1. Open and honest communication
You need to be able to freely express how you feel about a property and showing. You should feel comfortable sharing your finances. You need to share what your investment looks like to you.
2. An expert in your community of interest
The Real Estate Agent needs to be familiar of where the green spaces are, schools, recreation centres etc. They need to know what closing sale prices are to best negotiate.
3. Up to date on market trends
Your Real Estate Agent should know the averages of current interest rates. They should know any new Government policies and the Bank of Canada announcements.
4. A flexible schedule
They should pick up your phone, text or email in a timely manner. They should be available to attend open houses and schedule home viewings with you.
5. Organized and makes a plan
There should be filtered searches sent to you as often as you choose. They need to help set a plan of how often you want to see homes and touch base.
6. Confident in negotiating for you
Your Real Estate Agent should ask why and how instead of focusing on price. They should know how to listen to interests. They then can negotiate on more the money.
7. Gives you a clear idea of your costs
The Real Estate Agent needs to explain what the taxes, down payment etc are. They need to go through what expenses come up before closing.
8. Provides an explanation of the sales contract
The Real Estate Agent needs to send you a Sales Contract so you know what subjects you want to include. As well, what they mean so before signing you are not in a panic.
9. Reviews the Title search with you
The Real Estate Agent needs to pull the title search an explain if there are builder’s liens, easements etc. They need to explain what these items mean on your investment.
10. Reads through the minutes
Your Real Estate Agent should read the minutes and look for upcoming repairs. This will be an area they can negotiate on.
11. Attends home inspection
The Real Estate Agent should be up to date and attend the Home Inspection. They then can utilize this for negotiations too.
12. Ensure the home is clean before you take possession
They should inspect the home before closing and ensure the previous owner did a thorough clean.