Top 10 Things to Look for in an Ottawa Buyers Agent
I think everyone knows someone that has made a poor decision in buying a home. It’s surprising how few people actually carefully interview and select a realtor based on their knowledge and understanding. Many chose a realtor thinking they are all very similar, and simply go with the person the ‘connect’ with early on in the process.
I’m here to tell you not to do that. I’m also here to provide some reasons why. Below is my top ten list of what to look for in a Ottawa buyer’s agent.
1. Market Knowledge – Presenting an honest and up to date snapshot of what the local market is doing and where it looks to be headed. Not all agents understand months of inventory, sales/active listing ratio, and local supply/demand statistics. This creates a stronger business case for going forward with a purchase based on your expectations, or deciding to hold off and wait a bit longer.
2. Process Explanation – Jeff Lyons or a member of his team will walk through everything, step by step. For a first time buyer, it can be a bit stressful. A good buyer’s agent makes sure their client understands everything that takes place. No surprises makes things go smoothly and can save you money.
3. A Buyer’s Questionnaire – Providing a specialized review of what you are looking for in a home or investment property. It should be detailed enough to reveal things that the client didn’t know they didn’t know! A good agent will take all the answers to the questionnaire and determine what the client would most likely be happy with in terms of outcome.
4. Contract Expertise – Understanding all proper subjects and clauses, and how to use them for complete protection and favorable presentation to the sellers. A seriously significant differentiation point between an average agent and a good one.
5. Negotiation Skills and Strategies – Negotiation and sales techniques. Probably THE number one way a realtor earns their commission. Knowing what and how to offer, how to best deal with a counter offer, and when to keep emotions in check and walk away are a few important pieces. We have the experience and know how to ensure your best interests are protected at all times.
6. Liability Protection – Legal and financial protection of clients and their interests. Realtors should take the uncertainty and legal liability and put it on there shoulders throughout the process while doing the due diligence for the client. Part of the reason commissions are high in a real estate transaction is because of the protection agents must pay for in their business.
7. Financial Benefits – Getting you a better mortgage, even when you already think your bank has you covered. Recommending different trades people, discounted products, etc. Having someone contact you to let you know the best time to buy and/or sell….
Jeff Lyons and the Power Lyons Property Marketing Team will certainly keep you up to date. We will set you up with automatic notifications that will alert you automatically, and before its becomes avaiable to the general public, of any new properties, or change in price of existing listings.
8. Product Knowledge – Knowing what to look for when you start to tour. Building history, construction knowledge, or information on the developer are a few examples. Evaluating property as a career leads a good agent to know whether the place is a good buy or not, mostly through experiences and stories from other professionals in the industry.
9. Neighbourhood Information – Memorized specific local knowledge. What’s the Official Community Plan for the area and what could it mean for real estate long term? Which developers own what surrounding land? What about schools and community centres? A good realtor knows this stuff by heart.
If we don’t have the information on hand, we will certainly get it for you. A good agent will admit when he doesn’t know, and a great agent will get back to you expediently with answers.
10. Constant Communication – The biggest complaint people have about their previous realtor tends to be that they never heard back from them after their last sale. If you are choosing someone that will provide advice, information, and feedback on a consistent basis, you are choosing a true professional that values the relationship more than your ability to generate them income.
We look forward to hearing from you.
Thanks
Jeff Lyons
Power Lyons Property Marketing
