How to Choose a Real Estate Agent in St. Albert

It's shocking how many people lose out on great house deals because they fail to involve a real estate agent. If you're ready to sell/buy a house, you may be wondering whether it's wise to work with an agent. You need a professional to help you negotiate a house sale or purchase for the best outcomes.

Home sellers and buyers across St. Albert are beginning to realize the value of working with an agent. In fact, the new residential listings in Edmonton rose by 16.1 percent over the past year. These stats prove that there’s a lucrative real estate market in Edmonton.

With a real estate agent’s help, you’ll learn more about the current market conditions. The agent will also take you through the home buying or selling process. They will also connect you to professionals like real estate attorneys and home inspectors when you need them.

Depending on your needs, you may need an agent to help you find competitive offers on a house. You may also need them to list and market St. Alberta homes. Either way, here are ten tips to help you find a good real estate agent:

Evaluate Your Priorities

When looking to buy/sell a house, your priorities should help you hire the right kind of agent. Decide the qualities that matter to you in a real estate agent. Note these qualities and use them on your hunt for a prospective agent.

Think about the attributes an agent can bring to the transaction to meet your needs. Figure out the communication style you’d like in the interaction. You should also decide whether you need personalized attention or not.

If you want to buy a home, think about the amenities you'd like it to have. Only approach an agent when you have a clear picture of the home's budget, style, and location. Comparing house prices will help you find the best offers.

Set a sale price for the property if you want to sell a home through an agent. You should also prepare it for viewing before hiring a professional to help you with the sale.

Make Use of Technology

The Internet is ideal for finding real estate agents operating in your area. It's full of tools that can help you identify reputable agents. There are even algorithms that generate personalized results for both buyers and sellers.

More agents are using the Internet to advertise their services and reach clients. They also offer virtual tours and online bookings through their websites. Most of them use technologies that give you a 360-degree view of a home or electronic paperwork.

Though the Internet can be resourceful, it may connect you with fraudsters. Always double-check the suggestions on realtors you get online. Look at their names on professional listings and licensing programs to determine whether they are credible.

Ask for Referrals from Your Network

Get referrals of real estate agents from friends and family members who recently bought or sold a home. Referrals can help you find a professional experienced in serving clients like you.

When recommending them, your friends or family members can give you the agent's contact information. They will also direct you to their physical office or website if you'd like to interview them. It's easier to find an agent you're compatible with through a referral.

You can also ask for referrals from other experts like builders or home inspectors. These professional referrals are great if it’s your first time selling or buying a home. Do a background check on any referral you get to gauge the expert’s credibility.

Research Potential Candidates

In your background checks, examine the candidate’s online presence. Go through their professional websites and scan through their social media posts. You should also read their online reviews to learn more about their track record and reputation.

Cross-check the agent's credentials with the Real Estate Council of Alberta. RECA is an independent governing body that sets, regulates, and enforces real estate standards in Alberta. You should also vet the candidates' Better Business Bureau ratings to see if they have any complaints.

Start scouting a real estate agent several months before you're ready to buy or sell a home. Compare the candidate's qualities with those you desire to see if they're a great fit.

Check whether the agent has relevant certifications or skills in residential real estate. You should also confirm if they are a member of a professional association. Professional associations have quality control, research, and ongoing learning programs to help members grow their careers.

Check if They’re an Expert on the Local Real Estate Market

The agent must be in a position to answer questions about the local real estate market. They should know the different neighborhoods when living in St. Alberta. The professional should also know the average home listing or selling prices in your town.

If you'd like to buy a home, the agent must be familiar with the neighborhood you're interested in. As you consider their advice, do more research and compare. The agent must recommend the best buying or selling price based on the local market prices.

Speak to at least Three Agents

Schedule interviews with at least three agents to get a sense of their experience and style. The interviews will help you gauge whether the realtor understands your needs and budget.

During the interviews, check how professional and polished their proposal appears. A more polished proposal means that the agent is very savvy and diligent.

Use the interviews to determine the expert’s preferred mode of communication. You should also ask them about their availability.

Commission

Real estate agents charge a fee when they help you buy or sell a property. Note that the commission amount is always negotiable, depending on your situation.

Before hiring the agent, ask them to clarify the pricing of their services. Inquire from them if there are any hidden fees and out-of-pocket costs in the process.

When realtors make money through a commission, the payments are usually a percentage of the home's selling price. Depending on their business model, they may also charge the amount as a flat fee.

The agent will give you a quote that specifies their commission. Most of them can allow you to negotiate a better rate if unsatisfied.

Real estate commissions in Canada range from 3 percent to 7 percent of the sale price. The commission can be calculated as a fixed percentage or a split percentage of the sales price. It can also be a combination of fees, fees for service, or flat fees.

Consider Compatibility

Holding any conversations with the agent can help you gauge whether both of you are compatible. You need a trustworthy realtor to find or sell a home with great peace of mind.

Use your gut feeling to tell whether you're connecting with the agent. If their personalities don't seem to favor you, it may be challenging to work with them.

A good agent should be willing to listen to you when explaining your needs. They should pay close attention to your descriptions and only give their opinion when needed.

If it’s evident that the agent is closely listening to your perspectives, they may be the right fit. Hire them if you feel comfortable discussing the home’s details with them.

Go for Open for Inspections

Attend “open for inspections” sessions hosted by any of your shortlisted agents. These sessions will help you examine how they present houses and interact with sellers/buyers.

“Open for inspections” sessions can give you a feel of how it’ll be to work with the agent. You get first-hand real estate experience with the expert’s working style.

Check how the agent responds to any questions asked by the potential buyers. Watch their use of language and both verbal and non-verbal communication cues.

Review the Contract

The contract should lay out the terms and conditions you can agree on when hiring the agent. It should cover the real estate commission, sales price, and your obligations as a seller/buyer.

Look at the contract length before signing it to see if it favors you. Only sign one that is limited to up to six months to avoid looking for another agent. Depending on the market, it can take less than a month to close a home deal.

If your contract expires and you haven’t found a seller or a buyer, you have the freedom to hire another agent. Ensure you keep an open mind since real estate transactions don’t always have guaranteed outcomes.

Hire a Qualified Real Estate Agent in St. Albert Today

Getting a recommendation from friends or family is a great way to find a reliable real estate agent. If this option doesn’t work, you can explore other alternatives discussed in this guide. Always choose an expert who’s experienced and skilled enough to represent your best housing interests.

We can help you find/sell a house in St. Alberta at the best price stress-free. Yeg is Moving is dedicated to helping you understand the ins and outs of real estate. Reach out to our specialized team with the details published on our contact-us page.