10 Things To Think About When Choosing Your Next REALTOR®

1. Interview Agents
   Not all real estate agents are the same, there is no cookie-cutter creating agents to be just like one another and this is a GREAT thing. This means you GET to find the agent the best suits your needs. Don’t be afraid to meet with 3 or 4 agents before you decide to work with one.
2. Be Prepared
   An interview is only as good as the preparation you put into it, do you know what your price range is? Are you pre-approved? What are your non-negotiables in a property and in an agent.
         For example: If you can only shop for homes on Tuesday afternoons you need an agent who is available at that time. OR If you are looking for an acreage is an agent who primarily sells condos the best fit?
3. Experience
   Years of experience are great, don’t get us wrong and an agent with 20 years has probably seen a lot. But what recent and relevant experience do they have? How many similar properties or clients have they sold in the last few years? Recent and relevant experience is most important. Don’t discount a new agent either. If a new agent has a mentor or is on a team they will likely give you an exceptional experience as they have the most recent and relevant education on current issues to help you avoid, plus often have fresh energy and time availability vs a more established busier agent. Everyone needs to start somewhere.
4. Reviews
   Look at the agents reviews, check out RankMyAgent, Google and Facebook. Our Favourite is RankMyAgent because it is 3rd party and ensures the review has worked with the agent, so it eliminates "review hacking". You can know that every review is from a legitimate past client who actually worked with the agent through the completion of a sale. 
5. Network
   Is the agent affiliated with a brokerage with a strong reputation, an infrastructure that can facilitate quick turnaround, no issues with finances in trust and… A larger network also means access to listings before they become available to others. (RE/MAX is the worlds largest real estate network and has the dominant market share in Edmonton)
6. Online presence
   Does the agent utilize social media, online advertising and 3d tours? These are important when most buyers are looking online before going out with an agent. The modern age of real estate also includes the utilization of private industry groups on social media too and can be a great source of "off-market deals" or exclusive listings you might not otherwise be able to find. 
7. Responsive
   You will want to find an agent who gets back to your messages in a timely manner and gives you the time you need. But remember they are people with families and other clients, you might not get a response at 11 pm. Have a conversation up front about expectations and preferred communication methods. 
8. Personable
   When looking for an agent you want someone who makes YOU feel comfortable and special, you might love the “Life of the party” agent or might prefer a “Data Expert” agent, or one that helps you "Feel at home". 
9. Education
   You might think you know all about the real estate industry, but you are hiring an agent for their knowledge and their network knowledge. An agent that helps to educate you on the market, community, builders… is an agent who wants the best for you.
10. Industry Niche
    Hiring your cousin might sound like a great idea until you find out they have never worked with condos before or hiring a commercial agent when you are looking for a recreational property. You will find that agents specialize and the best agents will let you know if they don’t think they are the right fit for what you are looking for and will refer you to someone who is a better fit. If you are looking to buy a home in a specific area, look for agents who regularly work in that area, they will know the inventory and understand the buyers/sellers in a way to help you have a smooth and rewarding experience.

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