How first-time buyers should shop for a realtor

One of the most daunting tasks when deciding to buy your first home, is trying to find the perfect realtor. It is crucial that you pick one that you can form a comfortable working relationship with, and one that will provide you with the insight and knowledge that you are looking for.

There is a huge range of knowledge, experience, and professionalism when it comes to realtors. Some homebuyers want to have their hand held, while others are looking for a more independent buying experience. A great realtor will listen to what you want, and then tailor their skills and style to the kind of experience you are looking for.

Here are a few things to think about:

Not all licensed real agents are realtors

Realtors are real estate agents who are members of The Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA), and have to adhere to a strict code of ethics and standards of practice in order to protect consumers. 

Every  realtor must be trained, tested, and committed to ongoing education in order to increase competency and effectiveness. And realtors must also maintain a code of privacy, which requires a certain degree of accountability when it comes to obtaining personal information. So that’s something to consider if you’re thinking of going with an agent who does not have a Realtor designation.

Pick a realtor who wants to work with first-time buyers
Some realtors do not want to work with first-time buyers, so be sure to disclose that fact. A few years ago, two realtors I contacted refused to help me with my property search because I was a first-time buyer and they did not have the resources to take the time to “hold my hand” through the process.

Timely communication
It is important to find a realtor that can connect with your style of communication, and will return your phone calls and e-mails in a timely fashion. There is nothing more frustrating than inquiring about a property, and not hearing back for days.  If a realtor doesn’t connect with you within 24 hours, chances are they are probably too busy to represent you in the way that you want.

Aggressiveness
Realtors work on commission. They’re salespeople, and their livelihood is based on helping people purchase homes. The more expensive the home, the bigger their commission. A good realtor will listen carefully to what you want, understand the price range you are comfortable staying in, and ask the right questions in order to uncover exactly what you are after. And most importantly, they will be extremely patient, and won’t push you until you are ready to buy. 

Some realtors are hobbyists
There are some realtors who sell real estate as a hobby, or for extra income. A full-time Realtor will be more in tune with the market, have ongoing and established connections within the industry, and will also be readily available to you when you need them.

Technologically advanced
The best realtors will be the ones that utilize technology and the internet to its fullest potential. The internet is a huge marketing tool, and if your Realtor doesn’t have a website, smart phone, or a social media presence, then they could be missing out on potential business, networking opportunities, and information.

I found my Realtor on Twitter. We got into a good discussion about the pros and cons of condo living, and after a quick Google search brought up his website, blog, Facebook page, and LinkedIn profile, I felt confident in his abilities. So we set up an initial meeting, and my experience so far has been nothing but positive.

When looking for a Realtor, make sure to check them out on the internet How easy is it to find their information, their listings, and their website?

Figure out your desired  location
Sometimes, the best option when you know you want to live in a certain neighbourhood, is to find a Realtor who specializes in that area.

Someone who has consistent sales in a particular community will have the right market insight and knowledge that you will be looking for. They will know the sales history of the area, what school districts are desirable, zoning restrictions, development projects, transit routes, and the general feel of each area within the community. These are all very important things you will need to know when trying to find your first place.

Find a realtor you “click” with
There’s a good chance that you will be working with your realtor for months, so make sure you take the time to get to know them and their selling style. How much individual attention do you want from them (and how much are they willing to give you)? Do they have your best interest in mind, or are they focused on their own bottom dollar?

I made the conscious decision to choose a realtor who was young enough to relate to me. Having a Realtor close to your own age also means that you will have more in common with them, and chances are, you will connect better and create a more cohesive unit.

Also read:

Buyer agreements can be risky

Young adults holding off 

What kinds of qualities do you look for in a Realtor?

Krystal Yee is a marketing and graphic design professional living in Vancouver. She also blogs at Give Me Back My Five Bucks.