There are a lot of real estate agents in Ottawa, and some are better than others. Unfortunately, you can’t always tell who the good ones are right away. But there are some signs of a good real estate agent that should assure you that you’ve chosen the right professional. Here, we’ll look at a few signs of a good real estate agent.
1) They’re responsive
You and your agent should be in regular contact, especially during the early stages of your relationship. Timely responses will become especially important during negotiations and the completion of time-sensitive paperwork. While the frequency of your phone calls, emails, and meetings will depend on the situation, it’s common for buyers and sellers to be in touch with their agents on a daily basis.
A good agent will discuss communication upfront. They’ll set up a plan for checking in that accommodates your needs. As much as possible, they’ll consider your schedule and your preferred method of communication (emails, texts, phone calls, etc.). Watch out for any agent who pulls a disappearing act or takes issue with connecting regularly.
2) They provide a thorough comparative market analysis
A comparative market analysis is a document that evaluates prices for similar properties in a given area. It helps buyers understand what constitutes a reasonable price for the type of house they want in their preferred neighbourhood. For sellers, it helps determine a listing price that’s competitive, yet fair.
The problem is, not every real estate agent can put together a sound, strategic analysis. If you have a good agent or team, the document you receive should reflect their knowledge of local market factors (such as neighbouring home prices and future-looking trends). It should also be relatively easy to understand.
If you don’t know why your analysis excludes particular properties, ask. If you’re a seller and you don’t feel that your home’s value is properly reflected, request clarification. A good agent will be confident sharing how they came to their conclusions.
3) They’re honest—even when it’s not what you want to hear
A good real estate agent won’t lie to you about their experience. They won’t lie to you about brokerage fees. And if you’re a seller, they certainly won’t lie to you about the value of your home.
Unfortunately, there are some unscrupulous agents out there. They’ll tell you what they think you want to hear just to get your business.
If your agent is honest, there’s a decent chance you won’t like everything they have to say. They’ll tell you, point blank, if you can’t afford a four-bedroom house in the Glebe. And they’ll definitely tell you if your home is worth less than you thought.
4) They ask relevant questions
One of the best signs of a good real estate agent is that they won’t dive in without getting to know you, your needs, and your financial situation. This information is crucial. Thoughtful queries also show that your agent is genuinely interested and cares about serving your best interest. Here are the types of questions a good real estate agent will ask you.
• What is your ideal timeframe for buying/selling?
• Tell me what your dream house looks like
• What is the highest monthly mortgage payment you can comfortably make?
• What are do you need in a house, and what are your nice-to-have features?
The answers to these questions help agents set objectives and priorities, which allows them to achieve outcomes that make their clients happy.
5) They help you market your home
If you’re a seller, your agent should offer solid advice on how to make your home more appealing to potential buyers. If you are working with a team they will often have an entire department dedicated to marketing your home well. A good agent will make sure your written listing highlights the benefits of your house or condo. They’ll suggest repairs and minor remodels that will increase your home’s value. And they should be able to offer recommendations for other professionals who can help you improve the look and feel of your house, such as home stagers or landscapers.
These are just a few of many signs of a good real estate agent. The most important thing to remember is that your agent should never make you feel uncomfortable in any way. If they do, look for somebody else.
Looking for an Ottawa agent you can trust? We’re happy to answer your questions and talk about your real estate needs. Call us at (613) 288-2455, or contact us to set up an appointment.