How to Choose a Realtor - Start with the Basics
Choosing a Realtor is not complicated, but it is CRUCIAL!
Phase one of the Realtor search is to ensure the initial candidates on your list meet the professional requirements for the job.
This shortlist screening - aka the:
Pro or No
This stage is straightforward but entirely necessary to ensure each candidate is:
1. Professionally Trained & Licensed
2. Affiliated with Reputable Providers
3. Active in the Industry
4. Authentic not Superficial
Step 1: Verify Their Professional Standing
First things first – make sure your realtor is actually qualified to help you. You wouldn’t hire a contractor without checking their credentials, so why trust your real estate journey to someone who isn’t properly licensed and regulated?
What to check:
Licensing: Realtors need to be licensed with a recognized governing body. In Ontario, for example, this would be the Real Estate Council of Ontario (RECO). You can easily confirm this with a quick online search.
Affiliation: A realtor should also be a member of a reputable association, like the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA). This shows they adhere to professional standards and have access to valuable industry resources.
Brokerage: Take a look at the brokerage they work with. A well-established brokerage with a strong reputation can offer more support, tools, and a wider network to help get you the best deal.
Pro tip: If a realtor is hesitant to share this information, it’s time to move on. Transparency is key in any professional relationship!
Step 2: Research Their Online Presence
We all do a quick Google search before buying a product or trying a service, right? Do the same with your realtor! Their online presence can tell you a lot about their professionalism and how they engage with clients.
Things to look for:
Reviews & Testimonials: Search for reviews from past clients. Do they have a good reputation? Real, honest feedback is one of the best ways to understand what working with them will be like.
Social Media: Check out their social media profiles. Are they active and engaging with their community? This shows they’re involved in the market and keep up with trends, which can be a big asset when helping you with your real estate goals.
Website & Content: A realtor’s website should provide clear information about their services, listings, and track record. Do they have useful content, like blog posts or market updates? It’s a sign they’re committed to educating and providing value to their clients.
Pro tip: Pay attention to how they respond to both positive and negative reviews. A good realtor will address concerns professionally and courteously.
Step 3: Review the Brokerage
It’s not just about the realtor – the brokerage they work for matters too. The brokerage provides vital support, marketing, and resources that can make a huge difference in your experience.
Key things to consider:
Reputation: A reputable brokerage with a strong track record of success will likely have a better support system for your realtor. This can lead to a smoother transaction and better overall experience.
Resources: Does the brokerage offer things like marketing tools, home staging support, or connections to service providers? This can significantly benefit you, especially in competitive markets.
Team Support: It’s also important to check whether your realtor works alone or has a team. A team can provide additional expertise and assistance, which is great for handling any bumps along the way.
Pro tip: Ask your realtor how their brokerage supports them, and if you feel comfortable, ask about their team members. A well-supported realtor can offer better service and results.
Step 4: Avoid the Superficial Pitches
We’ve all seen flashy ads with bold promises: “I’ll sell your home for top dollar!” or “Guaranteed success in 30 days!” These are the kinds of superficial pitches that should set off alarms. While confidence is important, no realtor can guarantee a specific outcome — especially in the unpredictable world of real estate.
What to watch out for:
“Guaranteed Sale” promises: This is a huge red flag. Real estate is about strategy and market conditions, and no one can guarantee a sale price. If a realtor is promising something too good to be true, they might be more focused on closing a deal than providing value to you.
Excessive bragging: Awards like “Top 1% Realtor” or “Chairman’s Club” are great, but they don’t tell you how well the agent can meet your specific needs. Ask how their experiences or achievements relate to your goals.
Pushy Sales Tactics: If a realtor pressures you to sign a contract on the spot or makes you feel rushed, it’s a warning sign. The right agent will give you time to think and will be open to answering all your questions.
Pro tip: Trust your instincts. If something feels off or overly salesy, it’s okay to walk away. A good realtor will focus on your needs and not just on making a sale.
Wrapping It Up: Your 4-Step Realtor Shortlist
Choosing a realtor doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Here’s how you can streamline your search:
Verify their credentials: Make sure they’re licensed and affiliated with a solid brokerage.
Research their online presence: Look for real reviews and active social media profiles.
Review their brokerage: Check the reputation and resources of the brokerage they work with.
Avoid superficial pitches: Don’t fall for empty promises or excessive self-promotion.
Now that you have these simple steps in your toolkit, you can
Take your time, trust your gut, and don’t hesitate to ask the questions that matter.
We’re here to make the process easy, stress-free, and even a little fun — because real estate doesn’t have to be complicated. Let’s make it happen together!
At Lyons Family Realtors we’re committed to changing the narrative around real estate.
We believe in service over sales and transparency over ambiguity. If you’re ready to take a step towards a more empowered real estate experience, connect with us!
- the Door's Always Open
