Finding a reliable real estate agent in Toronto is important to ensure you are able to get the best possible real estate deal. The ideal agent for you may not be the one who works for the most prestigious brokerage, closes the most deals, or makes the greatest amount of money. The ideal professional is one that is competent, will work hard for you, conduct themselves in a professional and ethical manner, understand your needs, and mesh with your personality.
1.) The difference between a Toronto Realtor® and a Toronto Real Estate Agent
Realtors® are licensed to sell property as a real estate agent or in a broker capacity, but this does not mean that all real estate professionals are actually Realtors®. Only a licensed Realtor® can display the logo in their office or at their place of business. They also belong to the Canadian Real Estate Association , which requires members to comply with a strict code of ethics. You will want to hire a Realtor®.
2.) Real Estate Referrals
Alot of agents are able to continue building clientele and business through referrals from former clients. Talk with friends, family and co-workers and find out about the agents they have experience using . Successful real estate agents strive to do whatever it takes to make a customer happy and satisfied, often putting the needs of the customer before their own best interest. Try to find yourself an agent who will work hard for you and receives the most positive feedback from your acquaintances.
3.) Seek online information about Agents
There are countless websites that will provide agent referrals, but quality is not a guarantee. Agents listed on certain sites could have just paid to be there. Your best bet would be to use an Internet search engine to find some brokerages in your target neighbourhoods. Contact the broker of record and see if they can refer an agent to you. Make sure they take the time to understand your needs as this will indicate that they will take care in recommending you an agent that will mesh with your personality and housing wants and needs.
Don’t assume that the agent with the most experience is the right one for you. Agents who have experience may be too busy to provide you with their undivided attention; however, a newer agent might have more quality time to devote to your needs. Checking out the customer testimonial section of their website is also a good resource when trying to glean information about a particular agent or agency. You will have to take what you read on an agent’s or brokerage’s site with a grain of salt, don’t forget that their site is a marketing tool.
4.) Touring Open Houses Around the Neighbourhood
By visiting open houses and touring homes in the area, you can meet prospective agents in person and observe them in their work environment. If a particular agent appeals to you, ask for a business card. If you are considering selling a home, you may want to pay particular attention to who is showing the home. Is the agent polite, courteous, friendly and informative? Is he or she promoting the finer points of the home? Is the agent handing out some brochures about the home? Are they off in a corner somewhere displaying boredom, rudely ignoring the guests and being inactive in the showing process? Is the agent that is showing the house the one who has listed the house? Often busy listing agents will invite other agents to handle the open houses.
5.) Watch the Neighborhood For Sale Signs
Pay strict attention to the “for sale” signs in the neighbourhood that you are targeting. Notice the days the signs are put up and how long it takes for a “sold” sign to appear. An agent who sells the most homes might be better able to help you out than the agent who simply has the most listings in the area.. Ultimately it is results that you are after.
6.) Using Printed Advertising Materials
There are two main reasons why printed ad materials are used by real estate agents. The first reason is to attract potential home buyers to a specific property. The second reason is to promote a certain real estate agent. When you see an ad in your Sunday newspaper real estate section, you may notice a particular listing agent. When you check the company’s website, you will find out these agents may specialize in a particular neighborhoods. If this interests you, contact the agent personally and ask them some questions..
7.) Professional Recommendations
Do not be afraid to ask other agents or professionals for referrals. Most agents are more than happy to refer potential clients to fellow associates, particularly if they do not offer the services you need or specialize in the area you are looking in. Some agents only deal with residential home sales, others work only with new builds and others sell primarily commercial property. Another good source of referrals are mortgage brokers, many brokers have excellent knowledge of agents who could help you. Remember, a professional will tend to refer someone they think highly of.
