How to Choose a Real Estate Agent

Okay, the #1 question I am always asked is - How do you choose the right Agent?

Well for starters, usually in and around your neighbourhood you see for sale signs - depending on where you live - they are practically everywhere.

When you see the SAME Agent over and over again you tend to remember some names more than others. This doesn't automatically mean he or she is a good Agent - it just means they work and get a lot of listings.

What you DO want to check for is how many of those listings actually SELL.

So when you're driving around your neighbourhood, check out the Agent's names on the signs - its what they live for :) and then check to see how many of those FOR SALE signs actually turn into SOLD signs and how quickly. I can list 100 properties that are overpriced or over evaluated just to have 100 signs up in the area, but if I'm not selling any of them - that doesnt exactly mean I'm a good Agent?

Also remember, that just because the sign says SOLD it doesnt mean the Listing Agent sold it, it just means they had the right advertising that got the job done.

Some Agents I've worked with in the past have focused their energies on SELLING. When you are a selling Agent, you go after clients that are looking to buy and then you search the areas for Properties that are listed for sale and then go after those to sell to your buyers. Some Agents focused their energies on Listings only. They went out and found people who were interested in selling their properties and listed them and waited for the Selling Agent to find a buyer who would buy it.

A Selling Agent in my opinion, has to work harder because not only does he have to find people who are looking to buy but then he has to shop around for the property that his clients are looking for so in reality, he has to do double the work, whereas a Listing Agent finds a seller, puts the sign on their front lawn and then goes on to the next client.

A GREAT Agent can double end their deals which means they not only list the property but they can even find the buyer and sell them the property at the same time, earning double the commissions. Working with a Buyer/Selling Agent sometimes can be of great benefit to both clients involved because he has the sole option of decreasing his commission to suit both the financial needs of the buyer and seller. When you are working with 2 Agents, a client would have to convince BOTH Agents to lower their commission so that everyone is happy with the final price. (That will be another post altogether!)

Check out the local newspapers, see the Agent's names that keep showing up, call them, book a consultation (usually it's free - at least in Canada it still is!)

Visit with them, check out their office - it costs you nothing to meet with them and consult with them. Find out if you can speak to people they've dealt with in the past who may recommend them (or not!) and also, by meeting with them, you can see how you feel around them, if you are comfortable with them or if you find them too pushy, or too laid back - remember this is the person that will be dealing with potential buyers so you want someone to work for you that wants the same results as you do.

You also want to make sure you don't get an Agent who is TOO popular, perhaps they are overloaded with work and can't tend to your issues personally. You want someone who is experienced enough but not a #1 Agent who just doesn't have the time to deal with you directly so they send in back up help or assistants. You want to deal with the Agent directly! Having an assistant to help with paperwork and filing and taking phone calls is one thing, but you want the Agent that is getting PAID with YOUR money to work FOR YOU.

You also want to make sure you are dealing with an Agent who is hungry for your business but not desperate to sell to make a quick sale because they need the commission.

Always make sure you are treated as a person when dealing with an Agent, you don't just want to be a number on their "To Do" list.

Buying or selling a house is a LIFETIME investment and you want to make sure your Agent knows how important this is to you.

Check out tomorrow where I'll explain how to determine the value of your property.

Good Luck!



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