How to Choose a Realtor When Selling

Introduction

Choosing the right realtor is crucial to the success of your home selling process. Working with the right real estate agent will take all the work off your shoulder and ensure a stress-free home sale. At the end of this article you will know each step you need to take to find the right realtor for you . Let’s get started.

Determine Your Needs

• Before looking for a realtor, determine your needs. Assess the current state of your property and identify any necessary improvements. Fixing things like roof, floor, windows and  improving your home before starting the process would facilitate the whole process. 
• Knowing the level of service you require from a realtor: Decide what level of service you require from a realtor and what your goals are. 

Get a Property Evaluation 

Not every realtor uses the most up to date tools to give you an accurate evaluation showing the current market value of your property. Some realtors would just tell you an amount from their mind which will never be 100% accurate. You need a report based on comparable sold listings similar to your property in your area . As a realtor myself I do a thorough home evaluation by providing you with all the information you need before listing your home. Feel free to fill out the form here to receive your free home evaluation report from me.

Research Potential Realtors

• Check online reviews and ratings : Checking online reviews and ratings can provide great insight into the level of service provided by each real estate agent. It’s important to review the real estate agent’s online ratings and feedback from past clients to see if any negative points were raised.  
• Asking for referrals from family, friends, and colleagues is also a great way to find the right realtor. Working with a realtor who has already successfully finalized a deal for someone you know can also be a great way to hire a real estate agent.

Look for Experience and Expertise

• Examining the realtor’s experience and track record would give you good hints about their capabilities and skill set. For instance, some realtors are experienced in commercial real estate rather than residential, and it is a good idea to ask them about the properties they have sold in the past few years.
• Assessing their negotiation skills: Do not forget that being a realtor is not just about listing a house. Therefore, the realtor you hire must be a good salesperson and negotiator. Your ultimate goal is to get the most money possible from the sale, and this will rely on the realtor.

Is it better to go with a local realtor?

It is best to work with a realtor who has active buyers looking for a property just like yours. Not every realtor will have this, as a big portion of realtors focus on listing properties and only get business through people who see their signs in the neighborhood. These types of realtors do not dedicate their time to finding qualified buyers. Most local real estate agents you see in your neighborhood are limited to your area and do not have good contacts in the city you live in.

Verify if the Real Estate Agent has Potential Buyers 

As a real estate agent with 10 years of experience in the marketing industry (I ran a digital marketing agency for 10 years), I generate 500+ new potential qualified buyer leads each month through my websites and online lead generation tactics. I currently have 10,000+ active buyers in my customer list. This helps me sell my listings quicker than other brokers and make a difference in the industry.

Evaluate Communication and Availability

• Assess the realtor’s communication skills and see if they are fast responders and available to answer your questions and address your concerns.
• Confirming their preferred communication methods would also help you understand if you would be comfortable working with them. Some realtors may prefer text messages over phone calls, and vice versa.

You can also read : Why choose a realtor when buying?

Review the Brokerage Contract Commission Rate and Fees

Understanding the terms and conditions of the brokerage contract, examining the commission rate and fees, and knowing about additional costs and expenses should be your top priority when you come to the stage of signing a brokerage contract agreement with a realtor. As a realtor, my rate can be as low as 2% depending on the deal, which is very rare in the market.

Can a realtor represent both buyer and seller in Quebec?

After the recent changes to the Real Estate Brokerage Act (in force since June 10, 2022), a realtor cannot represent both the buyer and seller in Quebec concerning a real estate property and be bound to each of them by a brokerage contract. In other words, double representation is prohibited by law. Moreover, the realtor representing the seller in a transaction must refer the buyer to two different real estate brokers in the area if the buyer does not have one. If the buyer still does not wish to be represented, the broker can help them make an offer but is not allowed to make any financial recommendations. 

Should I use the same realtor selling the house?

Yes, you can definitely use the same realtor when buying a new property and selling your current property, since you have already concluded a transaction with the broker. This would save both parties time by skipping the introduction process and getting to the main part of the process more quickly than usual.

Conclusion

In conclusion, choosing the right realtor is a critical aspect of the home selling process. By following the steps that I have outlined in this article, you can ensure that you find a real estate agent who understands your needs, has the necessary experience and expertise, and is equipped with the tools and resources to help you achieve your goals. With the right realtor by your side, you can enjoy a stress-free home sale and achieve the best possible outcome.As a real estate agent, I offer real estate brokerage services in Montreal and the surrounding areas (Island Of Montreal, North Shore, South Shore), and I would be pleased to assist you with this entire process. Simply fill out the form below, and I will get back to you as soon as possible.