What to Look For When Choosing the Right REALTOR®

Whether you’re looking to sell fast and for top dollar or find the perfect home on time and under budget, partnering with a REALTOR® will help you get the most out of your next real estate transaction. But, with so many expert agents to choose from in and around the Edmonton area, how do you choose the right REALTOR® for your unique wants and needs?

Here are a few tips:

Maximum Exposure 

For home sellers in particular, its important to choose an agent with a “maximum exposure” guarantee. In other words, their approach to marketing and advertising your home is one that ensures your property will be seen anywhere and everywhere, 24/7. As a buyer, you’ll benefit from having immediate access to hot new listings as they crop up on the market. 

Download your free guide: The Truth About Real Estate Advertising

Great Customer Service (and the reviews to back it up)

You can learn a lot about and agent through customer reviews and feedback. When zero-ing in on a potential REALTOR®, ask them to provide a list of previous clients you can contact for a referral. Check the agent’s online reviews or webpage to see what past and current customers are saying. If the agent you’re considering is unable to provide references, or you can’t find anything online, this could be a red flag. 

Full-Service Support 

Some of the best agents come backed by a knowledgeable team. For this reason, we recommend considering an agency-supported REALTOR®. Reputable real estate agencies typically offer their own in-house customer support services, which guarantees you’ll be taken care of by several real estate experts, in addition to the specialized services provided by your agent. 

Local Market Knowledge 

As trained Edmonton real estate market experts, your agent should demonstrate clear and up to date knowledge of the local market. As such, your REALTOR® should be able to answer any questions you may have about the city and its communities. What are the average home prices in x neighbourhood? Are there local schools around? How long will take me to get to work from this area? This agent-provided information is crucial if you hope to make the right choices when buying or selling your home. 

Open and Honest Communication 

Good communication is key to any positive relationship – and your REALTOR® is no exception. Not only should they be able to openly and honestly answer your questions regarding your home’s sale price, a property you’re considering and yes, even their commission rates, you should be able to count on them to be available when you need them. 

A Positive Vibe 

While all of the above are extremely important, it all comes down to how you feel. Afterall, buying or selling home is a major financial transaction, so it’s important to work with someone you enjoy and with whom you have a great rapport. Choose someone you know understands your unique wants and needs and you’re sure to have a great experience. 

Looking for more information on choosing the right REALTOR®? See our previous post Choosing an Edmonton REALTOR®: 8 Questions to Ask and Why. Or, have our latest posts delivered directly to your inbox by subscribing to our newsletter. 

Photo credits: Shutterstock.com

Categorised in: Buying a Home, Selling a Home

This post was written by Terry Paranych Real Estate Group