When buying or selling a home, hiring a real estate agent can make the process a lot easier. These professionals guide their clients every step of the way, educating them about current market conditions, making competitive offers, negotiating with potential buyers/sellers, making referrals, and finalizing the sale. Additionally, the agents are licensed to work in the area and are well aware of regional laws, ensuring legal compliance in the property buying and selling process.

Ways to find a real estate agent
Today, one may come across many real estate agents in their area, making it relatively easy to then zero in on a professional that meets most requirements.

• Word of mouth
  People commonly rely on friends, family, and other trusted acquaintances to find real estate agents. These people generally refer someone with whom they have had a positive working relationship in the past. This personal connection provides insights into the agent’s business practices and negotiation skills, making one feel more comfortable considering them.
• Online research
  Another common tool people use to find real estate agents today is the Internet. A simple browser search with the terms “real estate agents near me,” “realtor near me,” or “real estate leads” will quickly display a plethora of listings. But, one must exercise caution when turning to unknown agents, and review their online presence on their website as well as social media to gain a better perspective of how they work. Also, check which ones are hosting open houses or meet-ups in the vicinity. Finally, to ensure their authenticity, meet them in person.
• Official referral sources
  A great way to look for verified real estate agents in the area is to head to the local chamber of commerce. They will be able to provide references for currently active agents. Alternatively, one can contact real estate brokerage companies with a strong local or national presence.
• Referral agents
  Those looking to buy property in another province can consider approaching a real estate referral agent, a local agent one knows and trusts. They will be able to find contacts to build a connection elsewhere for a small cut of the sale commission.

Tips for choosing a real estate agent
Using the above sources, one must prepare a list of real estate agents who can help one in the home-buying/selling process. With this list in hand, it is time to start narrowing it down until one finds a suitable professional for the job.

Check certifications and experience
Real estate agents, realtors, and brokers have to undergo several exams to earn their titles. In the country, some agents list themselves exclusively as “realtors.” This title comes from their affiliation and membership with the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA). Some may also opt to appear for specialized tests that often include additional training and experience. But, it is important to find a trained or certified professional who is comfortable with proceeding with the rest of the sales process. People often have specific needs when buying and selling their homes. These may be further influenced by their own experience or the type of home in question. In such cases, it is best to opt for a real estate agent who is experienced in this field.

Agents must possess local real-estate knowledge
The agent must be well-versed in latest market trends, local buying and selling practices, and current property values to make a good sale. Additionally, they should know about the neighbourhood, including information about nearby schools, crime rates, and other important details. Inquire about these aspects during initial conversations to discern the agent’s level of preparedness to assist with the sale or purchase proceedings.

Look for agents with marketing and technical skills
This is an important tip for those looking to sell their homes. An agent with considerable marketing experience and technical skills will know how to create a captivating online listing for one’s home. This includes posting stellar photos, high-quality videos, and write-ups on different real-estate platforms to attract potential buyers for better sales.
This may differ slightly for buyers, who would want agents who can quickly scour the web and find properties that may be of interest to them, even ones that are not listed on traditional real estate websites.

Confirm their availability
Some agents may struggle to provide adequate attention to their clients if they have taken on too many clients. This may make them unavailable for calls and messages when one needs them, slowing down the process of buying or selling a property. To prevent communication issues, find an agent who works full-time and has the bandwidth to take on a new client. Additionally, they should be able to provide a certain level of personal attention to ensure a smooth and easy experience for their clients.

Read the contracts thoroughly
One must be clear about the contract drawn with the real estate agent. Commissions are usually worth 5-6% of the purchase price, with half the amount going to the agent on the other side of the deal. That being said, some agents may be open to negotiating this amount, offering a better overall rate. So, choose an agent with a good contract and commission structure to get the best price for the home.