How to Choose a Real Estate Agent: 8 Steps to Find the Right Fit

Wondering how to choose a real estate agent? Whether you’re preparing to buy or sell a home, finding the right realtor is essential for success. But, with so many real estate agents to choose from in North Vancouver, it can be challenging to narrow it down. So, to help you find the best realtor, we’ve put together this detailed guide.

In our guide to how to choose a real estate agent, we’ll take a closer look at why choosing the right realtor matters. We’ll also share exactly what to look for in a realtor. Finally, as two of North Vancouver’s top realtors (and local residents who have bought and sold our own homes), we’ll share insider details and a step-by-step process for how to choose a real estate agent who will get results!

Ready to learn everything you need to know about how to choose a realtor? Let’s get into it.

Table of Contents:

At a Glance: 8 Simple Steps
Why Choosing the Right Realtor Matters
Top Qualities to Look For in a Realtor
How to Choose a Real Estate Agent
Questions to Ask Potential Realtors
Looking for a Good Realtor in North Vancouver?

At a Glance: How to Choose a Real Estate Agent in 8 Simple Steps

Before we get into the nitty-gritty details of how to choose a real estate agent, here’s a quick look at the steps you’ll want to follow to find the best realtor in North Vancouver.

Clarify your needs.
Research, research, research.
Create a short list of the best realtors.
Evaluate credentials and experience.
Contact the top 2 or 3 real estate agents.
Interview each candidate.
Talk to references.
Choose the real estate agent that’s the best fit for you.

Why Choosing the Right Realtor Matters

Why is it so important to find a great real estate agent? Because the realtor you choose will significantly impact your home selling or buying experience.

The truth is—not all real estate agents are created equal. An experienced realtor will help you negotiate the best price, avoid costly mistakes, and make the home buying or selling process easier, faster and less stressful. On the other hand, working with the wrong agent can lead to delays, frustration, missed opportunities and more. That’s why it’s worth taking the time to choose a realtor carefully.

In addition to knowing how to choose a real estate agent who is the best in your area, it’s also essential to understand how to pick a realtor who is the right fit for you!

So, what, exactly, should you look for in a realtor? Here’s what you need to know.

Suzanne talking to a North Vancouver real estate client on the phone

What To Look for in a Realtor

If you’re wondering what makes a good realtor, you’re not alone. It can be difficult to know exactly what to look for and which qualities (personal and professional) are most important.

As experienced North Vancouver real estate agents, we’ve worked with countless other realtors over the years. From our experience, here’s what makes a great realtor.

Outstanding reputation – the best realtors have exceptional reputations. Choose a real estate agent with a strong history of success and numerous 5-star client reviews.
Proactive – a great realtor (whether a listing agent or a real estate agent for buying) is always one step ahead of you.
Strong communication skills – a good realtor communicates clearly and will keep you informed and up-to-date at all times (even if it’s just to tell you that there’s no news).
Responsive – top realtors respond to calls, emails, and texts in a timely manner.
Good listener – look for someone who listens and, in doing so, clearly understands your unique needs and preferences.
Local North Vancouver real estate experience – the best realtor for you is someone with local experience. If you’re choosing a listing agent, look for someone who has sold numerous homes in your area. If you’re choosing a real estate agent for buying, look for a realtor who has helped countless people find the perfect home in your preferred area.

Of course, it’s also essential that your realtor is licensed! So, make sure to check their qualifications before you hire a real estate agent. We’ll discuss this more in detail, including where you can check realtor credentials, below.

Now that you know what to look for in a realtor, let’s take a closer look at how to choose a realtor in North Vancouver.

How to Choose a Real Estate Agent in 8 Steps

There are thousands of realtors in North Vancouver and throughout the greater Vancouver area! So, how can you find the best one? Follow these simple steps.

1. Clarify Your Needs

Before you start taking down names, it’s crucial to determine precisely what you’re looking for!

Are you selling a home, buying a home, or both? Are you a first-time home buyer? Ask yourself these questions to determine whether you need a listing agent, a buyer’s agent (also called a selling agent – confusing, we know) or both, and what credentials and experience this person should have.

Quick Note – Listing Agent vs Selling Agent: A listing agent is a realtor who represents someone who is selling their home. On the other hand, a selling agent (or buyer’s agent) is a realtor who represents someone who is buying a home.

Women who know how to choose a real estate agent researching North Vancouver realtors and past home sales

2. Research, Research, Research

Next, it’s time to do your research! Conduct online research and ask around for referrals for North Vancouver realtors.

Here are some tips to help you with your research.

Google “North Vancouver real estate agent,” “North Vancouver realtors,” or other variations and explore different websites.
Read online reviews to see what other North Shore home buyers and sellers recommend.
Ask family, friends, colleagues, neighbours, or even local businesses for referrals. Recommendations from others are one of the keys to how to choose a real estate agent.

