Is there a new home purchase coming up for your future? If so, finding the right real estate agent is one of the keys to your success. Ideally, you want to work with a professional who not only excels at what they do, but is also a good match for you in terms of their working and interpersonal style. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to help ensure that the professional you choose meets that description!
Here are a few tips for finding a skilled local agent to navigate the hunt for your perfect new home.
Ask Around
There are a multitude of agents to choose from, especially in the GTA. It’s easy to take any promises you’ll find on a real estate website with a grain of salt. Actual lived experiences by your friends and family members tell a different story.
That’s why getting reviews from people you know personally is a great first step to finding a good real estate agent. If you have a vast network on social media, you can start asking around for referrals. Even if it’s from a second cousin or a friend of a friend, hearing about a particular agent firsthand can help you make a more informed decision about who to hire.
Still, you want more than one person’s view on a particular agent. Before choosing a professional to represent you, it’s a good idea to dig further to see how they perform consistently in various types of markets.
Zeroing in on the right neighbourhood is one of the first steps when buying a new home. The posts below can help you narrow it down:
- West End Vs East End: Which One Wins in Toronto?
- These Toronto Neighbourhoods are Perfect for a Fresh Start
- Up and Coming Neighbourhoods for Families
Do Your Homework
You’ll want to conduct some independent background research whether or not you find a professional through your personal network. During this process, Google will be your best friend.
Start by searching for agents in your immediate area. Look out for those who have polished, professional-looking websites that provide clear information. Any claims you find should be easy to verify, and looking to outside sources is a good way to do that. Take a moment to review their Google reviews, or better yet, ask to talk to a couple of their previous clients who have purchased homes before.
Ask the Right Questions
Once you’ve found an agent who seems like a potential fit, it’s time to move on to the interview phase. You can take this step with several professionals until you find the ideal person for the job. This is your opportunity to find out what a few different agents bring to the table. From their fees to their track records to how they would handle your situation specifically, there’s a lot of ground you’ll want to cover. Some questions to ask include:
- How much experience do you have as an active real estate agent? Some agents handle only a couple of transactions each year, if that. Others successfully manage multiple purchases, which means they have a better pulse on the current market and will be able to negotiate for you.
- Do you work full-time as a real estate agent? Finding and purchasing the right home is a process that requires dedication and a keen attention to detail, attributes that may be lacking when your agent has another full-time job elsewhere.
- Can you tell me more about what is happening in today’s market? Any agent you consider should be well-tuned into current conditions and have a clear idea of what is available at what price, as well as how many other buyers you might be up against.
In addition, be sure to read between the lines and understand what is not being said. For example, how quickly does your chosen agent respond to your questions when you leave a voicemail or send an email? If they are fast and courteous, there’s a good chance you can expect more of the same when working together. If they take forever to get back to you or you have to chase them, that is likely a sign to keep searching.
Feel It Out
Everything may seem just right on paper, but if it feels off, you may want to keep looking. Your house is one of the most important and complex purchases you will ever make, and the right real estate agent is not a decision to make lightly.
Remember that you’ll be working together on a continuous, ongoing basis, which is why it’s so important to choose someone you feel comfortable with from the outset. Look beyond their credentials when you’re conducting an interview. The person sitting across from you may very well be an excellent agent – just not for your situation.
Consider whether you have a rapport. Are they warm and welcoming when you’re asking your questions, or do you feel as though you are bothering them? Don’t forget to ask them how they prefer to communicate (from the hours they’re available to whether they’re open to speaking via email, text, phone, or all of the above).
Look for Local Expertise
In many ways, the right location is even more important than the house itself. You can renovate and mould your home to your specifications in time, but you have no control over what amenities and parks are nearby. That’s why working with a professional who knows your target neighbourhoods is essential.
You don’t necessarily need someone who lives on the same block as where you want to be. However, they should have a working understanding of the catchment areas and any local nuances of the neighbourhood.
Looking for even more insight to make your purchase successful? The posts below can help:
- Should You Buy or Sell First in a Shifting Market?
- 10 Mistakes Buyers Make and How To Avoid Them
- How the Government is Helping First-Time Buyers in Toronto
Request References
Last but not least, try to ask for references. While you can learn a lot about an agent by asking them questions and getting familiar with their online presence, speaking to past buyers and sellers can tell you things you may not discover otherwise. A true professional—someone who’s committed to ethical conduct and client success—should have no problem providing you with contact information for people they’ve worked with in the past.
Choosing the right agent can take a bit more time, but it’s worth the effort. By putting some extra thought into the selection process, you can help ensure a smoother real estate experience—and a home you’ll be happy with!
When you’re ready for your big move, get in touch at erica@ericareddy.com or call 416.443.0300 to learn more about the process—and our approach!
Meet The Erica Reddy Team
Find out how our specialized skill sets and extensive Toronto market expertise empower your real estate venture.
