Choosing the Right Agent

Sellers

Choosing the right agent to sell your home is critical.  In this market you do not want to blindly hire your brother's girlfriend's cousin as a family favour.  You can still interview them but compare them to other agents out there.  This is not the time to just choose anyone.  You need the best representation possible.  We recommend interviewing at least 3 agents for listing your property.

1. There are a few types of real estate agencies out there – small ones, large ones, franchises and independent agencies – but don’t get too hung up on the differences.  The individual agent is more important than the real estate agency.
   
   
2. Look for experience.  The real estate profession is very transient, which means lots of untested agents are constantly moving in and out of agencies.  If you’re considering working with a particular REALTOR^®, ask how long they’ve been practicing.  If it’s been less than two years, keep looking.
   
   
3. Look for commitment.  Many real estate agents only practice on a part-time basis and they might not have the time or drive to give you the attention you deserve.  Also, many agents are only interested in representing properties within a certain price range.  If your home isn’t in it, they might not give it their all.
   
   
4. Interview real estate agents you’re interested in working with.  Don’t be afraid to ask them how well they know your neighbourhood and exactly how often you’ll hear from them.  Ask for references and check them.  Evaluate prospective agents based on personality as well.  Your relationship with your real estate agent will be a working one, and if you don’t think you will work well with him or her, it won’t work out.
   
   
5. Ask any prospective real estate agent what they’ll do to sell your home.  It sounds elementary, but not all agents work the same way.  Some agents will advertise your property and spread the word to other agents they know. Others will just add your property to the MLS^® (Multiple Listing Service, a directory of homes for sale) and wait for inquiries.  The more proactive your REALTOR^®, the better.
   
   
6. Any agent you interview should provide you with a written Market Evaluation.  This evaluation should not only contain information regarding the value of your home but also a detailed action plan for how the agent plans on selling your home.
   
   
7. Ask friends to refer you to real estate agents they’ve had good experiences with.

Buyers

Know what type of representation you’re looking for.  Most real estate agents are seller’s agents, meaning they only represent sellers’ interests (to the disadvantage of buyers).  This is great if you’re a seller, but if you’re looking to buy a home, inquire about buyer’s agents – brokers who represent the buyer’s interests in real estate transactions – at any agency you look at.

1. Explore the neighbourhoods you’re interested in buying into and look for REALTORS^® who specialize in the area.
   
2. Search for real estate agents, not individual homes or properties.  You may be looking through your newspaper’s real estate section one day and fall in love with a home that a particular agent has listed.  However, the agent might tell you that property is taken, but they have others you’d love.  Less reputable agencies will often use this bait and switch trick to lure in customers.  Chances are you’re not going to get the first home you fall for anyway. The long-term relationship you have with your REALTOR^® is more important than any particular home.
3. Select a real estate agent who can work with your schedule.  If you can only see homes on evenings and weekends, you won’t go very far with an agent who only works days.
4. Ask friends to refer you to real estate agents they’ve had good experiences with.

Kirby Cox and his Associates focus exclusively on residential home in the Calgary real estate market.  Through strategic marketing and a strong internal communication program, we strive to make every transaction a success.  We have a team of specialized professionals, representing both buyers and sellers, who are prepared to tackle any challenge and ensure you obtain all your real estate goals.