Real Estate Agents: How to Choose the Right One

1. Search for real estate agents online and compare them

Searching for Realtor in Vancouver in your neighborhood using the Agent Finder tool, comparing ratings and the volume of properties they have sold, is one of the most effective ways to find agents. Once you’ve selected your top selections, you may use various web search engines to look for an agent’s online presence. Advice: Pay attention to how a representative responds to any reviews that may be favorable or unfavorable.

2. Find a referral

Nothing beats a trusted friend or family member’s personal recommendation. According to research, 22 percent of sellers (more than one in five) locate their agent as a result of a recommendation from a friend, relative, neighbor, or coworker.

3. Take a look at the local housing market in person

In case you have time, drive or stroll around your neighborhood and look for repeat agents’ names on drysdale real estate signs (plus any “sold” signs next to them!). According to our research, 5 percent of sellers find agents from a for-sale sign, and 16 percent from people they know in their neighborhood.

Alternately, drop by a neighboring open house to see how the agent interacts with prospective buyers. Don’t just take the real estate agent’s business card and run; spend some time talking to them. Pay attention to the professional chemistry and personality. At an open house, 7% of sellers locate their agents.

4. A minimum of three agents should be met

Don’t choose the first real estate agent you meet when looking for one. Research shows that 56% of sellers never speak with more than one agent, but by speaking with several, you may compare and contrast them to find a good match. Treat it as a job interview because that’s what it is! Despite your preference for one agent based on a recommendation or local reputation, ask each of the three the same questions and compare their answers.

5. Identify the right questions to ask

Ask important vetting questions to get an idea of their business style. 

• What is your experience in real estate?
• Are you primarily a buyer’s agent or a seller’s agent?
• What is the number of active clients you have at any given time?
• What team do you belong to?
• Are you a specialist in anything?
• What can you do to help me with my unique situation?
• What are your plans for marketing my home?
• Is there anyone you can recommend to me?

6. How would you like to communicate?

Aim to start off with a shared understanding. Talk about the agent’s communication plan and the frequency of your contact expectations. Communication via email may not be successful, but phone calls may be more efficient. Alternatively, if the agent typically only provides bi-weekly updates but you anticipate having lots of questions and need quick answers, you may want to look for someone else.

7. Make sure you know why you are selling

If your home sale involves any specific requirements, make sure you have them clarified. Is there a deadline you must meet? Is there a particular bottom dollar you need to reach? Do you want to avoid capital gains taxes by falling within a particular timing window? Provide your agent with these details from the beginning so that they know what to expect.

8. Determine the number of showings and the selling strategy

Your real estate agent and you should agree on a selling strategy before you start working together. Are you going to hold an open house? Could you please let me know how many showings you are interested in? Does the agent provide you with a lead time before showings? Is the property going to be marketed in any particular way?

9. All important details should be agreed upon

Clear expectations foster the finest relationships between agents and sellers. The commission schedule, asking price, and contract duration (i.e., what happens if your house hasn’t sold after a set period of time) should all be spelled out in writing.

10. Incredible Communication

The client may experience unimaginable distress when selling a home. To ensure that they are up to date on the transactions that take place while on the lookout, they want an expert who will be in constant communication with them. What can seem irrelevant to an expert may be important information to the client. The expert must continuously answer inquiries from customers and offer advice.

One client might require a suburban home, while another may require a residence in the city’s center. You must seek out opportunities to observe each distinct client and their wants if you are to meet their various needs.