How to Find the Right Real Estate Agent

A good agent can make it easier to buy a home. However, many may be unaware about how to locate and work with a professional real estate agent that will do what is best for their client. Experienced Canadian agents can fine-tune strategies depending on the current market, helping facilitate the acceptance of an offer on a property in a competitive market. This is only one reason that individuals and couples are taking steps to work with a reputable agent.

Interview Multiple Agents

Clients need to make the time to meet with more than one agent before coming to a final decision. Clients should feel comfortable asking questions and see if the agents interviewed listen to specific requirements. It is also worth noting if an agent:

• Is knowledgeable about the market; and
• Can conduct themselves well during an open house.

This last suggestion can be quite beneficial. Going to one of their open houses and seeing what type of information is provided and how they engage with others can help one ascertain whether or not an agent will be able to professionally represent them.

Get More Information about the Agent

It is important to work with a reliable and reputable agent. No one wants to get locked into a contract with an agent without their best interests at heart. It can be difficult to find accurate reviews, but agents who have had disciplinary penalties may be found through the CanLII online database. A search performed using their last name can provide additional details on issues that have occurred over the past decade, helping individuals avoid possible headaches down the road.

Find a Local Agent Familiar with the Inventory and Trends

One may be looking for a home in a location with little available inventory, such as the Greater Vancouver Area. This makes it all the more important to team up with an agent that can help one understand the expectations when dealing with a competitive market, and how to get situated in order to move quickly and be a more attractive candidate for a seller. This does not mean that balanced areas, like Calgary, may not have it share of challenges for the first-time buyer. An experienced local real estate agent can provide the inside scoop and best strategy in order to close on a home in a desired area.

Work with a Dedicated Real Estate Agent

Look for an agent that can tell you more about the sellers. Which North Saanich home sellers are looking to move quickly and which ones may be able to hold out longer to find their ideal buyer? This information can be useful in calculating an offer and in the preparation of financial details and documents for following steps.

One may get more than a new home with the right agent. An experienced agent may be able to help a buyer get more from the deal, such as the inclusion of larger appliances. This can reduce initial costs after closing on a home and getting settled in. If there is a specific timeline in mind, an agent should be working to ensure that their client's requirement is understood by other involved parties. Any agent chosen needs to be communicative and available to work with a client, assisting with moving the process forward while taking into account preferences and budget.