How to Choose a Realtor

Here are several points to consider when looking for a professional/reliable Realtor:

Obtain recommendations from friends and business associates;

Check the reputation of the brokerage firm;

Go to several open houses and build a rapport with the agents, then choose the one you think is best for your needs;

Look for an agent who is familiar with the area you want to live in;

Review ads in your local newspaper;

Note the "For Sale" signs and jot down the key information as you drive through prospective neighbourhoods;

Make sure the Realtor you choose is someone you feel comfortable with - someone who listens to your needs and is genuinely interested in helping you find the right home;

Verify the Realtor's track record, e.g. how long has he/she been in business; what do previous customers think about his/her performance;

Verify the Realtor's knowledge about the housing market and financing options;

Ask the Realtor bluntly what he/she will do for you;

Ask for references from buyers for whom the Realtor previously worked.

The trademarks MLS®, Multiple Listing Service® and the associated logos identify professional services rendered by REALTOR® members of CREA to effect the purchase, sale and lease of real estate as part of a cooperative selling system. The trademarks REALTOR®, REALTORS® and the REALTOR® logo are controlled by The Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) and identify real estate professionals who are members of CREA.