Finding the right REALTOR® is going to be essential to your buying or selling process. Like any professional endeavour, you want to make sure you’re walking alongside someone who has your best interest at heart. There are many Calgary REALTOR®s who are ready to help you buy your dream home or sell your treasured one. And we are one of them! If you’ve never worked with an agent before, here are some things you can keep in mind to find the perfect Calgary REALTOR® for you.
Are you selling or buying?
If you’re selling
Selling your home means you will need to make it look its very best. That means good pictures, having it be well-staged and, of course, clean. You will want to find a REALTOR® who can offer the services you require. For example, Realty Unleashed is primarily a listing brokerage. We certainly help buyers too, but our services are most appealing to those listing a property. Head over to REALTOR.ca and get a feel for listings that stand out. You will notice a few things in common with the listings that look amazing: good lighting, tidy spaces, properly staged, and curb appeal.
If you’re buying
Should you be looking to buy a property, there are a few things you’ll want to look for in a REALTOR®. In doing research, find a professional who works in your market. Odds are you know your budget, so it’s optimal for you to work alongside someone who buys homes in that realm. Additionally, it’s good practice to find a REALTOR® that specializes in certain neighbourhoods you like or specific kinds of homes. For example, are you looking for a mid-century modern bungalow in a trendy area of Calgary? Well, you’ll want to find a real estate professional who is familiar with that market (more on that below!).
Think about the neighbourhood
Researching REALTOR®s in the neighbourhood you’re selling in, or looking to buy in, is a great starting point. A lot of real estate professionals have specific communities that they specialize in. Perhaps they happen to sell or buy a lot of homes in X area; they become familiar with the ins and outs of X. For example, in Edmonton, Realty Unleashed sells and buys a lot of homes in Westmount. A few of our staff live in the neighbourhood, and we are incredibly familiar with the Westmount market. That’s why we are a go-to contact for folks who want to sell or buy here.
Talk to your prospective REALTOR®
You and your real estate professional must have good communication. Before you decide who you’re working with, have a conversation together. What are things you need from your professional? And what are the things they need from you? How urgent is this transaction for you? Maybe this is your first time selling or buying. In that case, you’ll want to make sure your real estate professional is willing to really walk you through the process. Your work together should be as a team. If you both decide you have a good rapport, that’s a great indication of a great working relationship.
What are your needs?
Your needs will likely differ depending on whether you are selling or buying. As we mentioned, Realty Unleashed is primarily a listing brokerage. Our services are a massive win for those looking to sell their home. We offer free home staging, interior and exterior cleaning, eco-station and donation centre runs, lawn care, and snow shovelling. These services are incredibly helpful for those who need extra help in getting their home ready for sale.
Another thing to keep in mind here is your and your REALTOR®s availability. Perhaps you work a 9-5 office job and can’t leave to look at a property last minute. No worries, but you’ll want to work with a real estate professional who keeps your schedule in mind when setting up viewings. The reality of being a REALTOR® is working evenings and during the day, weekdays and weekends. Most real estate professionals will be more than happy to set up viewings on weekends, should the weekdays not be optimal for you. But you will absolutely want to outline some scheduling items before you sign a contract with a REALTOR® in Calgary.
In the end
Your home buying or home selling process will always come with ebbs and flows. That’s why it’s vital to have a great working relationship with your REALTOR®, and trust that they will help you to achieve your goal. If you keep some of these tips in mind when you decide who you’d like to work with, we’re sure you’ll have a great experience!