Whether you’re buying or selling a home, choosing the right real estate agent for your transaction can make all the difference. Instead of working with the first professional you come across, it’s important to be selective. 

If you’ve never worked with one before, or it’s been some time since you have, you’ll want to know what to look for when researching or speaking with potential agents.

As a long-serving real estate team ourselves, here are five positive qualities, or “green flags” that we think great agents have.

1. Strong Local Presence 

Location will be an important and influential factor in your transaction. This is especially important in Ottawa and the National Capital Region as we have many unique communities, each with something different to offer. If a real estate agent is well-established in your local area and has specific experience working there, it’s a positive sign that they’ll be equipped to help you reach your goals. 

If you’re buying, not only will a great agent know where to look to find a home that meets your needs, but they’ll also keep you informed on things like nearby amenities, schools, and future developments in the area to help you get a fuller picture of life in the neighbourhood. 

On the flip side, as a seller, an agent who specializes in your community will know exactly what local buyers are looking for. With these important insights, they’ll best know how to prepare, market, and list your home for a smooth sale. 

2. Long-Term Industry Experience 

Another positive attribute of a potential real estate agent is multiple years of industry experience. 

A unique facet of real estate is that it’s constantly evolving. As the market in Ottawa continues to shift, many newer agents are facing unfamiliar conditions. However, an agent who has several years or even decades under their belt will have purchased and sold homes in a wide range of market trends. Using this experience, they’ll know how to navigate the market in a way that optimizes your chances for success. 

Alternatively, a newer real estate agent can also be highly knowledgeable. If you’re considering hiring an agent who only has a few years under their belt, take the time to ask about what sets them apart from other agents. They may be backed by a strong team or brokerage and be able to provide the same fantastic service as a more established agent.

Want to learn more about working with a real estate agent? Check out these blog posts for helpful tips. 

• Do You Need a Real Estate Agent to Buy a Pre-Construction Home?
• What to Ask a Luxury Agent When Selling Your Home
• 5 Questions to Ask Your Agent Before Relocating

3. Honesty & Transparency

If you’re buying or selling a home, there’s a good chance that it will be one of the largest financial transactions of your lifetime. While having an expert by your side is already a good start, a truly great real estate agent is one who provides open and transparent guidance.  

Putting your interests above all else, a trustworthy agent will be upfront with you from the get-go. By never sugarcoating the details or understating potential risks or challenges, they’ll ensure that you are confident and informed when you head to the market.  

Want to know more about The Wright Team and our passionate approach to real estate? Click here to (virtually) meet our team. 

4. Regular Communication

Effective communication is key in any real estate transaction. 

Buying or selling a home isn’t always stress-free, but a reliable real estate agent can help provide you with peace of mind by addressing your questions, needs, or concerns as soon as possible. When the ball is rolling on your transaction, they’ll keep you informed on the progress of your sale or purchase as it happens. 

Getting ready to sell your home? Check out these blog posts to learn how you can prepare for the process. 

• Are People Still Buying “Fixer Upper” Homes?
• The Cost of Selling a Home in Ontario
• How Real Estate Lawyers Facilitate Your Transaction

5. Negotiation Skills

Negotiations are an intricate step in the buying and selling processes and will have a significant impact on the outcome of your transaction. A great agent will be solutions-oriented and skilled at creating favourable deals that work for everyone. 

While it can be difficult to identify whether or not an agent is a good negotiator before you work with them, there are some strategies you can use to get an idea ahead of time. 

During the interview process, ask a potential agent about their approach to negotiations. If you like, you can even ask for their opinion on certain elements of the process, such as what conditions or contingencies they would expect to see in today’s market. 

Another helpful resource during the research stage is testimonials and reviews. If you’re interested in a particular agent, read through some of their testimonials and reviews from past clients. Note instances where clients have mentioned a favourable deal. 

Looking to buy or sell in the National Capital Region? The Wright Team is here to help. Send us an email or call at 613-692-0606 to get in touch.