What to Look for in a Real Estate Agent
After years of working shift work as a nurse, I’m excited to share that I am now a licensed real estate agent! My journey in real estate began in 1996 when we bought our first home just before welcoming our youngest son. Since then, my family and I have bought and sold several houses, and I’ve loved every moment of the hunt for new places and preparing each home for listing.
I vividly remember one house that took a while to sell due to a flat market. We had countless showings, and each time we packed up our dog, Meg, her mat, and bowls, heading out the door anxiously awaiting feedback. Anyone who knows me understands that I thrive on solving problems. I wanted to know what we could do to make our home more appealing. Ultimately, it was a waiting game, but when we finally received an offer from a lovely family, we suddenly had just five weeks to find our next home! The search was stressful but rewarding, and three years later, we found ourselves selling again to buy a fixer-upper in the country.
Expectations of Your Real Estate Agent
As both a buyer and seller, you have certain expectations of your real estate agent. It’s essential to understand that real estate agents undergo rigorous training and must comply with laws and regulations designed to protect clients and ensure fair negotiations.
Communication is Crucial
One of the most important qualities to look for in a real estate agent is communication. I’ll never forget a time when we showed up for a walk-through of a property only to find our realtor had forgotten to schedule it. Thankfully, we were able to reschedule, but it highlighted how vital timely communication is in real estate. As your agent, I’m committed to being responsive. Your calls, texts, and emails will be answered promptly because I understand that waiting can be challenging.
Navigating the Buying Process
Buying a home involves many considerations: What is your budget? Do you have mortgage pre-approval? How will your monthly expenses change with a new home? There are so many factors to think about, from taxes and insurance to upkeep and renovations. I’ll help you navigate these decisions and prepare for the unexpected—like a broken hot water tank or the need for new furniture.
Skilled Negotiation
Whether you’re making an offer on a property or receiving offers on your listing, I’ll be there to guide you through negotiations. Every real estate agent is required to adhere to the guidelines set by the Real Estate Council of Ontario (RECO). Together, we’ll review the RECO information guide, which outlines your rights as a client and what you can expect from me as your agent.
If you’re selling your home, I’ll help you assess comparable properties to determine a competitive listing price. We’ll consider market conditions, the unique features of your home, and your timeline for selling.
Professional Presentation
When it comes to listing your property, presentation matters. I’ll ensure your home is showcased beautifully, whether through professional photography or high-quality images taken with my camera. I can offer suggestions for decluttering, staging, and maximizing natural light to make your home as appealing as possible to potential buyers.
Let’s Make Your Real Estate Journey Smooth
Whether you’re thinking about selling your current home or planning to purchase a new one, I’m here to help every step of the way. My goal is to protect and promote your best interests, ensuring you feel confident in your decisions. If you have any questions or are ready to start this exciting journey, don’t hesitate to reach out!
