11 Aug What to look for in a good real estate agent
A good realtor will help you buy a house. A great one will make sure it’s actually the right one! When you’re new to buying or selling in Burlington and Oakville, it’s easy to assume every agent is basically doing the same job.
They show you homes, write offers, hand over keys. But the way a real estate agent actually does that job is what separates a smooth move from a stressful one you’re still telling stories about years later.
The best ones treat your move like it’s their own. They take the time to understand the way you actually live, they slow you down when you need to be slowed down, and they’re still around long after the boxes are unpacked.? That’s the kind of agent worth holding out for.
If you’re starting to think about a move and want someone who’ll be in your corner the whole way through, I’d love to chat.
I’m Emily Jones, a Burlington, Oakville, and Hamilton area Realtor helping people buy and sell for over a decade.
5 things to look for in a great real estate agent
They’ll share their opinion
Most buyers and sellers only move a couple times in their lives; seeing homes and negotiating on them is what a realtor does every day. A good agent will be supportive of your decisions. A great agent won’t be afraid to tell you their opinions, and still support your decision at the end of the day. A great agent will tell you when they think a property is worth walking away from, even if it costs the sale. They treat every experience like it’s their own, and they give you the advice you need to hear.
They’ll challenge what you think you want, and why
A good agent will send you listings that meet your criteria. A great agent will ask questions and dig into why you have that criteria, and present options that may challenge what you think you want and still get you exactly what you need!
For example, you want to live in a condo and need 2+bedrooms? Maybe you actually just need a building with guest suites. Need a detached home? Maybe you actually just need a property with greenspace for the dog. Need 4 bedrooms? Maybe you actually just need a home with a great finished basement or main floor home office.
They’ll send you more curated listings, not simply more houses
Anyone can send you every house on the market, but a great real estate agent has really listened to your needs and wants. They’ll send you more curated lists and are actively flagging homes that would be a great fit. A great realtor is looking outside the box for creative ideas to get your home sold or to find you the dream house!
They’ll prepare you for the hiccups along the way
A good agent is reactive. A great agent is proactive, and takes the time to prepare their clients for the possibility of inspection issues (for both buyers and sellers), offers falling apart, financing problems, and other hiccups along the way. When something goes sideways, you want a realtor who is calmly guiding you through the process of what happens next. Someone who will show you what your options are, give you the resources and contacts to make an informed decision, and who is looking out for your best interests despite whatever emotions come up.
They stay in touch long after closing
A real estate agent can be there for more than just your transaction. When you need some recommendations for local tradespeople, pest control, painters, house cleaners, and more, they can tap into their network and get you a list! Updating your annual financials? They’re there to help you establish an updated valuation and check in on your equity position. Have a friend moving out of town? A great agent maintains a list of realtors in other areas for just that reason. An exceptional real estate agent is there for the long term with you!
Ready for more real estate with Emily Jones?
Making a move soon? I’d love to be your local real estate resource.
If we haven’t met yet, I’m Emily, a Realtor ® in Burlington, Oakville and Hamilton. Be sure to follow along for more takes like this, new listings, and some local fun along the way!
