Hey, friends - today's LFR RealQandA blog is going to unpack:

How to choose the right Realtor for You

Over one-third of Canadians regret their recent real estate experience. In many cases, it comes down to one simple issue: the Realtor wasn’t the right fit.

The real challenge is that most of the advice you hear doesn't explain the why or how this will impact you. So, what’s actually important, and what can you disregard as unimportant fluff?

This blog is not about finding 'a realtor' - it’s about finding 'Your Realtor'.

Let’s get into it!

It's not surprising that so many people emerge from a real estate Move with regrets, when you consider the unhelpful “advice” that is commonly found. Our research shows the majority of blogs about ‘Choosing a Realtor’ feature this same refrain:

"The first thing you should do is ask friends and family for referrals, find a "local" agent, and then interview at least three"

This is an outdated real estate industry sales blurb to help agents - not you.

WHY?

Because all these suggestions defer the research and decisions to others. With respect to our families and friends, they are not you! You cannot possibly choose a professional advisor with someone else's priorities, it just doesn’t work.

The First Step in choosing a Realtor is ALL about YOU!

Before you bring anyone else into the fray, you need to figure out what you want. Your wants, needs, terms, deal-breakers, expectations, preferences and FIT Factor.

It’s important to recognize that you control this Move, your comfort and expectations should always come first. Most real estate regret is tied to clients not prioritizing their needs, and instead, allowing the agent to take the reins.

Your Role Vs the Realtor’s Job
A Realtor is meant to be an Advisor - who consults, provides context, and professional insight. But, this should only happen after you have clearly laid out your move plan and requirements for the process. And this does not just mean the price you hope to get!

Making a Move is a process not a simple POS (point of sale). The more detailed, active and communicative you are with an Advisor - the more lucrative and protected your destination will be.

The: Why

When you get clear about what YOU require, it will be easier for you to spot things that don't align with you. This defines your terms, as opposed to allowing someone else to do it for you.

The Second Step is to Build Your Ideal Realtor in a Profile

Build Your Realtor Profile

Building on step #1 that outlines your needs, the next step is to break down the characteristics of the real estate professional you seek. This doesn't have to be an intense undertaking, just a quick list will provide you with important clarity.

A Realtor FIT Profile is a breakdown of the attributes, communication style, demeanour and working processes that align best with you. The working relationship between you and your real estate advisor affects every detail of the home buying/selling process.

Try these questions to get started:

What kind of communication style and frequency do you expect?

What is key to your comfort level and confidence in them?

Do you prefer control, or a more team oriented cooperative approach?

How have past experiences influenced your needs for this move?

The: Why

The simple act of asking yourself questions will do wonders for your search. This will build a Realtor Profile they must fit into, rather than you fitting into theirs.

The Third Step is to Ensure Professional Credentials & Reputation

Now that you've made it clear what you need, and what your prospective Realtors must be, now it's time to conduct the search. What's first?
You're hiring a professional to advise and consult you about real estate and all that entails. How do you confirm this?

Are they licensed and representing a reputable brokerage?

LICENSING:
Realtors must be licensed with the Real Estate Council of Ontario (RECO). In order to carry the designation of Realtor, they must be a member of Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA).
BROKERAGE:
Check the brokerage they represent to ensure it's legitimate and in good standing. Look at their website, reviews and the other realtors in the brokerage to ensure professionalism and conduct.
PRESENCE:
Review their online presence. Your Realtor is representing you in this process, so it’s imperative that their actions and demeanour in this role are aligned with your expectations of them. Their communication, conduct and presence is all a reflection of you, so this cannot be overlooked.

The: Why

It's important to note that the contract agreement you sign is not with the Realtor, they are the representative of the brokerage. The contract you sign is with the brokerage itself. Due diligence is your ace in the hole, don’t skimp on the research.

The 4th Step is to Review Area Realtors with Your FIT Profile

Now that you have a foundation to work from, it’s time to start shortlisting potential Realtors. Be careful not to add Realtors just because they work in the area alone, that is not a credential on its own. For example, if you see them advertised as the “Top Agent” in Mississauga, but they don’t match your FIT Profile - it won’t work.

