How to go about choosing the right sales rep

It is important to take your time selecting a professional to represent you in your purchase. One of the biggest mistakes a buyer can make is assuming that all Realtors are the same and begin working with the first one they come across only to realize, usually when it’s too late, that the salesperson may not have their best interests in mind.

The wisest thing you can do is find a Realtor who will meet with you and understand your needs, before looking at any homes.

This initial meeting is also a good time for you to discover how they plan to work on your behalf. Beware of any real estate agent who does not take this approach, starts sending you listings without meeting first or insists that you must see a particular property right away “before it’s too late”.

Be wary also of the salesperson who insists that you sign a Buyer Agency Agreement right away without adequate explanation of the process and the commitment that he or she is prepared to make. In most cases, this type of person may only be interested in making a quick deal and is not concerned with your long term real estate needs and investment goals.

If for some reason you do not feel comfortable with one Realtor do not sign a buyer agency agreement with them, search out another. There are thousands of representatives licensed with the Toronto Real Estate Board, each one unique and different with their own strengths and weaknesses. To assist in your selection process we have compiled the following questionnaire. No salesperson is absolutely perfect but if the answers to these questions about your sales representative are not generally favourable then your search for the right agent has not yet ended.