Choosing your Realtor®

A good agent can be immensely valuable in facilitating real estate transactions but a bad one can add undue stress to the process. So how do you weed out the good from the bad? Here are some strategies that can help. Referrals and reviews A great place to start is by asking the people you know — friends, family, colleagues and neighbours — if they can recommend a real estate agent. Another way to go about finding suitable candidates is to read online reviews Interview prospects Try to find at least three candidates to meet with and interview. You’ll want to ask them about the following: • Their experience and past results, especially within the last six months • What certifications they have • With which markets and neighbourhoods they’re most familiar • Their strategies for marketing your home • Whether you’ll be dealing with them specifically or with a member of their team • Their rate Get and check references There’s little that can give you a clearer idea as to each candidate’s strengths and weaknesses than speaking with past clients. Trust your instincts Choosing a real estate agent is an important business decision. It’s important that you make a choice that’s been fully investigated and evaluated. However, don’t ignore your instincts. If a candidate makes you feel uncomfortable, keep looking. The right agent is respectful, trustworthy and puts your needs first.