When selling or buying a house, your main point of interaction with the real estate is through real estate agents. These are objective parties that work in your best interests, trying to get you the best deal possible. They are experts at negotiating, and they know all the ups and downs of the market—making them ideal assets in your efforts.
Due to the sizable investment that’s to come, you will want a real estate agent that you can trust. After all, you will be working closely for several weeks—so they have to be someone you can be comfortable communicating with constantly!
Before you take that major step of hiring a real estate agent, here are some things you need to know:
Real Estate Agent vs. Real Estate Broker vs. REALTOR®
There are so many names for real estate professionals, and often people use the terms interchangeably. All the work each professional does is very closely related—but there are distinctions between the services offered by each person. Buyers and sellers need to understand these differences so you can choose one that can cater to all your needs.
Real estate agents – They are salespersons that represent their clients in real estate negotiations and transactions. They are duty-bound to look out for the best interests of their clients and to work fairly.
Real estate agents in Manitoba complete licensing courses and are registered through local real estate associations.
Real estate broker – Real estate agents work under brokerages that are managed or owned by real estate brokers. Brokers require at least two years of experience as licensed agents as well as additional management training. They oversee all deals that their real estate agents complete.
REALTOR® - Realtors are real estate agents who are paying members of the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA). Membership includes complying with a strict code of conduct and attendance in ethics training.
Interview Several Real Estate Agents
Buying or selling property is one of the most important things you will do in your life. As such, you will need to do your due diligence when you look for a partner.
Interview a handful of potential real estate agents and talk about their experience and workflow. Ask about properties they’ve bought or sold that are similar to yours! Aside from this basic questioning, their professional references can give you more in-depth information about their personal experience with your potential realtor.
The Real Estate Institute of Canada is an excellent resource if you want to look over an agent’s affiliations and qualifications as well.
Your Real Estate Agent Should Be A Market Expert
Your agent will be your primary source of information, so you should choose an expert on your local real estate market. They should be able to confidently answer all your questions about the neighbourhood, local amenities, and how much recent home listings have sold for. You will be able to make the best decisions about your property when your agent is a fount of accurate information.
If you’re selling your home, you should get a real estate agent that’s social media savvy. The real estate market is now much more than just dry listings on MLS or Zillow. Professional quality photos and videos go a long way in marketing your property, and you will be able to attract so many more potential buyers through social media. As such, a good real estate agent should also be a good marketer.
Conclusion
Your real estate agent should be someone you can be completely upfront and honest with. You should trust that they always have your best interests in mind! In that effort, they should also be an effective communicator and a good negotiator. Don’t settle for the first realtor that a family friend recommends you; it’s worth the effort to do your research and pick the best real estate agent or realtor who meets all your needs.
Are you looking for houses for sale near you in Manitoba? Here at Chris Low, we make sure to stay on top of all new active listings in the area so that you don’t miss out on your dream home. If you’re selling, buying, or you want some help in getting an estimate for your home, get in touch with us today!
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