The Ramahi Real Estate Group 780-406-4000

Most people that are selling their property feel that it would be advantageous to hire the services of a good real estate agent. But a large percentage of them also feel that it can be quite challenging to find one that ticks all the boxes. Here are some basic things to keep in view while hiring and working with a real estate agent:

Conduct Some Market Research

It’s important that you carry out some research in your local area. Either walk around or drive through the neighbourhood and keep an eye out for real estate signs (especially ones that have ‘sold’ written on them). Check which agents’ names show up more often on these signs. Many people hire a selling agent based on the recognition the professional has in their community.

Meet with the Agent in Person

Make it a point to walk into open houses in your local area. Pay attention to how the agent deals with potential buyers. It’s also important that you take some time to personally interact with the agent, rather than simply taking a business card and leaving. The aspects to look out for are — a professional attitude and a great personality. Many people find agents at open houses they have attended.

Read Ratings and Reviews Online

Today, it isn’t difficult to find reviews for real estate agents online. Once you have identified a few agents, conduct an online search and read reviews and customer testimonials, check what their ratings are. Read what the agent’s previous clients are saying about the services offered. It’s also important to note the manner in which the agent responds to any negative reviews.

Referrals Are A Great Way to Go

Personal referrals from family members or friends are probably one of the best ways to find a great real estate agent. More than one in five home sellers find agents via referrals from family, friends, colleagues or neighbours.

Meet with Multiple Agents

Interview at least three real estate agents. It’s never a good idea to settle for the first one you come across. A majority of home sellers end up contacting only one agent. However, when you discuss your requirements with multiple agents, it gives you the chance to compare their services, personality, and approach and decide which one you find best suited to your needs. If you have got some referrals, meet with at least three of them and ask them the exact same questions to judge whether you can work with them.

In addition to all these things, it’s also important that you set clear expectations when hiring an agent. Explain what your communication preferences are and make sure the professional is easily accessible as well. Following these basic tips will help you zero in on a real agent that would be a good fit – like us, the Ramahi Real Estate Group!

Whether you’re looking to buy or sell in the Edmonton area, for a greater probability of success you need a dedicated professional. We can guide you through the process and be counted on to protect your investment!

If you are planning to sell your home, it is important to hire the right agent. A good agent has the experience that can help you sell your house faster and for a lot more money as well. You can visit online sites, search for good agents in your area and read some of the reviews that they’ve received from older clients. You can then decide whether you want to hire their services or not. Here are a few questions to ask an agent while selling your home:

What Are Your Qualifications?

The agent you hire should have a state license. If they belong to any local real estate trade associations, they will have access to multiple listing services. This means that they would be able to list your home on various sites which will get it the visibility it needs.

How Many Sales Did You Close The Previous Year?

Even though past success doesn’t necessarily mean you will have a quick sale, it does give you some assurance that the professional knows what he/she is doing. Inquiring about the price range the agent has sold other properties is necessary. You need someone who knows exactly what features buyers in that specific income bracket are looking for.

Do You Have Local Real Estate Experience?

Hiring the services of a local real estate professional can prove to be a huge advantage, as they have the knowledge of all upcoming developments and amenities that may have an impact on the value of your home. You will want the services of an agent who knows the market in your neighbourhood. The agent you hire not only has to sell your house but also your neighbourhood as well.

How Do You Zero-In On The Right Listing Price?

The money aspect and your agents negotiating abilities will decide what listing price will work best in the existing market. If your house is priced much above the market rate it just won’t sell and will be a turn-off for potential buyers. Contrastingly if you price it too low you will end up getting far less than what it is actually worth. Make sure that the agent you hire has the solid market knowledge and has handled sales of properties similar to yours in the recent past.

Will I Be Working Directly With You?

It is important for you to know whether you’ll be working with just one specific agent or some member of his team. There are both good and bad aspects to each; for example, if you’re working with a team of agents, it makes the showings a lot easier. However specific requests which are made by the seller may go unnoticed within a team.

How Much Money Is It Going To Cost Me To Sell My Home?

Knowing the costs that you will end up paying for the broker’s commission, closing fees and any other additional expenses can help you plan accordingly. You can also compare one agent’s charges with another.

What Sales Strategy Will You Use?

Every agent should have a written down strategy for how they are going to market your house, from social media to listing services to open houses. Relying on mailers isn’t enough. Consider using the services of an agent that provides professional photography, a custom designed website or even videos.

What Do I Need To Focus On While Readying My House For Sale?

Take their advice and make additional upgrades or repairs, follow other useful hacks they suggest for impactful yet easy-on-the-budget improvements. If they suggest staging, you might want to consider using it. At times, just de-cluttering and cleaning may get the job done.

What Will Be Our Mode Of Communication?

It’s important to ensure that the agent uses the same mode of communication that you prefer. For example, if you prefer a telephonic conversation over texting, the agent you choose should be able to cater to that need. The communication frequency and method between you and the agent are important aspects when it comes to making a successful house sale.

Getting answers to these questions and any other relevant ones, are crucial to the success of your house sale. Start off with a FREE home evaluation!

Purchasing a new house is one of the biggest investments that one makes. It isn’t just an investment of money, but also of time and a lot of effort. Most people end up staying in a house for a minimum of five years, or in some cases for decades and it’s essential to make the right purchase choice.  It is important to look for a house that suits your lifestyle, family and even your budget. Take a look at how you can make the most of your home buying experience.

