Hello everyone, this is Sharam, and welcome to today’s real estate conversation. Today, I want to talk about a question that I think every homebuyer and seller should ask: “How do I choose the right Realtor?” There are thousands of Realtors out there. You may know someone who is a Realtor, a friend may recommend someone, or you may see an agent on social media who looks very successful. But choosing a Realtor is an important decision—and choosing the right person can make a significant difference in your real estate experience. So today, I want to give you some practical questions you should ask before choosing your Realtor. Number One: Do They Understand Your Local Market? The first thing I would look for is local market knowledge. Real estate is very local. Someone may be an excellent Realtor, but if you're buying in Vancouver, Burnaby, Coquitlam, or North Vancouver, you want someone who actually understands those markets. They should know the neighbourhoods, different types of properties, recent sales, pricing trends, development plans, and what buyers are looking for. And don't just ask them, “How long have you been a Realtor?” Ask: “How much of your business is in the area where I'm looking to buy or sell?” That's a much more important question. Number Two: Do They Listen to You? This one is often overlooked. A good Realtor should not start by telling you what they think you should buy. They should start by asking questions. What's your budget? What type of property are you looking for? What is important to you about the neighbourhood? Are schools important? Do you need transit? Are you planning to stay for five years, ten years, or longer? Are you buying for yourself, your family, or as an investment? The Realtor should understand your goals before recommending properties. Remember: Your Realtor should be working for your goals—not trying to fit you into their agenda. Number Three: How Do They Communicate? Communication is extremely important in real estate. Buying or selling a property can involve many moving parts, and sometimes decisions need to be made quickly. So ask the Realtor: “How do you normally communicate with your clients?” Phone calls? Text messages? Email? And more importantly: “How quickly can I expect a response?” Of course, nobody can respond immediately 24 hours a day. But you want someone who has a clear communication system and keeps you informed. You should never feel like you're chasing your Realtor just to find out what's happening. Number Four: How Do They Handle Pricing? If you're selling, this is especially important. Be careful if a Realtor tells you: “I can definitely sell your home for this much.” Especially if the price sounds much higher than what comparable properties are selling for. A Realtor's job isn't simply to tell you the highest possible number. Their job is to help you understand the market and develop a realistic pricing strategy. Ask: “How did you arrive at this price?” They should be able to explain the comparable sales, current competition, market conditions, and their marketing strategy. And remember: The Realtor who gives you the highest suggested price isn't necessarily the Realtor who will get you the highest net result. Number Five: What Is Their Marketing Strategy? If you're selling, don't just ask: “Will you put my property on MLS?” That's only one part of the process. Ask what they will do to prepare and market your property. Will they help with staging? Photography? Video? Online marketing? Social media? Open houses? Targeted advertising? How will they position your property compared with the competition? A strong marketing plan should be more than simply putting a sign on the lawn and waiting. Number Six: Ask About Their Experience—But Look Beyond the Number Experience matters. But I wouldn't choose a Realtor based only on the number of years they've had a license. Someone could have 15 years of experience but operate exactly the same way they did 15 years ago. Instead, ask: “What kind of transactions do you normally handle?” “What types of properties do you specialize in?” “Can you explain how you help clients from beginning to end?” You want experience that is relevant to your situation. Number Seven: Ask How They Handle Problems This is one of my favourite questions. Ask your potential Realtor: “Tell me about a difficult transaction you handled and how you solved the problem.” Real estate transactions don't always go perfectly. There can be financing issues, inspection concerns, appraisal problems, negotiations, delays, or unexpected situations. You want a Realtor who stays calm, communicates clearly, and looks for solutions. Because sometimes, the true value of a Realtor isn't obvious when everything is going smoothly. It's when something goes wrong. Number Eight: Understand Their Fees and Agreements Before you start working together, make sure you understand the agreement you're signing. Ask about their services, compensation, responsibilities, and the terms of the representation agreement. Don't be uncomfortable asking questions. A professional Realtor should be happy to explain the agreement in plain language and make sure you understand what you're signing. Never sign something simply because you feel pressured. And Finally: Do You Trust Them? This might be the most important question of all. After meeting with a Realtor, ask yourself: Do I feel comfortable asking this person difficult questions? Do I believe they will tell me the truth—even when it's not what I want to hear? Do I feel that they are listening to me? Do I trust their advice? Because buying or selling a home is not just a financial transaction. It's a major decision. You need someone who will give you honest advice, protect your interests, negotiate on your behalf, and help you make informed decisions. And here's something else: Don't choose a Realtor simply because they're a friend or because they promise you the highest price. Interview two or three Realtors if necessary. Compare their knowledge, communication style, strategy, experience, and approach. Then choose the person you believe is the best fit for you. Final Thoughts So, if you're currently looking for a Realtor, here are the key questions to remember: Do they know your local market? Do they listen to your goals? How do they communicate? How do they approach pricing? What is their marketing strategy? Do they have relevant experience? How do they handle problems? And most importantly: Do you trust them? The right Realtor doesn't just open doors or put a property on MLS. The right Realtor should help you understand the market, identify opportunities, avoid costly mistakes, negotiate effectively, and make decisions with confidence. I'm Sharam, and I hope this conversation helps you choose the right Realtor for your next real estate journey. If you found this helpful, follow or subscribe for more real estate conversations about buying, selling, investing, and relocating in Vancouver and the surrounding areas. And if you're thinking about buying or selling and want to discuss your specific situation, feel free to reach out.
