Are you ready to buy or sell a home? If so, one of the keys to your success is going to be finding the right real estate agent. Ideally, you want to work with a professional who not only excels at what they do but is 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 your next real estate transaction…
Ask around
It’s easy to tune out the promises you’ll find on a real estate website. When you’re hearing a review of an agent from someone you know, it’s a different story. Social media is a great place to start asking around for referrals. Even if it’s from a second cousin or a friend of a friend, hearing about what working with a particular agent is like firsthand can help you make a more informed decision about them.
Do your homework
If you don’t find a professional who seems like a good option through your personal networks, it’s time to start doing some research on your own. 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—such as online reviews—is a good way to do that.
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 probably want to cover.
Feel it out
You’ll be working with your agent on a continuous, ongoing basis, which is why it’s so important to choose someone you feel comfortable with from the outset. When you conduct an interview, try to get a sense of what working with the person sitting across from you will be like. In addition to their credentials, consider whether you have a rapport. 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).
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. The truth is, 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 result you’ll be happy with!
When you’re ready to buy or sell a home, get in touch 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.
