Speed date your REALTOR® with these top 10 questions

Buying or selling a property requires fiery passion, steely confidence, curiosity, research — and trust in your REALTOR®.

Whether you’re preparing to buy your first home or an income property, or selling a cottage, deciding on which REALTOR® will best suite you is a daunting commitment. Here are 10 valuable questions to ask your REALTOR® that will help guide you in finding the best choice for you and your needs.

 

1. Are you busy?

Jane Gardner a REALTOR® and salesperson with Royal LePage Wolle Realty, Brokerage in Kitchener, Ontario, believes personalities need to mesh. “I don’t think the number of deals you do in a year has much relevance. Clients want to know how much time you’ll have for them and this is quickly determined by your response time to calls or texts.” No one likes to be ignored.

 

2. What are your interests?

If you’re seeking a farm property or heritage home, both involve unique considerations. Finding a REALTOR® with rural experience will help refine your search and provide educated answers surrounding land surveys, zoning, soil tests, wells, and
history of the land. Likewise, a REALTOR® with knowledge of century homeownership will have current information on local heritage committee grants, exterior renovation allowances, asbestos removal, or estimates for replacing boiler systems and radiators.

 

3. Are you well-connected?

Can the REALTOR® provide referrals for home inspectors or structural engineers? Can he/she confidently recommend local roofers, plumbers or electricians with reliable track records? Wendy McAdoo, a REALTOR® and salesperson with Re/Max Hallmark First Group Realty, Brokerage in Kingston, Ontario, was “raised in real estate development” which
allowed her to establish a network of industry connections to reliable professionals.

 

4. Just how much do you know about home renovations?

What does the agent know about updating knob and tube wiring or installing on-demand hot water? What would it cost to replace windows or insulation with higher R-value? While it’s unrealistic to expect a REALTOR® to provide a bang-on estimate for every whim you might have, they should be able to provide general reno costs to keep you within your budget.

 

5. Are you involved in the community?

REALTORS® know their communities. Ask your agent about local festivals, neighbourhood associations and volunteer opportunities like Habitat for Humanity projects. McAdoo prides herself on being a local expert as she grew up along the banks of the St. Lawrence. Her hashtag reflects her mantra, #liveworkplayKingston. Social media is a great way to learn about a REALTOR®.

Gardner’s brokerage supports community initiatives like The Food Bank of Waterloo Region and The Royal LePage Shelter Foundation, “the largest public foundation dedicated exclusively to funding women’s shelters and violence prevention programs.”

Animal lovers may intentionally seek out a brokerage like Coldwell Banker. They founded the Homes for Dogs Project and a partnership with Adopt-a-Pet.com which supports finding the perfect home for clients — and needy cats and dogs, too!

Thanks to initiatives like REALTORSCare®, REALTORS® from across Canada have raised millions for the communities they work and live in

 

6. Are you photo-savvy?

For sellers, is drone footage of your property an option? What about the creation of a 360° virtual house tour? Can the brokerage design a high impact video of your listing, the neighbourhood and nearby amenities?

 

7. What’s your professional background?

Many agents have entered the industry as a second career. Their professional background may have been originally rooted in interior design, construction, building inspection, appraisal or investment. Finance and construction knowledge are symbiotic with real estate and a REALTOR® with expertise in another field is invaluable.

 

8. What sets you apart from everyone else out there?

Lindy Brown, a REALTOR® and broker with Peak Realty, Ltd. in Waterloo, Ontario, is known for dropping tulips off on her client’s doorsteps. It’s an extension of her friendly nature that has helped her establish quick trust in “a market that you don’t have time to take things slowly in!” She’s a fast responder and available 24/7. Empathy and market knowledge gleaned from 20 years’ experience keeps her clients calm and confident.

McAdoo relies on clear communication and openly advising clients if a home doesn’t suit their needs. It’s about relationship building that continues long after the sale.

 

9. Why did you become a REALTOR®?

The stories are as varied and colourful as the clients a REALTOR® engages with. Maybe they built and sold doll houses as a kid. Maybe it’s a generational career bloodline. For many, it’s being an integral part of a life-changing, celebrated purchase. Find a story that resonates with you because, after all, you’re entrusting that REALTOR® with your dreams.

 

10. Is there anything else I should know about you?

Ashley Barker, a REALTOR® and broker with RE/MAX Grey Bruce Realty Inc. is a Certified Negotiation Expert. That’s who you want going to battle for you!

Qualifications, awards, credentials, and designations like these can elevate your bargaining platform. Ask your potential REALTOR® about their bragging rights! Check out their advertising in local real estate publications, like the Winnipeg Regional Real Estate News, for example.

 

Like what you hear? If you’re interested in a second date, your REALTOR® will be ready with lattes to go! Begin your groundwork on REALTOR.ca and winnipegregionalrealestatenews.com where you’ll find everything you need to know to assist you in finding “the one.”

— Realtor.ca