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Finding the right Realtor to work with is a key component of success in the real estate world. Whether you are looking to purchase your first home or expand an investment portfolio, you need to find an experienced professional with expert knowledge of the local market who will listen – really listen to your wants, needs and goals. Choosing the right Realtor will not only help you achieve the short-term goal of buying or selling real estate, but it will leave you more knowledgeable and better positioned for your next foray into the market. The wrong choice will leave you frustrated and regretful over wasted time and opportunity.

For some, it is an easy task to choose an agent, particularly if they act upon the referral of a trusted friend or family member. If you do not have anyone specific in mind and are searching for a trustworthy real estate professional, here are a few pointers to help you select a Realtor with the right skills, experience, competence and reliability to get the job done.

Interview prospective Realtors. – Increasingly people interview a number of agents to determine if the “chemistry” works. At the Howard Team, we are happy to sit down with prospective clients and share with them the reasons others have chosen our team to represent them in buying and selling real estate. During the interview, clients inquire about our qualifications, experience and knowledge of the local real estate market. We encourage them to ask as many questions as they can to determine if we are the right fit for them. Here are a few basic questions to start the dialogue:

• How long have you been a full-time Realtor?
• How many transactions have you been involved with over the course of your career?
• Do you work primarily with buyers, sellers or both?
• What price range do you generally work in?
• Do you work with an experienced network of other real estate pros? Mortgage loan reps? Appraisers? Home inspectors?
• What is your advertising strategy? Do you have a marketing plan for my home?

If you are a seller and a Realtor recommends an asking price for your home, ask to review the recent neighbourhood comparable sales or other data upon which the asking price is based. Beware of red flags – such as an agent who is quick to overvalue your home.

Be forthcoming about your own goals. – Remember that we cannot properly represent your interests unless we are familiar with your long and short-term goals, likes and dislikes. Be prepared to answer a few questions about yourself, your plans and your lifestyle. We are not prying; we simply need to get to know you in order to help make your dream a reality.

Ask for testimonials. – Any agent who has been working for a while should have a list of satisfied customers. Don’t be afraid to request references and follow-up to see what they have to say.

Most of our clients at the Howard Team tell us that they chose to work with us because we provide the mix of expertise and experience that makes them comfortable. Most importantly, we listen to our clients, share our knowledge and craft a plan to help them achieve their goals.

Choosing a Realtor is an important decision. Hopefully, the person you select will be a good fit and end up being your Realtor for life. Among other things, your Realtor should be someone you enjoy conversing with and spending time with, especially if you will be house hunting. Like any relationship, successful business relationships require an investment on everyone’s part. It takes time to build a mutually-beneficial relationship based on trust.

Are you looking to Sell or Buy a home in Calgary and need someone who won’t rest until you’ve found your dream home or until your home is sold? I’ll work hard to earn your trust and to deliver exactly what you need. Contact me at 403-589-0004 or at TheHowardTeam.net.

About Bryon Howard

Bryon Howard and his team of Calgary real estate professionals sell an average of two homes a week. He is a member of the MLS Million Point Club, which ranks him roughly in the top 1% of productive realtors in Calgary. His aim is not just to please clients but to help them buy/sell a home in Calgary at the best price, in the shortest time, and with the least hassle. He is a member of the RE/MAX House of Real Estate that leads in the Canadian market. Learn more about Bryon at TheHowardTeam.net.

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