According to the National Association of Realtors, 89% of homebuyers work with a real estate agent. But what happens when you visit a property without yours? Let’s break down this common yet tricky situation and how to navigate it smoothly.
In real estate, there’s an important concept called “cause of sale” that determines which broker earns the commission on a property sale. Think of it as a way to track who played a role in facilitating the deal.
The three main factors that determine the cause of sale are:
Imagine this scenario: You find a listing online and decide to visit an open house or schedule a tour directly with the listing agent. Later, you love the property and want your broker to assist in making an offer.
💡 Pro Tip: The listing broker may claim cause of sale since they were the first to show you the home, potentially complicating commission and representation matters.
To avoid confusion and ensure smooth negotiations, follow these steps:
✅ Always have your broker schedule viewings on your behalf.
✅ Inform your broker immediately if you’ve already scheduled a visit.
✅ Let listing agents know upfront that you’re working with a buyer’s agent.
While you can visit properties independently, keep in mind that listing brokers represent the seller—not you. Their job is to secure the best deal for the seller, meaning you may not get unbiased advice.
The best way to avoid representation issues is to select a broker before actively viewing homes. Here’s how to find the right fit:
Working with a dedicated buyer’s agent gives you:
✔️ Expert negotiation skills to secure the best price and terms.
✔️ Market analysis to assess a home’s real value.
✔️ Insight into potential red flags (e.g., structural issues, zoning concerns).
✔️ Legal protection throughout the buying process.
✔️ Guidance on contracts, conditions, and closing steps.
📍 Related: Should You Use a Buyer’s Agent?
Every home has the right buyer—sometimes, it’s just about making the right adjustments.
If you have questions about why your home isn’t selling or want an expert’s opinion on market conditions in Quebec, reach out today!
📞 Call Peter Thompson: (438) 500-8344
📩 Email: peter@peterthompson.ca
Peter Thompson is a Quebec real estate expert specializing in helping homeowners navigate complex market conditions. Contact him today for a personalized home sale strategy.
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Peter graduated from Lasalle College in hospitality and spent 13 years managing the infamous Chateau du Lac, where he built a reputation for leadership and forming genuine, trusting relationships.
Peter’s real estate career is built on a foundation of honesty, trust, and tireless effort. He takes pride in going above and beyond to ensure his clients feel supported and confident throughout their journey. He regularly provides timeline market insights on his local service areas of Saint-Lazare, Hudson, Vaudreuil, and Rigaud, but has expanded to service clients across the Vaudreuil-Soulanges and West Island regions.
Outside of work, Peter’s world revolves around his wife and two young boys, who inspire him every day. A die-hard Montreal Canadiens fan, Peter never misses a chance to cheer on the Habs or crack a dad joke to keep everyone smiling.
This is #AskPete. If you have any real estate questions, feel free to send them and I will get you the answers. Or stay up to date on the latest tips for real estate buyers and sellers by clicking the YouTube button below:
