Buying or selling a home can be an overwhelming process, particularly for those entering into it for the first time. According to a new survey by the Real Estate Council of Ontario (RECO), nearly one in ten Ontario home sellers (9 per cent) reported wishing they had spent mre time researching and interviewing real estate professionals before selecting one.
"There are over 58,000 Realtors and brokers in the province; though they have all gone through extensive training, owners should find the person whose expertise and knowledge is the best fit for their needs and will help them understand their home's value," as stated by the president of the Ontario Real Estate Association (OREA).
OREA recommends asking these questions to help choose the right Realtor for you:
1. What's your track record for getting the list price? How long does it take for you to sell a property? How many transactions did you complete in the past 12 months?
A quick sale can mean that the Realtor correctly understood the market value of the house or condo. Ask about their track record for negotiating a sale that's close to or above the list price.
2. How will you market my home?
Find out how the individual plans to get buyers interested, whether through ads, online house tours or open houses.
3. What services do you provide?
Realtors can offer a wide range of services including competitive market analysis or recommending other professionals such as lawyers or contractors.
4. What do you know about my neighbourhood?
OREA members often specialize in specific areas and will be knowledgeable about nearby schools or transit, which could both attract buyers.
5. Can you provide references?
Ask to speak to past clients to learn how well they worked with the Realtor and if they were happy with the service they received.
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