Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):

Real Estate Questions? Let's Get You Some Straight Answers!

Buying or selling a home is a big decision, and naturally, you've got questions!

Some are straightforward. Others are based on things you've heard from friends, neighbours or even other Realtors.

After 20 years in real estate and more than 1,300 transactions, I've heard just about everything!

So, let's clear up a few things. No complicated real estate jargon, no unnecessary sales pitches. Just honest answers, a little common sense and perhaps a touch of humour along the way.

Welcome to Mr 1 Percent's Frequently Asked Questions!

About Mr 1 Percent:

1. Are you a team or an individual Realtor?

A little bit of both!

When I moved my real estate business to Cambridge in 2010, we started as Team 1 Percent. In 2012, the name evolved into Mr 1 Percent.

Today, when you hire me, you're dealing directly with me, Khalid Zaffar.

I'm personally involved in your pricing strategy, marketing, negotiations and the entire selling process.

Of course, no Realtor operates completely alone. I work with trusted photographers, staging professionals, lawyers and other specialists when needed.

Think of it this way: You get one experienced Realtor looking after your interests, with a professional support network behind him.

And yes, you can actually reach me when you need me!

2. Charging less means getting less. Isn't the old saying, "You get what you pay for"?

I've heard that one a few times!

But here's another saying I prefer: Why pay more when you don't have to?

My business has always been built around one simple philosophy:

Exceptional Service for Less.

A competitive commission doesn't mean compromising on marketing, property presentation, pricing strategy, communication or negotiations.

From preparing your home for sale to negotiating offers and guiding the transaction toward closing, my goal is to deliver comprehensive professional service.

I also market eligible listings through both the local Cornerstone/ITSO MLS system and the Toronto Regional Real Estate Board (TRREB).

My business has been built largely on referrals and repeat clients.

After all, saving someone money is wonderful. But earning their trust and future business? That's even better!

3. What's the catch?

There isn't one!

No secret formula. No magic trick. And definitely no rabbit hiding in a hat!

The concept is simple.

Provide professional real estate service, market properties effectively, negotiate diligently and charge a competitive listing commission.

Your property can be marketed to Realtors working with buyers as well as directly to potential purchasers.

The idea is to give sellers professional representation while helping them keep more of their hard-earned equity.

Want the full explanation?

Visit our Commission Concept page to learn more about the commission structure, services and potential savings.

4. I've heard you're very busy. Will you actually have time for my listing?

Of course!

Being successful in real estate doesn't mean taking on every listing that comes along and then disappearing!

I believe in managing my workload responsibly and staying personally involved with my clients.

You won't have to explain your entire situation to a different person every time you call.

I know your property, your objectives and the strategy we've agreed upon.

And if I'm tied up in a showing or negotiation, I'll get back to you as soon as reasonably possible.

Personal service isn't just something I advertise. It's how I've built my business.

Commissions, Marketing & MLS Exposure.

5. Does the 1% total commission really happen when you represent both the buyer and seller?

Absolutely! And no, I don't suddenly need a bigger commission just because I'm working with both sides!

When both the seller and buyer agree to multiple representation, my commission remains 1% total. Period.

The only additional charge is $995, a head-office transaction fee because the brokerage processes the sale as two transactions.

I've always believed that when representing both sides creates additional commission savings, those savings should go to my clients, not into my pocket.

Naturally, multiple representation requires the informed consent of everyone involved and must comply with Ontario's real estate rules.

My commission remains 1%. The separate $995 brokerage charge and applicable taxes are disclosed as part of the agreed transaction terms.

For more information, visit our Commission Concept page.

6. A competitor told us that other Realtors won't show your listings because you charge less. Is that true?

Ah, yes. I've heard this one before too!

Let's clear something up.

My listing commission and the compensation offered or agreed upon with a cooperating brokerage are two separate matters.

Charging a lower listing commission doesn't automatically mean the Realtor representing a buyer is receiving less.

Buyer representatives also have professional obligations to act in their clients' interests.

I've completed more than 1,300 real estate transactions over my career and have worked with many Realtors across Cambridge, Waterloo Region and the GTA.

My focus is simple: make the property accessible, provide the information buyers and their agents need, and give the home strong exposure.

Your home deserves to be considered on its merits, not on rumours about who listed it.

7. Why do you list properties on both the Toronto and local real estate boards?

Because I believe in giving my sellers every reasonable opportunity to reach potential buyers!

I maintain membership with both:

TRREB – Toronto Regional Real Estate Board

Cornerstone/ITSO – the local MLS system serving Waterloo Region and surrounding areas

And here's an important distinction:

I enter eligible listings natively on both systems, resulting in two separate MLS numbers.

That means exposure to local Realtors and their buyers, along with GTA-based agents who may be working with clients relocating to Cambridge, Kitchener, Waterloo and nearby communities.

With so many buyers moving between the GTA and Waterloo Region, why limit your marketing reach unnecessarily?

More exposure doesn't guarantee a sale, but it certainly makes sense to reach more potential buyers.

8. Someone told us you're a Toronto Realtor. Are you really local?

This one always makes me smile!

I've been actively selling real estate in Cambridge and Hespeler since 2010.

