HOW TO FIND A REALTOR

Note the names of REALTORS in newspaper real estate ads and REALTOR publications; Write down the names and phone numbers of REALTORS on the signs in your prospective neighbourhoods; Go to open houses and meet the REALTORS working in an area; Ask friends, family, and business associates for the names of REALTORS they recommend;
Choose a REALTOR that you feel comfortable with, someone who listens to what you say, asks intelligent questions, and shows a genuine interest in helping you; Don't be afraid to interview a few to compare them and choose the one that best suits you and your interests;

TYPES OF QUESTIONS TO ASK:
  • Are you a licensed broker, an agent, or a sales associate?
  • How long have you been licensed?
  • Are you a member of the Red Deer Real Estate Board?
  • Do you work full-time as a real estate professional?
  • Do you have special designations, credentials, or expertise?
  • How long have you been involved in real estate in Red Deer?
  • Can you give me three references of recent clients?
  • What houses have you sold in the last month?
  • What commission do you receive?
  • Are you showing me any properties that are your own listings? (If you are a buyer)
  • Are you willing to put everything in writing?
     
TYPES OF QUESTIONS TO ASK A LISTING REALTOR:
  • What does the agent have to offer you?
  • What does the company have to offer you? Does the agent really understand the services and believe they work?
  • What commitment is the agent willing to make? Get them in writing.
    What is the recommended listing and selling price for your house? They should be able to substantiate these figures. It is usually recommended to choose an agent who specializes in your prospective home price range and type: such agents are familiar with current and future inventory and tend to know the market (and the mentality) of sellers and buyers fairly well;
  • The REALTOR should offer both services and results. In the case of an experienced REALTOR, investigate his/her record. How many recent sales has he/she had? Has he/she had any experience in your neighbourhood? What is his/her client base? Does he/she have a record of repeat business? Does he/she possess a good knowledge of the local market?;
    Ask for a specific selling plan. This plan should include advertising schedules, property inspection dates, open houses and other activities. Approach the situation as if you were hiring a key employee.
  • In the case of a new REALTOR, look for potential. If the REALTOR is obviously knowledgeable, it is a good sign. Solid preparation and a positive attitude can be as useful as experience.
  • Ask for a specific plan regarding your house. It does not matter if it is a huge national organization. How is the office doing, the one in the market where your house will be sold? Small offices can offer the same exceptional services as larger ones. Overall, the individual REALTOR will make the difference. Whatever the REALTOR claims are the advantages that their company provides, get proof that they work.
  • A good REALTOR is the one with a marketing plan, an impressive knowledge of local market conditions, proven experience or valuable training with a reputable company, a comprehensive and fair appraisal of your home that has been professionally prepared, and a willingness to make commitments in writing.
     
COMPARING REALTORS DURING INTERVIEWS
  • Licensed in Alberta and a member of the Red Deer Real Estate Board?
  • Full-time Real Estate professional?
  • Credentials and background?
  • Commitment to continuing education?
  • Length of experience in my community?
  • Recent sales in my neighbourhood?
  • Names and contact information of recent clients?
  • Currently have other homes listed for sale locally?
  • What is the extent of their referral network?
  • Their opinions about the marketability of my home?
  • Suggested selling price for my home?
  • How was this price calculated?
  • Details of their commitment to market my home?