Thinking of selling? Tips to choosing a good realtor

When it comes to selling your home, timing is everything. For many, the start of a new year brings with it the anticipation of change, and a yearning for pastures new. This makes it the best time of year for sellers to start thinking about marketing their properties, in anticipation of the peak spring and summer season for house sales.?

If you’re in this position, and are worried about pandemic restrictions, then rest assured that despite reservations, 2020 and 2021 were bumper years for real estate, with the Canadian Real Estate Association reporting an annual record of 630,634 properties trading hands between January and November of 2021. Furthermore, industry specialists Royal LePage forecast an 8% rise in aggregate house price by the end of 2022. So the fact that uncertainties still remain shouldn’t deter you from putting your home on the market.?

However, with over 6,000 realtors in Montreal alone, how do you select the right one? What questions should you ask, and what criteria should you use? Here are our top tips for finding the best real estate broker for your home:

1) Do your research

Property searches may start online, but buying and selling homes is still very much about human interactions. To ensure you’re selecting the best realtor, ask for recommendations from family and friends. Referrals are the most reliable testament to the way a realtor works, and their level of performance. You can also ask for references. A good realtor will be more than willing to supply them.

2) Interview two or three realtors

Once you have a shortlist, it’s decision time. Interview at least two or three realtors and see who you strike the best rapport with. Make sure they listen to your needs, and are the right fit for you and your expectations. This is a relationship based on trust, so go with your gut instinct. Look for honesty, integrity, attention to detail and an engaging personality. Make sure you like them and – most importantly – trust them. If they’re part of a team, then make sure you know who else you’d be working with.

3) Ask about their level of service?

You can have the best property in the neighbourhood, priced just right, but if no one can find it, it’s not going to sell. So check the marketing plan for your property. How and where will your property be marketed? Will professional photos be taken? Will there be 3D virtual tours and property videos? As well as the marketing plan, ask about their level of service. Will the realtor attend the home inspection? Will they ensure clients are fully qualified to buy the property? A good realtor will take the burden off of the seller, ensuring the experience is as stress-free as possible.

4) Check their experience of selling in your neighbourhood

Local expertise is vital. Your home may be just what a buyer is looking for, but is it close to local schools? What are the transport links like? Where are the nearest stores and sports facilities? A realtor with a great track record in your neighbourhood will understand the local landscape and be able to match your home to a buyer.?

5) Ensure they’re well connected with local real estate professionals

Selling a home requires the services of multiple experts – including appraisers, home inspectors, insurance brokers, notaries and local service providers. So make sure your realtor has strong industry connections, and will be able to get things done for you by trusted professionals.

6) Examine their track record and inventory

Check the range of homes currently listed, and the types of listings they’ve sold in previous years. Realtors with a very low sales volume should be avoided, but you should also be aware that those with a very high sales volume may not be able to provide you with the individual attention you need.?

7) Don’t base your decision on commission alone

The old adage ‘you get what you pay for’ comes to mind here. When selecting a realtor, you should focus more on expertise and trust. A low commission would mean less time spent on selling your property, and many realtors are bound by minimum thresholds.?

We hope these tips will help you find the best realtor for your property. If you’re thinking of selling your home, my team and I would love to help. We’re a family-run team of local experts with a proven track record here in the West Island. We’re friendly, approachable and understand that every home is unique, and more than bricks and mortar for our sellers. To find out more, contact us at 514-700-2604 or email [email protected]. Our team will guide you through the process, focusing on your needs and securing the best price for your property.