Hespeler, Millpond and the surrounding neighbourhoods aren't unfamiliar territory to me. They're communities where I've spent years working with homeowners, buyers and families.

I've been especially active in Millpond, where my sales history goes back to the neighbourhood's early development.

My Toronto board membership is an additional marketing tool, not a substitute for local knowledge.

I know the local market, and I also know how to reach buyers beyond it.

Why settle for one when you can benefit from both?

Buying, Leasing & Other Real Estate Services

9. Can you help me buy a home, or are you only interested in selling?

Of course I can! I don't just put SOLD signs on lawns!

Whether you're a first-time buyer, upgrading, downsizing, relocating or looking for an investment property, I can help you navigate the buying process.

That includes identifying suitable properties, evaluating asking prices, reviewing comparable sales, preparing offers and negotiating terms.

And here's something else worth knowing!

Ask About Our Current Home Buyer Cash Back Offer!

Eligible buyers may qualify for cash back when purchasing a home through Mr 1 Percent, subject to the offer's terms and conditions.

[Explore Our Current Home Buyer Cash Back Offer](INSERT CASH BACK PAGE LINK)

Buying a home is exciting enough. The possibility of getting some money back makes it even more interesting!

10. Do you deal with rental properties?

Yes!

I assist with residential leasing and can discuss commercial leasing requirements as well.

Whether you're a landlord looking to lease your property or a tenant searching for a suitable home, I'm happy to discuss how I can help.

Leasing still involves important decisions, documentation and negotiations.

And just because a property is being leased rather than sold doesn't mean it deserves careless service!

11. Do you deal with commercial properties?

Yes, my experience isn't limited to residential homes.

I've worked with different types of real estate, including commercial properties, investment opportunities, land, multifamily properties and leasing.

Commercial transactions can involve specialized considerations, so we'll discuss your specific requirements and determine the appropriate approach.

Real estate is real estate, but every property type comes with its own homework!

12. Can you help us purchase a new construction home or condominium?

Absolutely!

I've helped clients explore new construction homes, builder developments and condominium opportunities.

Buying a new home from a builder is different from buying a resale property.

There can be different deposit schedules, construction timelines, closing adjustments, upgrade costs and contract conditions.

Some builders work with cooperating Realtors, while others have different policies.

It's important to understand those details before signing anything.

And remember, a beautiful model home is designed to impress you. The agreement you're signing deserves just as much attention!

I also recommend having a qualified real estate lawyer review your builder agreement.

Cambridge, Hespeler & Local Expertise.

13. Do you have any affiliation with Mattamy Homes?

No! I don't work for Mattamy Homes, and I'm not affiliated with the builder.

But I certainly know their homes!

I've sold more than 0ver 400 Mattamy-built homes over the years, and my own experience with their properties goes back a long way.

From floor plans and layouts to neighbourhood development and resale considerations, that familiarity can be extremely useful.

Particularly in communities such as Millpond and other Mattamy-developed neighbourhoods, understanding the different models and their features can help with both buying and selling.

Knowing a builder's homes is one thing. Knowing how they compete in the resale market is another!

14. What areas do you serve?

Cambridge and Hespeler are at the heart of my business, but my experience extends well beyond them.

My service areas include Cambridge, Hespeler, Millpond, Kitchener, Waterloo and surrounding communities.

I've also worked extensively in the Greater Toronto Area and helped buyers relocate between the GTA and Waterloo Region.

Whether you're selling locally or planning a move to another community, I'm happy to discuss your plans.

15. How do you determine what my home is worth?

Here's one of the biggest mistakes sellers can make:

Looking at the highest-priced listing in the neighbourhood and assuming their home must be worth the same!

An asking price is what someone hopes to get. A sold price tells us what a buyer actually agreed to pay.

When evaluating your property, I look at recent comparable sales, current competition, location, condition, upgrades, layout and buyer demand.

Then we develop a pricing strategy based on the evidence and your objectives.

I've always believed that pricing a home strategically from day one is one of the most important parts of a successful sale.

And no, an automated online estimate doesn't replace a proper market evaluation!

16. Why should I choose Mr 1 Percent over another Realtor?

Fair question!

I've been in real estate for 20 years and have completed more than 1,300 transactions.

I've worked through hot markets, slow markets, bidding wars, changing interest rates and just about every kind of real estate situation you can imagine.

My approach combines local experience, broad MLS exposure, personal service, marketing and a competitive commission structure.

But ultimately, I don't believe you should choose a Realtor simply because of a slogan or an advertisement.

Ask questions. Compare services. Look at experience. Read client reviews. And choose someone you feel comfortable trusting with one of your biggest financial decisions.

If that person happens to be Mr 1 Percent, I'd be delighted to earn your business!

Still Have Questions? Let's Talk!

Didn't find your question here?

No problem. After 20 years in this business, I still enjoy a good real estate conversation!

Whether you're thinking of selling, buying, investing or simply curious about the market, feel free to reach out.

No pressure. No obligation. Just straightforward advice.

Khalid Zaffar | Realtor®
Mr 1 Percent – Exceptional Service for Less
KINGSWAY REAL ESTATE BROKERAGE

Call or Text: 519-860-7554
Email: khalidsells@gmail.com
Website: www.mr1percent.ca

Exceptional Service for Less. A little personality at no extra charge!