How to Pick a Great Realtor: A Buyer’s Guide

Similar to purchasing a home, locating the most suitable real estate agent can oftentimes be just as complicated. Selecting the agent who will not only open doors for you but will act as your advocate, work on your behalf, go to bat for you in negotiations, and virtually help you make sense of the multifaceted market is crucial to the process as well.

At Shabharwal Shabharwal Team, we say, and have believed for years now, that a knowledgeable consumer is an empowered one. You will, therefore, have no matter that is real estate related because by the end of this guide, you will know how to pick the best realtor for you.

1. Establish Your Goals and Objectives

Before you go out searching for an agent, ask yourself the following:

Are you purchasing, selling or maybe investing?

Should the selected agent have a working knowledge of certain areas?

Are you looking to acquire pre-construction, resale or commercial properties?

Do you want an agent with sharp negotiation skills that can navigate through competitive markets?

By understanding what exactly you require, you will be able to identify an agent that can assist in achieving your goals.

2. Effective Research

There exists a significant disparity among realtors which is why one must take caution beforehand. Searching for the following will help:

Reviews and feedback on Google or Facebook as well as Realtor.ca

Agent’s websites and social media profiles to check how they advertise houses

Property sales in the geographical area you are interested in

Neighborhood knowledge – The person should have sufficient knowledge of the area, which is very important.

A bit of research goes a long way in helping you sort out the unskilled agents from the professionals that actually achieve desired goals.

3. Recommendations are Useful

Excellent realtors often come recommended, which is why asking about them is crucial. Some mentionables are:

Colleagues, friends, and family

Real estate lawyers, mortgage brokers, or home inspection businesses

Trustworthy agents in the local community forums or groups set up for real estate

The referrals facilitated through word of mouth will help you connect with real estate agents with great ratings, thus saving you time in the process.

4. Credentials Verification

Your requirements will not be suitably matched by all real estate agents, so specialized needs should be specified and confirmed beforehand. Ensure that the agent has the following:

Active real estate licence with the provincial real estate board
Membership with CREA (Canadian Real Estate Association)
Commitment to ethical standards and client satisfaction
Proven track record of successful deals

Expert real estate agents are guaranteed when you take the route of licensed agents as they are bound by law to adhere to the abovementioned claims and ensure ethical practices.

5. Interview Multiple Agents

Avoid selecting the first applicant that you come across. At a minimum, three interviews should be conducted to assess the following aspects.

Market Knowledge- Do they focus on the specific region you intend to target?

Communication Style: Are they friendly and easy to get in touch with?

Negotiation Skills: Do they have an impressive record?

Recent Transactions: Are they closing any deals at this point?

Having several meetings will allow you to select an agent with the right profile and personality.

6. Ask the Right Questions

A reliable agent will have no problem providing accurate answers to questions such as:

How long have you been practicing real estate?

Which neighborhoods do you focus on?

How would you describe your negotiation style?

How do you assist clients in multiple-offer scenarios?

How do you market the homes you list?

An agent that is knowledgeable and transparent will be able to respond to your queries directly without any hesitations.

7. Evaluate Their Market Knowledge & Network

You stand to greatly benefit from engaging a well-connected agent because they can get you:

Listings not published on ordinary platforms

Pre-launch marketing promotions

Contacts for mortgage brokers, home inspectors, and even lawyers

Off-market opportunities

Having a realtor with vast connections gives you a competitive advantage in any market.

8. Evaluate Their Communication and Availability

Your agent should be easily reachable, proactive, and responsive. Think about:

Do they answer your emails, texts, or phone calls in a timely manner?

Are they continuously sending you new listings or updates regarding the current market?

Do they understand your requirements and choices?

Poor communication and lack of availability from your agent can cost you great deals.

9. Examine Their Marketing and Selling Approach

The marketing strategy of your agent is vital if you are selling a home. For instance, check for:

Photographs and virtual tour services advertising

Paid social media and website advertisements

Conducting open houses and support for staging did

Online listing does not show property for sale only

Top agents use marketing resources to sell your property quickly and at the best market price.

10. Ensure You Understand Everything Wnter Before Signing With Them

Review everything before finalizing an agent for yourself:

How much is the commission cost (usually 4 to 6 percent)

How long will the deal/partnership last?

Is the contract exclusive or nonexclusive?

Is there a cancellation or exit clause?

A good professional means no surprises – they will clarify all terms of agreement upfront.

Red Flags to Avoid

🚩 Agents that cannot be trusted due to price expectations that are outlandish.

🚩 Market of interest is not known.

🚩 Can’t be reached. Doesn’t respond to communication.

🚩 Use undue stress to persuade you to sign.

🚩 Neglecting encounter and resolution of multi-party coordination.

A reliable agent is the one who will make you feel at ease, without forcing you into a decision.

Why Choose Team Shabharwal

At Team Shabharwal, we take pride in:

✅ Knowing the GTA region and all surrounding areas very well and being specialists in the market.

✅ Good negotiators and will get the best deal for you.

✅ From searching to closing, we are there for all of your needs.

✅ We put our clients first. We care, we hear, we advise, we guide.

✅ Sophisticated marketing plans for sellers.

You can count on us to do more than find you a house. We assist you through every step of the process to ensure you receive your desired home with ease.