A good real estate agent is essential whether you are buying or selling a home. It’s important to meet and interview potential agents before signing on the dotted line since not all agents are the same.
There are 10 things to look for in a potential agent.
Ask the agent to tell you about him or herself. This is an open ended question and allows the agent to brag about their successes as an agent. Listen for things like how long he’s been practicing, his best sale, how he talks about his past clients, his professionalism.
The number of homes the agent has listed and sold in the past 6 months will tell you where his strengths lie in helping clients sell and buy homes and his rate of success.
Is the agent up to date on the current housing market? Does he sell and buy homes for clients who are just starting on the real estate ladder all the way to those who are downsizing or leaving the real estate market to move in to retirement accommodations?
Is your agent familiar with the neighbourhood you are looking to buy or sell in?
How many professional organizations or affiliations does your agent belong to?
These affiliations can be a great source for networking for your agent and the more people he knows can translate in to more showings for your home.
If you want to check up on an agent you can visit www.reic.ca (the Real Estate Institute of Canada) to do a name search of an agent’s qualifications and affiliations.
Ask the potential agent for 3 references. This will give you important information: how quickly the agent can give you three sources, how long ago these people were clients, the type of home they were buying or selling and what kind of experience they had working with the agent. Be sure to follow up with the references.
Does the agent practice full time or does he have another job? Is he available to show your home to potential buyers or to show you homes when it is convenient for you?
Find out who the agent sees as his main competition. What sets him apart?
Find out what his plan is. He should have a plan as to how he is going to go about selling your home. Will he do public open houses? What kind of advertising does he use? How many showings will he schedule a day? Be sure you and your agent are on the same planning page. If you aren’t, tell him what you want or find another agent.
How does the agent respond to your budget needs or desired price for the home you are selling? A good agent will understand your needs and offer advice. Be wary of an agent who looks too eager to make a quick sale. A good agent will want to build a solid relationship with you so that you will call him when you want to buy or sell your next home.
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