How to Hire a Realtor: 5 Tips for Choosing the Best Realtor for You
If you’re ready to sell your home, choosing a realtor is not a decision that should be taken lightly. The average real estate commission in Canada is between 3-7%, meaning that you could be paying them tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Knowing how to pick a real estate agent requires knowledge of what your needs are and what kind of real estate agent represents value for money.
You want a realtor that will fight your corner, ensure your house sells in good time, and guarantees a good price for your home. With that in mind, here is everything you need to know about how to hire a realtor.
1. Check a Realtor’s Track Record
If you are wondering how to choose a realtor, the first thing you should be doing is checking their track record.
It is easy to find out how successful a real estate agent is and how much experience they have. Check reviews, testimonials, and an agent’s website to see what kind of career they have.
For example, Jenifer Jewell, a realtor in Ontario of which you can find more information here, has a track record of selling 98% of homes at list price. This is the kind of information you should be seeking from realtors.
2. Watch a Realtor in Action
You will never know how effective a realtor is until you have seen them on the job. If you have found one that you are considering, arrange to meet them at their next open house.
This way, you can see how they engage with potential buyers and check whether they have the selling power that you are seeking.
Realtors rarely want you to just take their word for it and will be happy to invite you along to see them in action.
3. Determine What You Want from the Sale
When learning how to choose a real estate agent, knowing your motivations for selling is crucial.
Do you want to get the maximum sales price for your house as it is? Are you aware that you might need some next-level house staging? Are you more concerned about selling as quickly as possible?
Knowing the answer to these questions will help you to narrow your search and know how to choose a real estate agent that is right for you.
4. Ask Your Realtor the Right Questions
When choosing a realtor, it is important to make the most out of your time spent searching.
Be prepared with the questions that you want the answer to before you meet a potential realtor. Ask them how long they have been in the real estate business. Ask whether they mostly work with buyers or sellers.
Ask how they actually plan to market your home and what their main specialty area is. Any worthwhile realtor will be more than happy to answer these essential questions.
5. Agree on the Fine Print
Finally, don’t forget that selling a home is a complicated, multi-step legal process. Before signing a contract, agree on all the little details.
This can include how many showing you would like to arrange and what exactly the selling strategy will be. It will include the exact commission fee and list price.
Also, establish a clear term-length for your contract, so that you can choose someone else if they do not meet your expectations.
Now That You Know How to Hire a Realtor…
Now that you know how to hire a realtor, it’s time to learn more about selling your home.
In our Real Estate section, you will find in-depth guides on how to prepare your home for a quick sale that will get you the price that you want.