How to Find the right Calgary REALTOR

How to Find the Right Calgary REALTOR®

Would you hire a babysitter without an interview?

Think about a contractor, mechanic, music teacher, doctor, daycare provider, dentist, accountant or babysitter, would you just hire one of these people off the street no questions asked? Well I hope not and you shouldn’t treat your REALTOR® any different.

Here are some valuable questions you should be asking your potential REALTOR®.

What are your references?

It is important to know how satisfied past clients are with the REALTOR’S® service. Did the REALTOR® keep them in the loop and return phone calls diligently? Was the REALTOR® professional and helpful? You should be able to personally call some of the REALTORS® past clients to get personal references. Check out Cody’s testimonials here

How will you stay in touch and communicate with me?

With all of today’s current technology, there is no excuse for a REALTOR® to not communicate in a prompt and timely manner that is most convenient for you. E-mail, text message, Tweet, Facebook, Blackberry Messenger and more are just a few way to keep in touch. You should ALWAYS know exactly what is going on with your transaction and ALWAYS be completely informed.

Why did you decide to become a REALTOR® and what does being a REALTOR® mean to you?

When answering this question it gives the REALTOR® the opportunity to show you what their work ethic and business philosophy are in their own words. You will get a feeling for their passion and zest and true attitude about the business and ultimately your transaction! You want to make sure that the REALTOR® will put your comfort, happiness, and needs first and foremost. This is after all, one of the biggest transactions of your life.

What designations and certifications do you hold? What type of education do you have?

Most people commonly think once you’re a REALTOR® with a real estate license that’s it for education. Well this is simply NOT true. Your REALTOR® should be able to show you by their initiative to learn specialize, improve and differentiate from the rest of the pack that they are truly dedicated to being the best they can be and providing YOU the client with the best possible service. Find out  what credentials Cody has that put him above the rest.

How many homes have you sold in the past year? Are you a full time REALTOR® ?

Just because someone has been in the business for several years, doesn’t mean they are still plugged into the market and current trends. You want a proven record of success and a full time REALTOR® whose only goal is to Help You Accomplish Your Real Estate Goals. Nothing less.

What is your marketing plan for selling my home?

What makes your Calgary REALTOR® unique? Well if you are selling your home you want to ensure that the REALTOR® you choose is going to be doing everything possible to sell your home. From open houses and email campaigns to video tours and virtual tours to online and print advertising (just to name a few) your home needs to stand apart from the crowd and receive the best possible exposure.

What connections do you have?

Will the REALTOR® be able to refer you to a mortgage broker, lawyer, home inspector, home stager etc. It is always a good idea to go with trusted referrals before you just Google a profession in an area. Having the right support team on your side can make the deal that much easier for you.

How can you make this process easier for me as a buyer?

Well, communication is the most important part of the transaction. From there, ease of access to listings and information, booking showings, arranging driving directions, picking you up, working around your schedule, getting you all of the information you request and need and just generally being available to you 24/7 to handle every and all details means the process should be as easy, efficient and stress free as possible, After all we are talking about a Service industry. Does your REALTOR® make you feel like they are in the service industry? Or the sales industry?

Do you keep up with current events?

It is important that your REALTOR® keeps up with government policies, economic trends and other factors that influence the real estate market. Otherwise, when you’re looking at a nice home that “backs onto open space” it might actually turn out to be the new planned highway route or otherwise disastrous consequence. (link to Cody’s Blog)

What involvement, if any, do you have in the community?

This really just shows character, kindness and dedication to the community. I don’t know about you, but I would rather work with someone who is donating their time and money to the betterment of our city and giving back to our community. To view Cody’s Community involvement click here.

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