… and by the way, there are about 300,000 “TOP Agents” in Canada. Just to provide some context, this is not a measure of anything important.

How to Evaluate Potentials in the Area

It’s checklist time! There is no shortage of realtors vying for your business, and this is where the previous 3 steps come into play.

Your FIT Profile leads the way in this step. You can quickly assess potential Realtors using your needs as the guide.

Translating - Value Vs Sales Sizzle

Over Asking in 3 Days!
Sizzle. This is a tactic you can ignore, because it has no context. This is used because most people focus on the headline - not the story. Without knowing the market comparables or what the initial price was set at, the headline has no merit.
Top Agent in Sales Awards
Sizzle. Another example with little to no application to you. Track records, Honest reviews and being known for a certain way of doing business are intangibles that matter. Winning internal sales awards don’t translate to a good realtor, and they say nothing about how they actually operate.
Yes, yes, yes agents!
Sizzle. This is a tactic for a signature. It’s not about your plans or future, this is about getting the contract and hoping for a sale. Great real estate advisors tell the truth, even when that may not be what you want to hear.
Time Sensitive - we have buyers now!
Sizzle. Rushed decisions top the list with lack of research as the 2 out of the 3 most referenced reasons for real estate regret. Anyone telling you that a decision has to be made now, is not working in your interests.

You should never abandon your Move Plan or FIT Profile for any reason.

The 5th Step is to Set Meetings with the Realtors On Your TERMS

How to Conduct Meetings with Realtor Candidates from Your Shortlist

You may have read blogs or articles about how to interview realtors, but they rarely emphasize that this is entirely up to you. And most don’t mention what they mean by interview.

Evaluating real estate advisors is not a one size fits all, especially nowadays with the tech that’s available. Now you have the ability to prioritize your comfort.

Interviewing Realtors on Your Terms

Communication and Response time
Before setting up a meeting or call, reach out with a simple question to evaluate how they interact with you. Was it answered quickly? Did they read and address what you said/asked in the message? Did they present with effort and willingness to engage, or was it a push into their processing of new leads?
The Follow-Up
If your potentials made it by the first message, now it’s time to evaluate if they’re willing to provide value and insight without asking anything of you. This will help you identify their effort level and commitment.
Compare and Contrast
After these first two steps, assess how each of your prospects performed. Did they message both times? Was it valuable to you? Was it focused on you or did you get a barrage of emails?
From Shortlist to Candidates
Once you have determined which of your potential Realtors have impressed you enough to set a meeting, it’s time to set a consultation with each. This chat will to see how they will with your move plan and the type of partner they may be.
The Meeting
This is your meeting, not theirs. So, do not be afraid or shy about telling them how you want it. Some people are not comfortable inviting strangers into their home, and if that’s you, then make sure to set those boundaries. Perhaps a zoom meeting, a call or even a text exchange - if that’s what works best for you.

The time, place, duration and what is to be discussed - is all yours to control. If you get push-back or hear them say “that’s not how we do it”, you say thanks very much and move to the next candidate.

Realtors Advise and Consult - Choose Carefully

Making a Move is a process, and each step builds on the success of the previous one. When you clarify priorities and get clear about YOUR move plan, the easier it will be to find Your Realtor FIT.

Remember that you’re hiring a professional to help you assess and evaluate your options, ensure you’re protected, and honestly guide you - not sell you.

Thanks for stopping by the LFR Guide to Choosing a Realtor!

We hope you found it helpful, let us know if you have questions, the door’s always open @ LFR.

Do you have a quick question we can answer to get you started? Click the chat bubble and leave a message and an LFR Realtor will answer that for you. Come back any time to continue the chat. We only respond when asked to!

LFR Realty is based in Mississauga and serves the Western GTA and its surrounding areas, including Georgetown, Milton and Caledon. Our team has - or currently - lives, works and grew up in these areas. We’re always happy to chat about our communities.

How to Choose Your Realtor in 5 Simple Steps