We all know how stressful moving can be. Finding the home, dealing with financing, logistics, packing, etc. That being said, you want to make sure that you start the process off on the right foot. Finding yourself that perfect Toronto Real Estate Agent shouldn’t be a daunting task. If you make sure your Toronto Realtor has the below qualities, finding that place you desire to call home will be an exciting, low-stress journey for you and your family. Let’s talk about how to select the best realtor Toronto has to offer!
There are several factors that you should consider when deciding who you would like to work with as your real estate agent. You don’t have to use someone just because they are a friend or family. Take your time to interview multiple realtors in Toronto to see if they have the qualities that you desire. If you are not familiar with the Toronto real estate market, it is incredibly competitive. For that reason, I have prepared some pointers to help you select a Toronto realtor!
Toronto Real Estate Experience
I know this sort of goes without saying but I didn’t want to leave it off the list. The more experience your realtor has, the better understanding they have of the market, upcoming neighbourhoods, negotiations, etc. Having more experience as a realtor in Toronto likely means you have been doing the job for a longer period of time, which also means you have seen development happen in the city over time. You are in the know on what neighbourhoods are up and coming. You have to know where you have been to see where you are going in this profession. During my 12 years of experience working in the city, I can say with great confidence that I can find you what you are looking for and then some! Make sure to ask when you meet with your potential real estate agent about their experience.
Expert Negotiation Skills
Yes, being an expert negotiator on Toronto real estate deals certainly does come with experience; however, there is an actual accreditation referred to as RENE (Real Estate Negotiation Expert). An expert negotiator will have the ability to make bolder moves for you in this competitive market as they have learned about offer tactics and patterns. Make sure you ask your agent about their negotiation skills and test their comfort level.
Relationships With Other Toronto Realtors (Networking)
As mentioned above, Toronto is an incredibly competitive market when it comes to real estate. Buyers often find themselves in bidding wars, sellers often find themselves with multiple offers and boy does it pay off in a situation like this to know the listing agent and understand their strategy. I have done many offers with repeat agents and it’s always been important to me to not only understand their strategy but maintain a friendly relationship for future deals! For example: there are certain East end Toronto Realtors that I know will take a bully offer and agents that will never take a bully offer. That is incredibly useful when it comes time to making an offer with my clients! Don’t worry, I won’t name any names.
Local Contacts
Whether it comes to financing, renovations, legal matters, it is reassuring to have trust in the person carrying out a task. Over the years, I have filled my contacts with trusted mortgage brokers, lawyers, contractors, and even other agents. I don’t just refer people, I have used them myself. I have tested the waters for you and have created a huge list that I am always happy to share. Whether you need someone who specializes in painting kitchen cupboards only, or framing, or high risk mortgages…I have you covered!
Check The Reviews
In this day and age, it is almost impossible to hide! Websites like Google, Facebook, YELP, etc. have made it so simple for a customer to publicly voice their experience. This couldn’t be more simple, go online, google the potential realtor Toronto and check out the reviews. Also, a successful Toronto real estate agent would be more than happy to provide you referrals of happy customers from the past!
Tech Savvy
The way real estate is conducted has advanced a lot over the last 20 years. Digital listings, marketing online, signing documents digitally, etc. You want to make sure your agent is tech savvy enough to keep up!
Personality
While the above points are important, something that you also need to consider is simply the personality of your Toronto real estate agent. Think about the amount of time you will spend with this person. Showings, phone calls, emails, etc. You want to make sure that you are enjoying this time as this isn’t always a quick process, you might as well enjoy it!
Communication & Follow Up Skills
Personality is one thing, but your Toronto Realtors communication skills could make or break a deal. You need to ensure that you and your agent determine how you will communicate throughout this process and what is their follow up like. Be on the same page. Purchasing real estate is a timely game and you need to ensure your agent is available to you when you need them. Test out the waters during your “interview” phase. How quick are they to respond to you. Is it through the channel that you requested they contact you? Do your due diligence before you select your realtor in Toronto.
I hope the above has given you some insight into selecting your agent. If you have any questions that you want to run by me or interview me to be your Toronto realtor, call me at 416-728-5401.
