1. Visit the website

If you are in search of a house, there is a huge probability that you’re going to visit the website of a real estate agent or even call their office.

Not every real estate agent is created equal. While some offer great service and a friendly environment, others don’t. Others won’t treat you as a valued client, but rather just a money-bag.

When you go on the real Estate agent website, examine their list of services. You should be able to see an impressive list of services they offer.

Examples are; ‘Full Service Real Estate Agent’ and ‘Certified Negotiator’.

Similarly, you should search for information on how many houses they’ve sold per month. This information would be a reasonable way to measure performance.

Use this information to decide on moving on with that agency.

2. Check out the numbers

When it comes to real estate, there are some vital aspects. One of the main things you see on an agent’s website is their property sale/purchase record.

Checking out the numbers of a Real Estate Agent helps you see if they’re performing well.

3. Ask for testimonials and reviews

A testimonial or review of a real estate agent is a must, especially for newbie buyers. It goes a long way in helping you get through the uncertainty of buying or selling a house.

Checking the testimonial and review of a real estate agent/agency cannot be overemphasized. It works in giving you (the client) a glimpse at your agent’s background and experience.

4. Check the qualifications and certifications

When you’re looking to buy a home there’s more than just good prices and high-quality Cochrane real estate. Not every real estate agent is the same.

You need to know about their qualifications and certifications. These are what make the difference between a successful sale and purchase of your property or the opposite.

The opposite results in a big loss of time and money.

So what are the qualifications and certificate requirements you should know before opting for a real Estate agent?

• Your agent should have a license to practice real estate in Alberta under the Real Estate Council of Alberta (RECA)
• Verifying that an agent is a member of an association (For example, a member of the Canadian Real Estate Professional Association, CRT).
• The agent should have some customer references.
• Ask for qualifications and professional certifications.
• Ask if the real estate agent has experience in selling or purchasing. Preferably, the type of house you are trying to sell or buy.

5. Talk to references and past clients

When considering a new home or business in a new town, you would naturally want to know what kind of location it is in. Settling for real estate in Cochrane Alberta isn’t any different.

Some helpful questions you might ask are;

• Are the schools adequate?
• Are there any environmental hazards nearby?
• How close will I be to amenities?

It’s natural to want this information from someone who lives there or has invested there.

The same goes for Real Estate Agents. You would want to know what they are like to work with.

You would want to know if they have excellent communication skills and if their negotiations are successful.

The good news is that many Agents keep lists of their references and past clients. This serves as reference materials for them to cast a positive light on themselves.

Hence, once you have found your ideal agent, you should aim to meet with them in person.

If you cannot meet in person, have a solid conversation over the phone. Ask for referrals and past clients.

Reference checks are important for understanding how the real estate agent operates. This can help you simplify the journey of purchasing your dream home.

6. Find out about the agent’s previous experience

Real estate agents are one of the professions that have an irrevocable impact on your money.

If you are a newbie buyer who is using an agent for the first time, play the detective. You need to know about your agent’s background.

If you have no idea whether the agent or agency is good or bad, then look into their previous experience.

There is one good way to increase the success of a potential investment whether you are a buyer or seller.

This is by knowing the experience level of the real estate agent you plan to use.

7. Review their level of communication

Real Estate agents are very communicative people. They spend a lot of time with their clients, good and bad because that is how they earn money.

That being said, the level of communication is very important in any real estate transaction. It isn’t something people can take for granted when working with an agent or company.

An effective real estate agent communicates with the customer during the process of search and buying.

You want to have a realtor who can keep you in check on what you need to do. Hence, look out for the following attributes;

• Your agent or real estate company should have experience communicating with clients.
• They must have the ability to listen to clients. It would help them understand what you want better.
• They ought to be trusted and credible in real estate consulting.
• An effective real estate agent works great with clients to satisfy their home needs.

8. Consider service guarantees, money-back policies, and guarantees of satisfaction

Purchasing a property is not an easy deal. Besides the amount of money that ought to be paid, it takes a lot of decision-making.

Similarly, several considerations are made before settling down in any property. After all, it is going to stay in your income for a long time.

That’s where the service guarantee and money-back policy come in.

They are mainly there to protect both ends from any sort of unwanted situation. By both ends, I mean the buyer/seller and the agent.

If you are considering getting a service guarantee, there is no need to be confused. You should also not be stressed with all the options in front of you.

Check through our money-back policies and service guarantee. If you are satisfied, contact us.

9. Take a look at how much commission they charge

The commission of a real estate agent refers to the actual amount that they earn working on behalf of the seller or buyer.

The amount that an agent earns from a transaction can vary based on several factors.

You ought to find an honest agent who has your interest at heart. This is one major reason to opt for a reputable Cochrane real estate company.

How to avoid hidden real estate agent costs

Buying a home is the largest purchase most people make in their lifetime. Real Estate agents play an important role in the buying process.

The cost of a Realtor will depend on whether they are paid by commission or a fixed fee. It also depends on the length and size of the deal you are looking for.

However, there are other hidden real estate agent costs that can catch you by surprise.

If you’re not careful, they can cause financial hardship down the line.

Avoiding this involves setting realistic estimates. This will help you avoid these unexpected costs.

Once you settle for a good real estate company to help you out, this is no worry. To individually avoid this;

• Find a trusted real estate agent.
• Do sufficient research.
• Be realistic with price expectations.
• Be aware of hidden real estate costs.
• Save up for a good deposit.

10. Avoid fixed-term contracts, penalty clauses, and extra fees

When buying a property, it is most likely that you need the services of an estate agent.

In a perfect world, you would negotiate the best possible deal with them. This helps you purchase your new house in the shortest time possible.

However, it is not unusual for estate agents to be rather inflexible in their negotiations.

This could lead to a situation where you may end up having to sign a fixed-term contract. This contract is much more expensive than one which has no end time limits.