How to choose your real estate broker?
Choosing the right real estate broker to assist in one of the biggest projects of your life can seem like a daunting task. With over 15,000 residential real estate brokers in Quebec, it can be hard to know where to start to find the one who will truly understand your needs and invest his time in your project.
But choosing the right broker doesn't have to be complicated. With a few key tips, you can find the real estate broker who will make your transaction a serene and successful experience.
SUMMARY
Understanding the role of the real estate broker
How to find a real estate broker
Ask your friends and family for recommendations
Look for "For Sale" signs in your neighbourhood
Do an online search
5 tips for choosing your real estate broker
1. Validate that he is licenced
2. Choose a broker who knows the local market
3. Search for client reviews
4. Ask questions
5. Choose a broker you are comfortable with
Understanding the role of the real estate broker
A real estate broker is a professional who plays a central role in the real estate process. Understanding the value that he brings to a transaction is a good starting point for choosing the right professional to assist you.
Concretely, a real estate broker:
- Acts as an intermediary between buyers and sellers;
- Represents the best interests of the clients and negotiates on their behalf;
- Assists clients in administrative and legal procedures;
- Advises clients every step of the way;
- Has a strong understanding of the real estate market.
Brokers are trained to meet the needs of their clients and facilitate the sale or purchase process through comprehensive training on real estate brokerage, as well as ongoing training to ensure that their knowledge is always up to date.
How to find a real estate broker
There are many ways to find a real estate broker you can trust, and each one is valid, provided you take the time to do your due diligence. Here are a few tips to help you find the right professional who will assist you in your real estate project.
1. Ask your friends and family for recommendations
A recommendation from a friend or family member is one of the best sources of trust. Someone you know who has recently bought or sold a property can share their experience with you. If they were satisfied with the support they received, this is a good basis for finding a professional you can trust.
2. Look for "For Sale" signs in your neighbourhood
Notice any "For Sale" signs in your neighbourhood? Take note of the broker’s name and contact details on the sign. Their presence in the neibourhood is a good indication that they know the area well and have connections in the region.
3. Do an online search
If you don’t know where to start, Centris.ca or a real estate banner site like SuttonQuebec.com is a good starting point.
These platforms allow you to search for real estate brokers by region and browse their profiles to find out more about them.
A look at search engines such as Google can also be useful to see which brokers appear in your area and to explore reviews left by other clients.
Once you have found a potential real estate broker or brokers, make sure you do your due diligence to ensure you choose the right one for one of the biggest transactions of your life.
5 tips for choosing your real estate broker
Before making your decision, check that you are choosing a professional who is competent and well suited to your needs. Here are some key points to find the broker who will be able to support you effectively.
1. Validate that he is licenced
In Quebec, to practice as a real estate broker, a valid licence from the Organisme d'autoréglementation du courtage immobilier du Québec (OACIQ) is mandatory.
All real estate brokers listed on Centris.ca and real estate banners and agencies sites have a valid license to practice real estate brokerage.
For more details on a specific broker, consult their file directly on the OACIQ website.
2. Choose a broker who knows the local market
Choose a real estate broker who has good experience and in-depth knowledge of the area where you are selling or wish to buy.
The market is different from one region to another. If you are looking for a property in Vaudreuil-Soulanges, for example, make sure that the broker you will be working with knows this area well.
3. Search for client reviews
Look for testimonials from the broker’s clients to find out what they think of him and his work. This will give you an idea of the support he provides to his clients. You can search his social networks, website, or Google for example. Be careful not to rely on this alone. Many brokers who are not on social media can also provide excellent service!
4. Ask questions
In addition to carrying out research, do not hesitate to ask questions directly to the broker. Be as specific as needed about anything you wish to clarify, whether it’s the broker’s expertise, his working methods, his contacts, the process itself, and so on.
Support and availability
Ask your potential real estate broker what kind of support he offers his clients. If you're a first-time buyer and feel uncomfortable with the process, opt for a broker who will be available to answer your questions and guide you every step of the way.
Approach and strategy
Discuss the strategy that the broker is considering for the sale and promotion of your property or to support you in the search for your future home. Ask concrete questions to learn about the approaches and tools offered, in order to better understand how it will help you achieve your real estate objectives.
5. Choose a broker you are comfortable with
Sometimes it may seem intuitive to choose the first real estate broker you contact, or the one with the most experience. The most important thing, however, is to choose the person who seems best qualified for your situation. Every project is unique, and you'll want to affiliate yourself with a professional who's right for your needs.
In this sense, a fundamental point in the selection of a real estate broker is compatibility. Do you trust him? Do you like how he communicates? Do you feel comfortable asking your questions?
As this is an important project, you should get along well with the person or persons you will be working with.
Choose the person you trust most.
Choosing the right real estate broker can make all the difference in your home buying or selling experience. Take the time to conduct thorough research and ask the right questions to find a competent and trustworthy professional.
Sutton real estate brokers are passionate professionals who are fully invested in their clients. They are guided by an agency executive officer who ensures that their files are compliant and is present on a daily basis to answer their questions. Find a real estate broker now.
