construction of hundreds of new homes, a new fire hall, a large modern Shopper's Drug Mart, Giant Tiger, a cutting edge skate park and the Sobey's plaza have given rise to a greatly improved town with more amenities than before and a better selection of housing options.

No longer limited to older homes, buyers moving to Acton now have the choice between the upscale Charleston built homes, the Finoro homes, and the Honeyfield homes that are reminiscent of Cape Cod with their gracious front porches and character. Slightly more established neighborhoods outside the industrial area add to the homebuyer's selection. Travel just outside of town and magnificent homes overlooking Blue Springs Golf Course sometimes become available for the executive buyer.

Of course, it should be mentioned that Acton residents enjoy lower housing prices that those who claim Georgetown as their home. Savings of tens of thousands of dollars can be realized. Not bad for an eight minute drive between towns!

Home to numerous schools, local kids have the privilege of a French education if so desired. Acton high school, home to no more than a few hundred kids offers a cozy experience where the kids really get to know their teachers.

I can't possibly cover all the reasons why Acton is a great place to live without this article becoming a novel, but if your curiosity is piqued, why not call realtors who are proud to call Acton home? Bill and Lia McNally, an enthusiastic spousal team would be happy to point out more reasons why Acton might be for you. Alternately, if you're already a resident and in need of a free home evaluation or real estate services Bill and Lia are able to take care of all your needs. Just call either of them at 519-853-5155.

www.willsell.ca