Christmas is over and it is time to get back into the swing of things. With the new year comes resolutions and often life decisions as people use the holidays as a time to reflect. For many that means deciding to move and therefore list a current home. At MAC Marketing Solutions we interact with thousands of realtors and working with a good realtor can make a big impact on your selling/buying experience. So how do you choose the right real estate agent?

Discuss what you are looking for from your realtor, what’s most important to you, what are you most nervous about and get a sense from them that they are comfortable with your needs.

Identifying realtors – Chances are if you start asking around you either know a realtor or know people who do. Ask around but make sure to ask questions about their professional credentials. How were they to work with? Did they seem knowledgeable? Were they looking out for the customer’s best interest? Were they professional and respectful? Would your friends use that realtor again and why? Using someone you know can be great but is not reason alone to use them. If you don’t know anyone you want to work with, start driving around the neighbourhood and take note of who seems to be buying and selling. Choosing a realtor who is particularly knowledgeable in your neighbourhood can be a benefit so start looking at the For Sale signs and interview the active realtors in your neighbourhood.

Ask questions – When evaluating a realtor don’t be shy to ask lots of questions. How will they market your home? How long have they been licensed for? Do they work in a team and how experienced is the rest of the team? Ask for referrals. How many other listings do they have at that moment? Have they ever had a complaint filed against them? What makes them different than others in the neighbourhood? What is their average percentage of sale price to list price and days on market? Ensure they will be able to service you post-sale and will walk you through the closing process, have good contacts with lawyers and bankers and work with the cooperating realtor. Discuss what you are looking for from your realtor, what’s most important to you, what are you most nervous about and get a sense from them that they are comfortable with your needs. More importantly, trust your gut. If you feel comfortable with the individual and trust them then that is likely a good sign – if you don’t, it’s probably for a reason.

Have them look at your home – Once you shortlist, invite the realtor into your space. Good realtors will be able to make experienced suggestions about your space including how to take the best photographs to show your home in its best light, how best to stage, declutter, ideal open house times, and most importantly a reasonable price to best meet your needs.

Negotiate terms – Just remember that although you want a fair price, you also want a hardworking individual who can work with you, support you and do what it takes to sell your home. Do your due diligence, agree on a fair price and find someone willing to work with you.
Working with a good realtor can alleviate a great deal of stress for you and make the process smooth and enjoyable. Good luck!

Cameron McNeill

(pictured: Hundreds of realtors attended a recent realtor event at Meccanica in Southeast False Creek. Good realtors will strive to learn as much as they can about presale opportunities for their clients.)