It’s no doubt that in the last year we’ve seen lots of volatility within the housing market – but there’s one simple task that trumps them all: “How do I find the best real estate agent?”

It can seem like a daunting task at first – we’re bombarded with ads. How do you really decide? Below you will find our tips on how you can find the best real estate agent in Calgary

How to find a good Real Estate Agent in Calgary

• Step 1: See if they specialize in your area.
• Step 2: Ask how long they’ve been an agent.
• Step 3: Find out how well they communicate.
• Step 4: See if they have current listings and how many there are.
• Step 5: Check their credentials and awards.
• Step 6: Ask what their services include.
• Step 7: Research their reviews and talk to past clients.

See if they specialize in the area.

This may be the most important aspect when looking for real estate in Calgary. Calgary is made up of many communities with its own individual identities and markets. Whether it’s a specific neighbourhood or just the Northwest you’re looking at or selling in, Calgary is a vast city, and having a realtor that knows the ins and outs of an individual community is a huge asset to you as a homebuyer or seller. This realtor will have a key insight to the neighbourhood: its market, its schools, best grocery stores, and other key amenities. If you want to make the most informed decision, having an agent who specializes in your area will always be your best option.

Ask how long they’ve been an agent

This question can show two things: one – it can denote how much experience an agent has, but two – it can show the passion of the agent. Taking a quote from another one of our blogs: “While the number of years someone does a job can note experience, it is agents that are passionate about the career that are the ones that will work the hardest for you… You want to select someone that is as excited about your next steps as you are.” (How to Choose Your First Real Estate Agent)

Find out how well they communicate.

This is important – undoubtedly communication is key to a successful transaction. Do they answer your calls or emails promptly? Do they regularly update their media channels? Are they honest and forthcoming with their information? While the latter can be hard to gauge, online reviews or talking with past clients can help.

See if they have current listings, and if so, how many.

Looking at current listings help to decide a fair number of factors. It can identify the style of the agent in respect to presentation – is it attractive? Would you consider that property? How many listings are there? Too few or none would indicate a red flag, while too many may not make you a priority as a client. Are the houses in the area similar prices? This would likely mirror your own transaction.

Check their credentials and awards.

In the short of things, you simply want to make sure the real estate salesperson is registered and who supports a code of ethics. Here are a few common designations (as per the National Association of Realtors):

– Accredited Buyer’s Representative® / ABR®: The Accredited Buyer’s Representative (ABR®) designation is designed for real estate buyer agents who focus on working directly with buyer-clients at every stage of the home-buying process.

– Certified Residential Specialist / CRS: The CRS designation is the highest credential awarded to residential sales agents, managers, and brokers. On average, CRS designees earn nearly three times more in income, transactions, and gross sales than non-designee REALTORS®.

– Seniors Real Estate Specialist® / SRES®: The SRES® Designation program educates REALTORS® on how to profitably and ethically serve the real estate needs of the fastest growing market in real estate, clients age 50+. By earning the SRES® designation, you gain access to valuable member benefits, useful resources, and networking opportunities across the U.S. and Canada to help you in your business. Find out more about designations here.

Another asset to help an agent’s credentials would be a peer-supported award. (Give example) Being awarded by your peers is one of both respect and admiration; therefore you’d know that this real estate agent is a respected individual in their area and profession.

Research their reviews and talk to past clients.

This is going to be the best indicator of a real estate agent’s true performance. We’d recommend taking a look at a third party, independent review website for unbiased reviews or testimonials. Clients do not have to leave a review on these sites, they choose to out of the exceptional level of service they received. On another level, asking to contact past clients and actually getting to ask questions about an agent’s individual service is invaluable.

Ultimately, take the time to do your due diligence and you’ll reap the benefits of an agent who best suits your individual needs.

New to the search for a real estate agent? Check out our guide on how to pick your first agent