3. Create a Short List of the Best Realtors in North Vancouver

After completing your research and comparing the best real estate agents in your area, make a list of your favourites. We suggest a short list of no more than 4 or 5 realtors.

Insider Tip: You’ll spend a lot of time talking with your realtor! So, while knowledge and experience are important, communication skills and personality are also essential to consider. Be sure to keep these factors in mind when choosing real estate agents to add to your list. We’ll share more tips for evaluating these aspects below.

4. Evaluate Credentials & Experience

Now, with your short list of the best realtors, take some time to look into each person’s credentials and experience. More specifically, ensure they’re licensed and have strong local expertise.

How can you evaluate credentials and experience?

You can check a realtor’s credentials using BC Financial Services Authority’s “Find a Real Estate Professional” search tool. Just enter the name of the realtor in the “Find a Professional” section and hit “Search.”

You can find this invaluable tool for how to choose a real estate agent here: https://www.bcfsa.ca/public-resources/real-estate/find-professional

Important Note: Choosing a licensed real estate agent is essential, as it ensures the realtor is qualified to help you sell or buy a home. A licensed real estate professional has completed the required education, passed a licensing exam, and holds an active license to provide real estate services.

To evaluate a realtor’s experience, check out their website and social media and review their recent sales (especially those in your North Vancouver neighbourhood). Pay attention to how active they are and what types of homes they typically sell or help buy.

Insider Tip: While exploring each real estate agent’s website and social media, try to get a feel for who they are as a person. Do they seem like they would be good to work with? Do you think you would get along? Finding someone you would like to work with on a personal level can go a long way in ensuring a great home selling or buying experience.

5. Contact the Top 2 to 4 Real Estate Agents

Next, choose your favourite two or three realtors and contact them.

Insider Tip: Reach out using your preferred contact method so you can judge how responsive the realtor is! For example, send a few questions in an email to see how quickly the realtor responds, how comprehensive their response is, and their willingness to answer questions.

This will help you determine the realtor’s responsiveness and whether their communication style aligns with yours. If their response doesn’t match your expectations, remove them from your list.

Homeowners interviewing Jenny + Suzanne as potential listing agents for their North Vancouver home

6. Interview Each Candidate

Now, with your final list of candidates, set up a call or in-person meeting and interview each real estate agent. We recommend interviewing at least two or three realtors.

During the interview, be sure to ask the right questions to get a sense of each realtor’s communication style, local knowledge, strategies, marketing plan, availability, track record and commission. Don’t forget to ask for references, too! A good real estate agent will happily connect you with some of their past clients.

Don’t worry—our guide to how to choose a real estate agent wouldn’t be complete without sharing a list of specific questions! Keep reading to discover important questions to ask a realtor before you hire them.

7. Talk to References

Before making your final decision, speak to a few past clients (if possible).

Learning about others’ experiences will give you a better sense of how the agent works and what to expect. Most importantly, it will help you determine which realtor best suits your needs, preferences, and personality and provide valuable insight into their performance.

Here are a few helpful questions to ask (plus, be sure to ask about anything else that is important to you!).

Did this realtor help you buy or sell a home?
What was the best part of working with this realtor?
How well did they communicate and keep you informed?
Were there any challenges, and if so, how were they handled?
Would you work with this real estate agent again?

8. Choose a Real Estate Agent

Finally, it’s time to pick the real estate agent who is the best fit for you!

Some of the most important factors to keep in mind when making your decision are communication skills, personality (i.e., is their personality a fit for you), level of comfort (i.e., do you feel comfortable with them) and level of trust (i.e., do you trust them). Most importantly, trust your instincts!

Insider Tip: Before committing to anything, make sure to read your agreement carefully!

Questions to Ask Before You Choose a Real Estate Agent

Ready to interview some potential realtors? Here are some important questions to ask.

Interview Questions for Listing Agents

If you’re wondering how to choose a listing agent (i.e., how to choose a real estate agent to sell your home), here are some essential questions.

How long have you been selling homes?
What certifications do you have?
Have you received any awards for your services?
How many homes have you sold in my neighbourhood recently?
How do you market homes for sale?
What is your pricing strategy?
What’s your approach to negotiation?
Do you have a team, or do you work independently?
Will I be working with you directly or with a member of your team?
What’s your commission rate, and what does it include?
What distinguishes you from other listing agents?
Can you provide reviews or references from past clients?

Interview Questions for Buyer’s Agents (aka Selling Agents)

If you’re looking into how to choose a real estate agent for buying, here are some crucial questions to ask.

What North Vancouver neighbourhoods do you specialize in?
How many people have you helped buy a home in my desired neighbourhood?
How do you go about scouting potential properties?
What’s your strategy for helping me get the best deal?
Can you provide recommendations for home inspectors, mortgage brokers, contractors, etc.?
How quickly do you respond to texts, emails, or calls?
Are you part of a real estate team, or do you work independently?
Will I work with you directly or with a member of your team?
What makes you different from other buyer’s agents?
Can you provide reviews or references from past clients?