Buying a house or condo can be a stressful process, especially if you are new to it. If you haven’t worked with a real estate agent before it may feel intimidating to find one that will be the best fit for finding your perfect property. There are a number of different qualities that can differentiate a good real estate agent from a great one, and knowing what to look for can help take some of the stress out of the real estate game.
Top qualities of a great realtor
At AllinREALTY, we’re laser focused on our clients needs. Whether that’s buying a preconstruction condo, selling, renting out units, or even staging help – we are Burlington and the GTA’s unique team of specialists that help our clients succeed in real estate!
Real estate agents have to possess a number of different qualities in order to do their job well. Clients who can recognize these qualities are more likely to find success in their purchasing journey, and be happier with their agent overall.
1. History of sales in the property type you’re looking for
An agent that has a history of buying or selling the kind of property you’re looking for is more likely to understand the nuances and specifics of your search. Their familiarity with the style of property you want, whether it’s a pre-construction condo, a townhouse, a duplex or a single-family home will help them to find you the most suitable property for your needs and budget.
2. They are local to the area
Although any real estate agent may be able to help you find the right property or to sell one you have, choosing an agent that is local can offer a definite advantage.
Being familiar with the neighbourhood or city that you’re looking to buy in can help your real estate agent create a more personalized experience for you. They are also more likely to be familiar with the pricing of the area which can allow them to negotiate better on your behalf, and they’ll be personally invested in the community that you want to buy in. These are all factors that can help them to get you the best property for your budget.
3. The value add they offer
While a real estate agents’ job is to essentially just get the property listed or find properties that a check a buyer’s boxes, the more they can do for their client, they more likely they are to make the sale. Sharing tips on lawyers, suggesting staging companies, and helping to choose a mortgage broker that will help you get the best rates can all make a significant difference in the process.
4. They listen to what you want
A real estate agent that actively listens to what you’re looking for in a property is essential in the buying process. When you are buying a property, it can be confusing and overwhelming to sort through the different options available to you. Having a realtor on your team that can break things down, hear what you’re looking for and put the pieces together for you can take a lot of the stress out of the situation.
5. They are up-to-date in their knowledge
The housing market can change quickly, and a real estate agent that stays on top of the current trends will be better able to find you a property that suits you at a price that fits your budget.
6. They act like a partner
When it comes to working with a real estate agent, buyers are ultimately looking for someone who will partner with them throughout the process. An agent that only shows up to get the paperwork signed but isn’t present for staging, open houses, showings and to answer questions as they come up, can make buying a home more stressful that it should be. Realtors who disappear once you’ve signed on with them leave you feeling like you’re alone in the process and that they’re only there to make money.
Purchasing as an investor
When buying real estate properties as an investor there are some additional supports that may help draw you to one agent over another. The support that an agent offers when it comes to booking and planning showings, arranging staging and transitioning tenants after the purchase can make a significant difference in the process for an investor.
While you may decide to be a fairly hands on landlord, the job can come with a bit of a learning curve. A real estate agent that is willing to help you throughout the process is an invaluable asset to have in your corner.
