I'm often asked to advise a real estate agent ( realtor ). I can not objectively answer this question, because all people are different and someone " bitter horseradish is raspberry, and someone and blancmange has wormwood ." Representations of the work of the agent for the purchase and sale of housing (as correctly called those who have a license in Canada ), too, many are far from perfect. And, often these representations differ even from the realtors themselves. Do not forget that buying a property, like the purchase of a ready-made business, has its own characteristics. After frequent communication with clients, the image of the ideal agent for the purchase of real estate was created by the following, whose services I would like to use the time Vancouver and myself.
The agent for the purchase of real estate (more accurately, housing) should fully study the client's situation, the composition and age of all family members, where and in what circumstances they lived before, what financial opportunities and what part of their finances they are willing to spend on the purchase of housing. Given all the information received and the wishes of customers, he should recommend in which area to settle, what kind of housing to buy.
If the agent does not know the area suitable for the family, he will recommend another realtor. (Realtors will then share commissions, but the work will be done in the interests of the client, and not for the earnings of a particular agent).
A good realtor will not fill up the buyer with emails about everything that is put up for sale. Having studied what the client needs, he will show 3-4 objects that will completely coincide with all requirements. His job is to save customers time, and not to carry around the city. This realtor is different from the guide - he knows the area where he helps to buy a home and, first of all, he will tell about all the shortcomings of the house offered for buying (he will tell about the advantages).
A good realtor will not entrust the client to seek out real estate online himself. He will not show such a dwelling, about which he was not asked. At the first meeting, he will tell you the entire procedure for buying a house, how the offer is made for purchase, when, to whom and how much to pay and will give a booklet or a link on the Internet, where all this is described in detail. If the client does not have a specialist in mortgage loans, an insurance agent, an inspector and other professionals, the realtor will necessarily advise 2-3 options on the required profession. If there are any, he will not impose his own.
A good realtor is only engaged in his own business. He does not work part-time in a store, does not rent out space, does not have another business. A good realtor answers the calls or calls back on time.
The important point: which one to choose a realtor - speaking in Russian or from "strangers"? What are the recommendations to use? Do not expect that those who do not speak Russian, are more honest or conscientious. All people and all have shortcomings. "Their" should behave ethically, because they plan to work for a long time and their reputation in their "community" is more important for them than for "outsiders". Recommendations it makes sense to listen only to those who really used the services of this or that realtor. Other recommendations are given, most often, for mercenary motives.
A good realtor is not someone who will give you a gift after purchase. Stay away from those who promise to pay a notary, buy you a voucher for a cruise or pay money for a washing machine, etc. A realtor can help to organize a relocation, find and reserve a moving company. As a gift, a realtor can hire people who will take away your apartment, with which you leave and take away the one to which you are entering.
Or 15+ years in Vancouver I met with many realtors, many know in absentia. Among them, there are those with whom I would strongly recommend not to work. But, until now, I have not met one that would meet all the requirements outlined in the article. Ideal realtors, like other perfect professionals, do not happen, but there is always something to strive for.
