How to Choose a GREAT Realtor:
Your Guide to Selecting the Right Realtor for Your Goals both Now and in the Future
Choosing a Great Realtor - not a “good Realtor” and definitely not an “OK Realtor” - is one of the most important choices you’ll have to make in your Real Estate journey.
You want a Realtor that will empower you financially, and support you emotionally.
Here’s how to find the Right Realtor for YOU!
What makes a Great Realtor?
On this page are a list of qualities, experiences, and stories that will help you define what makes a great Realtor.
Look for each and every one of these when interviewing Realtors.
Understand what you need and don’t settle for anything less!
A Great Realtor DOESN’T PUSH YOU
to Buy or Sell
They might be pushy in negotiations with OTHERS, but a Great Realtor is NEVER PUSHY with their OWN CLIENTS.
A Great Realtor should ask you about your goals, understand what you want and need, and help you get it.
They shouldn’t emotionally bully you into anything.
They might encourage you to complete activities in your own best interests, such as getting pre-approved for a mortgage, getting a home inspection, or planning your living situation in advance of any drastic moves.
A Great Realtor realizes that sometimes what you want isn’t what you need, and is willing to tell you the truth and ensure you take the right steps for your goals.
What are the QUALITIES of a Great Realtor?
Here are some qualities to look for when considering or interviewing Realtors. They come from a combination of WHAT CLIENTS LOOK FOR in a Realtor, and also, how BROKERAGES EVALUATE TOP REALTORS.
Highly relatable
Tremendous work ethic
High emotional intelligence
Experienced at various levels, NOT a newbie
Listens to what you want and doesn’t waste your time
Knowledge of property specific details with good team available
Not pushy with their own personal interests or with the interests of other parties - prioritizes YOUR interests
Highly effective negotiation skills
Strongly advocates for YOUR needs
Fast response time to messages/calls
Regular contact & great communication skills
Able to be at a showing or offer on YOUR timeline
Eliminates stress & “headache” from the home buying, selling, renting, or investing processes
Makes the whole experience as FUN as can be - but excellent at getting “down to business” when it matters
A Great Realtor can PROVE IT
with GREAT REVIEWS
Social proof is important in this day and age - look for a Realtor who is ACTIVE on Social Media and has multiple 5-Star Google Reviews.
This is the best proof you can seek in choosing the Right Realtor for YOU.
A Great Realtor Takes
The STRESS OUT of Real Estate
Whether buying, selling, renting, or investing, a Great Realtor removes the stress out of real estate for their Clients.
Real Estate transactions can have some interesting surprises!
A Great Realtor has the experience, know-how, and emotional regulation to stay calm, think fast, and solve problems for Clients.
Here is a story that illustrates this point. The story below was one of my hardest deals, for many reasons, but it was a top priority for me to take stress away for my Client and get the deal done as fast as possible.
Real Estate Story & Google Review from Mervyn M.
Selling a condo during COVID is hard...
Selling one while living in a different city and time zone, while needing to consider your immunocompromised tenant's accommodations and rights during lockdown, is a recipe for failure. But, Suresh made it happen! I don't think anybody else could have done it, and I'm so so glad I worked with him.
He was there for me almost 24/7 for all that I needed.
I still can't believe we pulled this off completely virtually because he kept me in the loop with everything happening. Not to mention, he also worked double time to make sure my tenants were happy. And, they absolutely were throughout the entire process.
Let me tell you: the sink clogged up at some point.
He set up a plumber to have it fixed for them! He even negotiated a little $$ bonus for them from the buyer! These aren't things you'd typically expect from a realtor because they're above and beyond. He created an environment and opportunity for all of us to win. I can keep going but the bottom line is, he is somebody you want on your side.
Update:
Buyer and buyers agent became more difficult after I accepted the offer and before close.
They picked on details that were out of scope from the contract and compromised my tenants by not following any COVID protocols. Suresh navigated all of this quite smoothly. Though I assume it probably doubled his overall work, he assured that we had all the basis covered in terms of legal and expectations.
He managed the entire process expertly. I can't recommend him enough.
A Great Realtor is a
FAIR BUT ASSERTIVE Negotiator
Real estate deals are aimed at getting the maximum - either buying at the lowest possible cost, or selling for the highest possible price. In Real Estate, offers need to be balanced to the interests of both parties. Also, when an offer is placed, there is often MORE than ONE ROUND of negotiations.
Realtors with poor negotiation skills are so focused on the first round that they forget about the second. If you disrespect the other party in the first round, you’re likely to have your offer completely thrown out immediately, and won’t have the opportunity to take part in the second, third, and any additional rounds of negotiation.
Depending on the market type and the property, there can be much room for negotiation!
A Great Realtor
MAKES THE EXPERIENCE FUN
Whether you’re buying, selling, renting, or investing - the process should be FUN!
A Great Realtor is effective and excellent at getting down to business and being serious at the appropriate times.
Outside of these times, a Great Realtor works hard to eliminate all the stress from the Client, and helps the client have fun on their own, unique Real Estate Journey!
How To INTERVIEW a Realtor
This part can be a bit tricky. Why?
Because everyone knows at least one Realtor! They will often try to push you into selecting the Realtor they know or used. Some push gently, and some push forcibly!
But ultimately, it has to be YOUR CHOICE.
How do you know who is a good or bad Realtor? Who do you choose? Where do you start?
Talk to your family, friends, and co-workers. Ask them for a few recommendations.
Check out the websites of potential Realtors. Do they have a generic website from their Brokerage? Or, do they have enough proven success to maintain a personal website?
Every Realtor is different. Some have different specialties. Look for Realtors that specialize in the GTA.
Research each Realtor and read their reviews. Is the Realtor experienced or new?
Go on their social media accounts and see what kind of people they are.
Contact the ones you think are best and INTERVIEW them. Tell them your goals. Tell them what you’re looking for.
Once you find a Realtor you’re comfortable with, that’s when the journey begins!