Buying or selling a home is a big decision and the first step is choosing a Real Estate Agent whose personality, work ethic and experience match your needs. RE/MAX Real Estate Broker, Sylvia Perdue says that ultimately, it is who you are comfortable with. But, she reminds us, the home buying/selling process is an emotional experience, so you want an Agent who is full-time, committed to providing you with all of their experience and who will take the stress off your shoulders. As a Broker, she looks for Agents who are willing to upgrade their selling skills and learn cutting edge technology on an ongoing basis, as well as a great personality fit.

Many of my Clients have also weighed in on the question. Terry Kuivinen looks for an Agent who provides you with information and feedback, keeps in constant contact and presents a strong marketing plan. Joey and Eric Besana want an Agent who really listens to their needs and who fights for their interests. Tamara Vanmeggelen wants an Agent with lots of experience in the area. She wants to have seen the Agent’s signs in the neighbourhood, and more importantly she wants to see that they’ve been sold quickly.

For me, I believe honesty, hard work and being there 100% for my Clients are the three things that contribute most to my success. I have also learned that one of the most important steps in the home selling process is giving feedback to your clients. As many of my clients have stated, they want updates on where we stand with showings and open houses. Who’s interested? What needs to be changed? How is the pricing? Communicate, communicate, communicate!! I think it is also important that I have always been successfully self-employed, therefore I understand small business financials, I understand Return on Investments and I believe in investing back into my business to make it grow. Developing brand recognition is important in any business, so I make sure all my marketing pieces reflect the same professional, recognizable images. I also treat every Client as part of a team, and it is the collaboration of that teamwork that will get the home sold or purchased more quickly. Of course, that is always the best part of the process for me – seeing the Clients’ dreams realized.

Choosing a Real Estate Agent Part 2: