Entering the real estate market isn’t just about finding the right home. It’s also about the experience and navigating complex markets, especially that of the GTA. It’s not an easy task. However, finding the right realtor or real estate agent can make the difference in creating a dream story of how you found your lifelong home, or how you experienced a nightmare.
Buying a home is the biggest and most important purchase that you’ll make. And if it’s your first home, it’s even more important. So how do you find the right realtor for you?
- Who You Know
- Experience
- Set up a Meeting
- Neighbourhood and Expertise
- Agent Connections
Getting Started
Who You Know
While it might be tempting to use a relative or a friend who’s an agent, they might not necessarily be the right fit for you. Reach out to your professional network for recommendations from people that you trust and ask what made their experiences positive. Then look at the real estate agent’s professional pages. Does it sound like your personalities will be a match?
Experience
If you’re a first-time homebuyer, you’ll want a realtor who has plenty of experience working with clients who are seeking to enter the market. There is plenty to know when buying your first home, so you want an agent who can provide you with what you need to know. Additionally, an agent who works across all types of budgets will understand and respect your unique needs.
Set up a Meeting
While you can be swayed by word of mouth and appealing social profiles, there’s nothing that equals meeting someone in person. Before meeting or signing anything, compile a list of questions to ask your agent. During the meeting, do they answer your questions thoroughly? Are they patient or are they rushing through answers? Do they provide additional information that you didn’t know that you needed?
Neighbourhood and Expertise
In what areas do you want to live? Does your agent have experience working in those neighbourhoods? Every area is unique. Knowing other agents from those areas, how houses have been sold, and any other unique information is key to a successful home-buying experience. Looking for a condo? Ensure that whomever you hire has plenty of experience buying and selling condos.
Agent Connections
When you’re buying a home, you’ll need more than just a real estate agent. Does the agent have good connections with a mortgage broker, a real estate lawyer, and a home inspector? Agents that you’ll want to work with will have solid, long-time, and trusted relationships with all of these professionals.
A good real estate agent also wants to work with you past your initial purchase or sale. They’ll be there for your next transaction, or for any related questions or concerns that you may have even if you aren’t re-entering the market.
And there’s more. In the next blog, we’ll go over some additional details that will help you decide what realtor is the best fit for you!
Thinking of moving to the next stage? Let’s chat. Send me an email (hillary@hillarylane.ca) or text/phone (416-882-4707).
Photo by Ran Berkovich on Unsplash
