The Perfect Agent

Torch Lake, Carnarvon, ON

Every month I receive excellent newsletters and publications on real estate, put together by some of Canada's and North America's top agents - chock full of great advice. As I read each word and absorb it's meaning, I often wonder how many agents in the business actually take the time to continually learn and push their limits. Free advice is there

for the taking.

It is one of my mantras - to get better at what I do with every single transaction. I hope I am - I think I am - succeeding.

So how does this affect you? How do you know if you are choosing a real estate representative that will work with your own personal goals, your personality, your expectations? Here are some questions I have never been asked in a listing presentation, but really think that I should be:

1. How do you keep up with current sales trends and techniques?

2. What is your social media presence?

3. What is your core ideology?
4. Is this your full-time career?

5. How do you ensure your knowledge and skills base is fresh and up-to-date?

6. How will you work with me to assist me with my goals;

7. What are some local market trend statistics? (not nation-wide and easily quotable)

8. Depending on the type of property you are selling (land, starter/retirement home, luxury property, cottage), ask what the Agent's experience is in that particular market.

If you are armed with these questions, you should be able to identify if this agent is the right agent for you, or if you need to move on. This is a partnership - your agent is offering a service - not just selling a property, and it best be an all-encompassing service ready to take on any hurdle in the process that may present itself.