Best 8 Tips: How Do I Find a Good Realtor in Toronto?

Are you a first-time homebuyer about to venture into Toronto’s real estate market and feel a bit overwhelmed? Afraid you might hire the wrong realtor? You’re not alone. Finding the perfect Toronto realtor or ‘Toronto real estate agent’ can sometimes feel like searching for a needle in a haystack, but it doesn’t have to be that way. In this post, I’ll guide you through eight key tips to watch out for when looking for a good realtor in the Toronto real estate market. With this information, you’ll be able to find the right Toronto realtor for your needs. Let’s dive right in.

1) Hire Experience

Remember, real estate is not just about securing licenses – it’s about experience and track record. Thousands of new agents obtain their licenses every year in Toronto. However, do you want to be their training ground? So when you ask the question, how do I find a good realtor in Toronto, you need identify Toronto realtors who sell multiple properties a year, demonstrate their competence and knowledge. Don’t shy away from asking hard questions: How long have you been in business? How many homes do you sell each year?

2) Don’t Work with Friends or Family

While it might seem like a convenient choice, hiring a friend or family member as your realtor can often lead to complications. Mixing business with personal relationships can strain the latter. Unless you’re confident that your relationship won’t be impacted, it’s usually better to work with an impartial Toronto real estate agent who can professionally handle your transaction.

3) How Do I Find a Good Realtor in Toronto? You Get What You Pay For

Real estate services vary greatly in the Toronto real estate market. You could go the Do It Yourself route and simply list your property on the MLS for $150, or opt for a full-service broker offering staging, marketing, and a comprehensive strategy. Before hiring a realtor, decide what services you need and what you’re willing to pay for them.

4) Houses Don’t Really Sell Themselves

Despite what some might suggest, merely putting a listing on the MLS doesn’t guarantee the highest possible price. Make sure your Toronto realtor has a solid marketing strategy and stays updated with the latest marketing technologies and techniques. Ask about their approach to staging, photography, marketing, promotion, pricing, and their overall sales strategy.

5) How Do I Find A Good Realtor in Toronto? Ask For Recommendations

Word-of-mouth referrals can be powerful. Ask your friends, family, or colleagues for Toronto realtor recommendations. People are more likely to speak honestly about their experiences, giving you insights that you might not get from online reviews.

6) Past Performance is the Best Predictor of Future Performance

Make sure to check online reviews on Google and other social media sources for recommendations. Don’t be afraid to ask your prospective agent for testimonials or even reach out to their past clients for feedback. Pay attention to what percentage of their business comes from repeat clients or referrals – a high percentage usually indicates happy customers.

7) Are You Getting the Realtor You Hired?

Sometimes top realtors delegate tasks to their assistants or colleagues, which might not be what you’re signing up for. Ensure that the Toronto real estate agent you hire is the one you’ll primarily interact with.

8) Talk to More Than One Realtor

A second opinion can provide invaluable perspective. Surprisingly, up to 75 percent of people hire the first realtor they talk to. Interview multiple Toronto real estate agents to ensure you’re making an informed decision.

So when you ask the question, “how do I find a good realtor in Toronto”, remember, you’re not just hiring an realtor; you’re hiring an advocate, a guide, and a partner for one of the most significant, and expensive, investments of your life. Do your due diligence and remember to trust your instincts when you pick the right realtor. Happy house hunting!