You’ll take many steps on the path to finding your dream home, but the first one should be finding an experienced real estate agent. The right professional can simplify your search, answer your questions, and help you secure your ideal property for a great price! The problem is, many buyers aren’t sure how to find a top-notch representative. We get it—that’s why we’ve put together a few questions to pose during the interview process.

If you’re ramping up to buy a home, here’s what you should ask during your search for the right agent…

How long have you been helping buyers?

First things first: when you’re interviewing an agent, you’ll want to know how long they’ve been in the business. Put simply, experience matters. While a new real estate professional may be determined, they’ll likely do their best if they’re working as part of a team that has years (or even decades) of success behind them.

How well do you know my communities of interest?

This one is a biggie. When you’re buying a home, the agent you work with should be a neighbourhood expert. From schools and parks to crime rates and general character, it pays to know the community you’re moving into. Even if you’ve lived there all your life, an agent can provide information you might not have access to otherwise—like property value trends, and how they could impact you when and if you decide to sell.

Can you tell me about your relationships in the community?

There’s more than one way a local expert can come in handy. In addition to being aware of neighbourhood amenities, an agent with community knowledge will likely know many professionals in the area. From mortgage lenders to movers to home repair specialists, their connections could lead to some recommendations that will make your transition smoother. So don’t be afraid to ask an agent not only about what they know, but who they know!

Can you tell me a bit about the offer process?

Finding the ideal property is only half the battle. Once you’ve located the place you want to call home, it’s time to put your best foot forward. We’re talking about making an offer, and it can be stressful! The agent you work with should be capable of helping you put together a highly-attractive bid—while fully respecting your boundaries. To ensure the best possible result, ask the professionals you interview how they’ve helped buyers navigate the offer process in the past.

What’s your approach to negotiations?

Negotiations can be tricky. It’s not just about understanding a seller’s motivations. It’s also about knowing how much the house next door was purchased for—and what kind of leverage that can give you. When push comes to shove, you want the agent by your side to be an advocate. They should have the local knowledge and negotiation know-how to help you get a fantastic price. Don’t be shy about asking them if they do, and how it’s allowed them to help buyers come out on top.

How should we communicate?

When it comes to the person who’s helping you find your dream home, staying in touch is key. You should never be left out of the loop, and your questions should always be answered in a timely manner! That’s why we suggest asking each agent you’re thinking of working with about ongoing communication. How available will they be? Should you contact them through text, emails, or phone calls? The answers will help define your relationship should you choose to work together.

Can I talk to buyers you’ve worked with before?

It’s easy to find reviews for just about everything, from cars to hotels to restaurants—and yes, even real estate agents. When your hard-earned cash is on the line, that’s a very good thing. Having said that, pulling up online testimonials isn’t always enough. If you’re like most home buyers, you’ll have questions that only an agent’s past clients can answer. The bottom line? Ask to speak with references. Any professional worth their salt should be happy to provide them!

Ready to find the Winnipeg home of your dreams? Reach out to learn about our buying process—and discover what’s on the market!