Choosing the right real estate agent will make a world of difference in your transaction.
Buying or selling real estate is one of the biggest transactions you will ever make in your life, so arming yourself with the very best person to assist you is essential.
Often, people select a real estate agent based on a recommendation from a friend or family member. This isn’t wrong, and it certainly isn’t a bad place to start, but you should also do a bit of your own due diligence to make sure you end up choosing the right person to work with your needs and wants.
Here are 5 tips that will help you find the perfect real estate agent:
1. MEET THEM IN PERSON AND ASK THE RIGHT QUESTIONS
Meeting and interviewing a few potential realtors allows you to learn about their experience and working style and determine how they will be able to help YOU.
Ask for a few references and read reviews. Don't just take their word for it.. Talk to other buyers they have helped, or do your own research. If an agent tells you they will market your home in certain ways, go online and see if they are actually following through with it for other listings they have.
2. USE SOMEONE LOCAL WHO KNOWS THE MARKET.
What are the different neighbourhoods in the area like? What about school districts? Your agent should be able to give you a neighbourhood market update on the areas you are looking in- that will include average sale prices, list to sale price ratios, amount of sales (& buyers still looking), and more.
3. MAKE SURE THEY ARE FLEXIBLE .
Some agents only work part-time... Does that give them enough hours to help you? Is there a team of people to assist you with your questions, showings, etc? Your schedule is important. Especially in this busy market- your real estate agent needs to be available to show you homes as soon as they are listed.. or else they could be sold before you even get a chance to view. If they can’t provide you the time and flexibility you need, it’s probably worth finding another agent.
4. PICK A REALTOR WHO IS TECH-SAVVY
If you're buying, you want an agent that can set you up on a system so you can see listings as soon as they hit the market. You want to be able to email, text or call them to discuss and then use digital systems to take you from the beginning of the process of showing the house, to the last step of sharing information digitally with your mortgage advisors, lawyers, etc.
As a seller, listings are all about the digital these days. Buyers viewing, showings being set up, signing offers and more. Digital marketing is hugely important so make sure your real estate agent is on social media, websites, online advertisements and more. It will make your life so much easier to have an agent that can confidently use digital resources to help you get your house sold.
5. MAKE SURE YOU AND YOUR AGENT HAVE A GOOD VIBE.
You’re going to have to spend some time working with your agent, so make sure you like them. Many clients will know right away whether they truly LIKE their real estate agent. You are going to spend A LOT of time with this person while you search for a home, or sell your property... You want to make sure you have a good connection. Make sure they listen to what you are saying... Understand your expectations and just all around want what's best for you!
The agent who is just looking for another sale is not going to represent you the way you should be represented... So do your homework before choosing your Realtor®).