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Home Buying Guide

6 Questions You Should Ask When Hiring a Real Estate Agent

Mackenzie Scibetta by Mackenzie Scibetta
March 23, 2023
in Buying Guide, First Time Home Buyer
Reading Time: 4 mins read
A couple in a meeting with a real estate agent.
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Hiring the right real estate agent is essential when buying or selling a home because it can make the process much smoother and less stressful. Financially, the right real estate agent can make a big difference in helping you get the best deal for your property. But how do you know which real estate agent is right for you? Here are 6 questions you should ask when hiring a real estate agent: 

  • Read: 5 Tax Refund Tips for Homeowners

1. How long have you been in the industry?

You want an experienced agent who knows the ins and outs of the local market and can provide sound advice on pricing, negotiating, and more. You can ask to see their license, referrals, and availability. Ask them about their experience with first-time buyers or those looking for a specific property type. It’s also essential to find out what percentage of their clients are buyers versus sellers, as this will give you an idea of their expertise in helping people like yourself. If they have more buyers, they could bring you the perfect purchaser.

2. Which neighbourhoods are you familiar with? 

It’s important to find an agent who knows the area well and has access to listings that meet your needs. A qualified real estate agent knows the neighbourhood dynamics and can tell whether a place is more appropriate for older adults or families. They can direct you to the area that best fits your lifestyle, whether that be a  neighbourhood with high walkability or strong schools. Ask them about their schedule and availability, too – you want an agent who will respond to your needs throughout the process.

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3. Do you offer additional services?

They might be able to help you with staging, marketing assistance for sellers, or mortgage advice for buyers. Your agent can also suggest a real estate attorney, a mortgage counsellor, an insurance agent, a handyperson, house cleaners, and movers.

4. How long, on average, are your listings on the market?

The average time it takes for an agent’s listings to sell helps give you a potential timeline for your own property. Always request to see this figure, then compare it across all of the agents you interviewed. Remember that some properties typically stay on the market longer, like expensive, million-dollar properties. 

5. How will you help me find a new home?

Homes may sell rapidly in a hot market, so it’s crucial to seize the opportunity to purchase new homes as soon as they become available. How fast can your agent give you a tour of a new listing if you find one you love?

  • Read: Three Ways to Make Your Home-Buying Experience Easier

6. How do your fees work?

Finally, ensure you understand what fees they charge and the services they include before signing any contracts. Be sure to get all these details in writing so everything is clear. If you are only buying (and not selling a property), you generally don’t have to worry about commissions, but comparing fees and understanding what you’re paying for is practical. 

Asking these questions upfront, you can ensure that you’re working with an experienced professional who has your best interests at heart throughout the process.

Whether you’re looking to buy or sell in 2023, your best course of action would be to speak to one of our experienced real estate agents, who can guide you through the process and help you make the best decision for your future. 

Keep an eye on our Market Insights blog for more news about Canadian real estate markets, and sign up for our newsletter to get updates sent directly to your inbox. 

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Mackenzie Scibetta

Mackenzie Scibetta

Mackenzie Scibetta is a seasoned Content Marketing Specialist at Zoocasa, where she brings her expertise to the world of real estate. As a dedicated real estate writer, Mackenzie's primary goal is to equip home buyers and sellers with the most up-to-date market insights, enabling them to navigate their real estate ventures with confidence. Mackenzie's writing is characterized by its depth and breadth, covering a wide range of topics related to the real estate industry. From exploring the intricacies of mortgages to meticulously tracking and analyzing trends in local markets across Canada and the U.S., Mackenzie is known for her comprehensive and data-driven reports. Her commitment to providing valuable information is evident in the consistent quality of her work. Mackenzie's research and insights have earned her recognition from prominent media outlets. Her expertise has been featured in BNN Bloomberg, CTV News, the National Post, The Globe and Mail, and even The New York Times. These accolades underscore her position as a trusted authority in the field of real estate.

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