As you embark on what could be your biggest purchase, it’s essential to take the time to find the right agent to represent you. When interviewing an agent, here are some important considerations to keep in mind:
- Team or Solo: Agents can work alone, in teams of two, or as part of large groups. Each type offers its own unique advantages and disadvantages, such as communication styles and the number of people you’ll be working with.
- Area expertise: An agent’s understanding of neighbourhoods, schools, grocery stores, socioeconomics, and other factors that impact your home buying decision is crucial.
- Property type experience: Not all agents have experience with every type of property, such as commercial vs. residential, condos vs. freeholds, or urban vs. rural. Its important to ensure your agent is comfortable with the type of property that you’re interested in.
- Professional connections: It’s important to know if an agent has a team of professionals they work with, such as inspectors, mortgage brokers, lawyers, cleaners, painters, contractors, mould specialists etc. You may need them.
- Winning strategy: How will the agent negotiate on your behalf, and what’s their plan for winning your dream home in a competitive market?
- Availability: Real estate can be a full-time or part-time career, so it’s crucial to know if an agent’s schedule will allow for house showings or meetings that fit your timeline.
- Data access: Depending on their home board, some agents may not have access to all the sold data and comparables in other areas, so it’s important to know what data resources they have.
- Trust and connection: Ultimately, it’s essential to trust your gut and feel comfortable with an agent. Do they listen to you, do you like them, and do you trust them to represent your best interests?
By considering these factors, you can find the right agent to guide you through your home buying journey.
HOME AND LIVING 