For many, starting your home buying experience involves finding the right Realtor. If you don’t have a Realtor top of mind, the task of finding one may be a top priority. But how do you narrow the search? What qualities make a great Realtor? A strong Realtor relationship can transcend a single transaction and become a long-term partnership that involves guidance, support, and thoughtful advisory. To find a Realtor who will work to serve you and your best interests, we've outlined some important qualities to look for.
Relies on market intelligence
The most informed Realtors have the latest data on what’s happening in the housing market, right now. Realtors who use up-to-date data can pass on that knowledge to you, empowering you to make the most informed buying decisions. Access to market intelligence comes in many forms, it can be insight on benchmark listing prices in your neighbourhood of choice, or the economic indicators that are affecting the housing market, or learning which neighbourhoods are poised for growth. A Realtor who relies on data can then help you confidently decide how much to offer on a specific property and much more.
Knowledge of your neighbourhood(s)
Whether you’re looking for a two-bedroom condo in downtown Vancouver or a 1500 sq ft townhouse in Coquitlam, a crucial consideration is how well your Realtor knows the neighborhood(s) you’re looking to buy in. Do they know what homes have sold recently and for how much? Can they tell you about nearby schools or childcare options? Can they point you to your new go-to sushi spot? If they’ve sold properties in this area to individuals who have a similar lifestyle, that’s a great indication that they can leverage the same insights to help find you your next home.
They put your needs and goals first
Find a Realtor who shows a genuine interest in getting to know your homeownership goals—someone who asks you lots of thoughtful questions and who demonstrates their commitment to serving you from the beginning. Some questions they may ask you may include, Do you plan on staying in your home for a few years or more than 10? Are you planning to start a family? What factors matter most in your home-buying decision? A stand-out Realtor is one who can make it their mission to offer tailored solutions. They’ll find options you may not have considered yourself, based on their ability to match your needs to what’s happening in the neighbourhood and the market.
A working style that aligns with yours
All Realtors have their own unique working style, just as all home buyers have different needs. If you’re buying a home for the first time, you’ll likely want to find a Realtor who is very hands-on throughout the process. If you’re more of an experienced buyer and are on a short timeline, you might prefer a Realtor who’s extremely efficient. Also, consider what times of day work best for you to see properties and make sure your Realtor has availability that fits with your own.Â
Excellent communication skillsÂ
As your primary resource during your buying journey, your Realtor should prioritize and display excellent communication. Is it easy to schedule the first meeting with them? Have they been responsive to your emails and phone calls? Remember that you’ll be in constant communication with this person throughout this process, often in time-sensitive situations. Additionally, your Realtor will be representing you to others, using their communication skills to negotiate on your behalf and relaying messages to other industry professionals such as mortgage brokers or lawyers.
Helpful industry connections and relationships
Throughout the process of purchasing a home, you’ll need the help of many other individuals—from a mortgage broker to a lawyer to movers or even electricians and painters, if you’re planning to sell your current home. It’s an added advantage if your Realtor can recommend trusted individuals to take one more thing off your plate.
Finding a Realtor is often among the first steps in the home buyer’s journey. Ask the right questions and explore your options. To see if a rennie advisor would be a good fit for you, don’t hesitate to contact us or email info@rennie.com for a recommendation.Â
