Buying a home is a big deal! It’s almost certainly one of the largest investments you’ll ever make, which is why getting it right the first time is so crucial. Choose a great agent, and they’ll help ensure that this major purchase is a smooth and successful one.

The right expert by your side gives you numerous advantages, from uncovering the perfect listing to negotiating the best terms and facilitating a seamless close. The entire process can be far less stressful and more straightforward when you have a knowledgeable agent on your side. When the market is less-than-favourable, this expertise becomes even more valuable.

Working with an agent sounds simple, but how can you be sure that the professional you’re planning to hire has the knowledge and skills to do the job well? And where do you begin sorting through the many real estate services available in Toronto? That’s where having a well-thought-out interview process will help.

When you’re buying a home, here are five tips for interviewing agents.

If you’re serious about buying a home, our comprehensive buyer’s guide is a must-have resource. Download your copy for free right here.

1) Do Your Homework

Performing due diligence on a prospective real estate agent is essential – almost as important as carefully inspecting a house you plan to buy. Fortunately, it has never been easier to research a company thanks to modern technology. You can get a feel for the expertise and commitment of any service provider with a little online research long before you ever pick up the phone or start typing an email.

Google your area and see who comes up. From there, check to see if they have a separate website independent of their brokerage with easy-to-find contact information. Both of these are critical in the current market! In short, you want an expert who knows what they’re doing that you can also get a hold of in an urgent situation.

Narrow down your list of candidates to include only those who can meet your needs. Look beyond credentials and neighbourhood expertise to consider how they present online.

• Do they appear professional?
• Does their website clearly convey the advantages they can provide?

You should also keep an eye out for testimonials and multiple positive Google reviews. For example, Sidorova Inwood Realty has well over 100 reviews, and the vast majority are five stars!

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Looking for more buying tips before beginning your home search? The posts below are a great place to start:

• 5 Little Known Things to Look For When Touring a Home
• 5 Questions to Ask About a Home Before Making an Offer
• A Guide To Buying Your First Home In Toronto

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2) Ask About Their Results

Any real estate agent can boast that they have twenty years of experience or have handled a certain amount of transactions every year. And this is a great start! Just don’t stop with a cursory glance. Years of experience can be an indicator of knowledge and expertise, but not always.

For the best buying experience, be sure to focus on the outcome those agents were able to deliver. Start by asking each professional about their experience working with buyers (not just sellers).

• What does their track record look like?
• How many satisfied home hunters have they helped in the last year?
• How many turned into successful transactions?

The truth is, there are agents out there who only complete one or two deals annually. Others work part-time on the side while juggling a “real” job and a busy family life. But real estate is complex and the market moves fast, which means that the industry is not conducive to part time efforts.

You want to work with someone who has successfully negotiated many transactions and knows the purchase process inside and out. The right fit gives you the best possible chance to find a house you love within your budget.

Wondering what homes are available in the West End? Take a look at our latest listings right here.

3) Ask for Specific Examples

It’s easy to claim expertise, but showing it is something else entirely. That’s why we suggest asking any agent you interview for examples.

• Can they tell you about a time they secured a better outcome for a buyer through negotiations?
• What about a home hunter who found the ideal property (or avoided a lemon) thanks to their due diligence?

When it comes to discussing the buying process, a true expert will have plenty of experience to draw on. If their list of achievements comes up short, it’s a sign you may want to move to the next contender.

4) Discuss Their Neighbourhood Expertise

When you’re buying a home, few factors matter as much as location. From green space, schools, and neighbourhood amenities to the local market, a community’s particulars will determine whether it’s right for you.

That’s why any agent you’re considering should know your communities of interest—thoroughly. They don’t necessarily have to live in that area, but it helps! In either case, be sure to ask how long they’ve worked in these neighbourhoods, and try to get a sense of how well-acquainted they are with them. If they can talk about their favourite cafes and local price points on the spot, they likely have the knowledge you’re looking for!

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Speaking of neighbourhoods, you can learn more about a few of our West End Toronto favourites in the posts below:

• Why Do Families Love Rockcliffe-Smythe?
• 5 Reasons To Love Living in Swansea
• Why The Junction is Perfect For Families

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5) Request References

Lastly, be sure to ask the agent you’re interviewing if you can speak to some of their past buyer clients. There’s no better way to learn what working with someone is really like than by talking to those who have made it to the other side of the closing process with them.

• How comfortable did they feel throughout the entire buying process?
• Did the advice offered lead to an outcome that met (or exceeded) their expectations?
• Was the agent available to answer questions and to provide support throughout the entire transaction?

A professional agent will have no problem pointing you towards buyers who can answer these questions. The most successful agents live and dream about real estate all day long and will be only too happy to discuss what your dream home might look like for you. Even more importantly, they will have a rock solid plan for helping you to achieve your goal.

Preparing to buy a home? We know the process inside and out, and we’d love to walk you through it! Get in touch at info@sidorovainwood.com or call 416-769-3437 to take the next step.