There is so much involved in buying or selling your home, which is why it’s essential to find a real estate agent who will help you make decisions and keep you informed. There are some vital factors you should consider when choosing the right professional.
A qualified agent can help alleviate some of the stress of buying or selling a home. It can give you peace of mind to work with a trained professional who knows all about the complex industry. They should also be able to provide referrals to other professionals you may need to consult during the process of buying or selling.
Before you can make your choice, you need to find out what your options are. There are likely many agents to choose from in your current or preferred area, but not all of them will be equally suited to your specific needs.
Is the Agent Highly Recommended?
With so many different resources available at your fingertips, the internet may be one of the best tools to find a real estate agent. As with anything else, use common sense when reading online reviews.
You may also opt to ask family and friends for agent recommendations. Remember that one agent may have been appropriate for your family member’s needs but may not be appropriate for yours. However, a recommendation list from trusted loved ones is a great way to begin your search.
Is the Agent Suited to My Needs?
Real estate professionals may be experts, but they may also specialize in certain types of properties. This is very important when trying to find a real estate agent. For example, if you’re trying to sell your downtown condo, you probably shouldn’t choose an agent who specializes in suburban, single-family homes.
Another thing to consider is whether the agent has experience with your current neighborhood (if selling) or your preferred neighborhood (if buying).
What Qualifications Does the Agent Have?
In Canada, real estate agents must complete a certain amount of education before passing both an exam and a background check. This means that all licensed agents have a certain level of qualification.
However, not all agents are Realtors. A Realtor is a real estate agent who is a member of the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA). Such membership requires continued professional and ethics training in addition to payment of annual fees. This may offer some additional peace of mind when making your choice.
Questions To Ask To Find a Real Estate Agent
It’s generally recommended to meet with a few different agents before making your final decision. It can be helpful to come prepared with some questions to ask the agents you’ve shortlisted. You should ask questions left unanswered by your initial research, plus more.
Verify Credentials
Credentials are an essential factor when choosing an agent. Don’t be afraid to ask about each agent’s qualifications and level of experience. This should be standard protocol; if the agent refuses or tries to skirt the question, consider it a red flag.
Tell the Agent What You Want
Not only is it a big part of the process, but telling the agent what you’re looking for in a home or why you’re looking to sell can be a good way to gauge whether the agent possesses certain traits. Observe his or her body language and verbal response. Note whether the agent seems focused, asks you questions, and what he or she has to say about your wants and needs. Is the agent attentive, thorough, and informative? If so, that is often a great sign when trying to find a real estate agent.
What Is the Agent’s Communication and Availability Like?
It’s a good idea to find out upfront what to expect from a potential agent in terms of availability and communication. You should find out the agent’s regular working hours and if they are available at any other times to show properties or otherwise communicate.
You should also ask how the agent usually communicates, such as via phone call, text, or email. There’s not necessarily a right or wrong way; that said, if the agent tends to communicate via email, there may be problems if you never remember to check your inbox.
If their preferred method of communication doesn’t line up with yours, it may be wise to find a real estate agent whose availability and communication styles do.
What Are the Fine Details?
Ensure you understand the agent’s contract and points such as:
- Commission rate. How much will the agent receive from the transaction?
- Contract length. How long will you be hiring the agent to work for you?
- Marketing. How does your agent market and advertise for clients?
- Fine print. Make sure you read and understand all of the finer details of a contract.
How Do You Feel About the Agent?
Although qualifications are important for a real estate agent, how you get along with the agent can be just as important. This person is helping you make a huge decision that will likely affect the rest of your life. If you don’t trust this person it will be hard to take his or her advice. Try to choose an agent you feel good about.
Find a Real Estate Agent and Make Your Choice
After meeting with multiple agents, it’s time to make a choice. Because you may work with an agent for a long time or experience difficulties in your real estate journey, it’s often a good idea to find a real estate agent you get along with. Therefore, if you’re not sure based on one or more agents’ good qualifications alone, try going with your gut.
Tsuji Real Estate has 14 years of experience with buying and selling in the Greater Toronto Area. Your priorities become our priorities when you work with us. Contact us now to get started selling your property or finding your next home.
https://tsuji.ca/sellers/
https://www.crea.ca/who-we-are/the-realtor-difference/become-a-realtor/
https://www.bankrate.com/real-estate/finding-best-real-estate-agent/
https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/mortgages/are-all-real-estate-agents-the-same-which-realtor-is-right-for-you
https://www.nerdwallet.com/ca/mortgages/realtor-vs-real-estate-agent
https://www.nerdwallet.com/ca/mortgages/how-to-find-a-real-estate-agent
