When we started out with Utsav Kohli, we thought he was just like any another real estate agent. But we ended up becoming close friends. Here’s everything that happened in between. We started our home buying adventure only for the experience of it. We weren’t clear about buying in a red hot market and we didn’t have our finances in order. On a chance, we wandered into an Open House across the street from us, and met Utsav there. We just decided to talk to him, and told him that what we were looking for. A few days later, Utsav got back to us and showed us a few properties based on our very tight instructions – “this kind of layout”, “not this area”, “this neighborhood”, “this school area”, “this price”, “no railway lines”. The list goes on. When we visited these properties, he didn’t sell them to us. Instead, he paid attention to the things that we said, our comments, likes, dislikes, irritations. And he did this very, very patiently. And the next time, he showed us houses that were even better. So, we had even fewer negative comments about the property. Keep in mind, at this time, he knew we were not serious about buying but only looking around. He also carefully held our hands and guided us through GTA’s murky real estate market. He showed us how to getting our finances together, how to get our mortgage approved, what is the lawyer’s responsibility. With his advice, we started getting our finances/mortgage in order. We also became serious about buying a house. He was like the perfect big brother. Gentle and strong. He was there for us whenever we wanted. Even when we just wanted to moan, whine and complain about the market, properties, finances. And he would reply to our messages and calls instantly. And then he showed us this beautiful house. Everything was perfect. We knew we wanted this house, the moment we set foot in it. There was only one problem. It was slightly out of our budget. Now, this is where Utsav really shined. We told Utsav the max we could go to, and then the max-max. His words. Armed with our budget figures, he played the baiting-waiting-bargaining game. Using his bargaining strategy and business acumen, he won. Our dream home was now ours, and within our budget. But he didn’t just stop there. He made sure we got the best deal on things inside the house. He made sure the lawyer worked our case well. And when he handed over the keys to us, he came with a big box of traditional Indian sweets. If you get the chance to have Utsav as your agent, consider yourself very, very lucky. He is perseverant, patient, sharp, humble and kind. And he will not stop until you get what you are looking for. He is a thorough professional. Our whole process from start to finish took around 3 agonizingly long months. Thankfully, Utsav was always on our side throughout. We are so, so, so happy with the house that we are in. And with Utsav for everything he did for us. If we ever plan on selling this house and buying another, yes, you can be sure Utsav will be our agent.