You see so many different For Sale, Sold and For Lease signs with so many different Realtor names. You browse the listings on MLS and see so many more. With so many agents out there, how do you choose? Do you go by their picture? Do you look at how many listings they have? What's a home buyer to do?
Here are a few recommendations when beginning your search:
1) Get referrals from family, friends and co-workers.
2) Meet with a few agents to conduct mini interviews.
3) Check the online search of The Real Estate Council of Ontario to see if the agent is registered. RECO regulates the activity of trading in real estate in the public interest and has been put in place to protect your best interests.
4) If you are a seller, find out how much their commission is.
5) Normally, it is helpful if the agent is familiar with the area you are looking in.
6) Choose someone who displays professionalism and a willingness to work for your needs.
7) Should you want, your agent should be able to assist you with other necessary real estate related services, for example, arranging a house inspection, arranging a mortgage and finding a real estate lawyer.
8) If you are selling your home, does the agent have a plan of attack for marketing your house. MLS, ads, open houses?
9) Not all agents work the same schedule. If you are only available to view properties on Sundays, make sure your agent works weekends. Communicate your availability during your interview with them.
10) This isn't a deal breaker, but if your sales representative has a website, that is a very good way of gathering even more information about them and seeing what affiliations they have.