Buying a Home

Be Patient

Buyers need to be ready to move quickly when they find the house they like. However, it’s far much more important for the buyer to be patient. Agents help you avoid major pitfalls. Real estate professionals state that if you are prepared and know exactly what to expect (even though it is a stressful and intimidating process), you will have no problem in finding the house you like.

Hire an Agent

Hiring an agent to help in the buying process can prove to be extremely helpful. The agent will ensure that there are no problems with the property. These experts are skilled in negotiating house pricing, which helps you get a better deal. Once you get your pre-approval, look for an agent with local knowledge and one you can trust as well.

Location Matters

The location of the house matters a great deal. Some of the aspects to take into account include, proximity to schools and parks, entertainment opportunities, shopping areas etc. Aside from this, it’s important to make sure that the neighbourhood is safe, well-connected, well-maintained, and suits your lifestyle.

Be Aware Of All Costs Involved

Purchasing a house isn’t cheap and you end up paying for insurance, pre-paid taxes, home inspection, title closing fee and mortgage costs to the lender. This is where an experienced realtor comes in handy as buyers don’t always expect the inspection costs, non-homestead taxes or association fees. Many unanticipated problems may surface at the last minute after an inspection which can end up costing you a considerable amount of money.

Selling Your Home

Here are some tips on how you can make the most of your home selling experience.

Set a Timeline

Homeowners should set a timeline while selling their house. A lot of people try to sync the sale of their house with a relocation or the purchase of another property. A well-maintained and updated house won’t take long to get sold.

Hire an Experienced Agent

Consider hiring an agent who has the knowledge and experience to sell your house quickly and also make the process as smooth as possible. A local agent familiar with the neighbourhood, has deep knowledge about buying trends. They will conduct a market analysis, survey your house and provide professional photography services as well. These are the types of agents you should be working with.

Know How Much Expense Is Involved

Real estate commission, owners title insurance, transfer tax, current mortgage balance etc. are the different costs associated with a home sale. After an inspection of your house, you may have to spend some money on repairs or give some concessions to the buyer.

Have the Right Home Features

Updated kitchens and bathrooms are what the modern buyers desire. However, they also want the house to be practical and function without any problems. Every home buyer will have very specific requirements while buying a home. Most will look for things like large yards, proximity to schools, extra garage space, well-maintained sidewalks etc. While every property won’t have all these aspects in place, it needs to have at least most of these desired features.

Home Improvement Updates and Fixes

Carrying out small and simple fixes will ensure your house will sell quickly. It’s important to create a good impression on buyers by making sure that your house is spruced up and well-maintained. It is a good idea to get your home staged by a professional. The real estate market is very competitive and you have only one chance to make an impression on buyers.

Whether you’re buying or selling a home, one of the best ways to get a great deal is to hire a skilled real estate team like us, the Team Ramahi Real Estate Group! Contact us today to get started on buying or selling in Edmonton. 

Buying a home isn’t something you can take lightly. It’s probably one of the biggest investments you will make your life and you need to ensure but you make a smart decision. One of the best ways to find a great house is to hire the services of an experienced real estate agent. It also very important that you ask the agent certain questions about buying a home. Here are some of them:

Why Is This Owner Selling Their Property?

While the real estate agent doesn’t really have to answer this question, they might give you a hint at what the exact circumstances are. You may be able to find out whether the owner is hard-pressed to sell the property because they need me to move to a different location for a new work position, or due to some other reason. This may mean they are willing to accept a lower price.

Is There Anything Specific I Need To Know About The House?

Most people that are buying a new home are concerned that they may not be aware of a significant negative factor the most others are aware of. For example, very noisy neighbours, a local train station in close proximity, or some other similar aspect that can affect the comfort levels in your home. If you harbour any doubts about a particular property, its best to ask local shopkeepers or even next door neighbours for their opinion.

What’s Exactly Included In This Sale?

Check whether the greenhouse, garden shed or other temporary outdoor features are included in the sale. You also need to check whether the fittings and fixtures are going to be part of it and where the property boundary line is. It’s important that you have clear visibility of what you are buying. It isn’t uncommon for some contents, not to be included in the sale.

How Long Has This House Been On The Market?

If the property has been on the market for three months or more, it crucial that you ask the agent why it isn’t selling. There can be certain problems that other potential buyers have noticed, but you haven’t. Sometimes a higher price tag may be the reason for it languishing on the market. If this is the case, it’s possible the seller would accept a much lower price.

For What Duration Have These Owners Lived In The House?

If you find out that the owners are moving within a very short period of time, it’s necessary for you to find out exactly why. Find out whether there had been any specific problems due to which they are moving.

Has this Property Changed Hands Repeatedly?

If a particular property has changed hands very frequently, that can be an indication of some serious problems. Find out why some of the previous owners moved out. It also a good idea to try to contact them to determine the exact reason for them leaving the place.

How Have you Decided on an Asking Price?

A great agent will always provide you with the reason for the asking price. This will help you make a better judgment. Sometimes, you might be lucky enough and an agent may tell you they feel the seller is overvaluing the property. In any case, it a good idea to visit other properties that are on sale in that same neighbourhood. This would give you a feel of the market price in that area and determine whether what you’re paying is right.

What’s The Minimum Price The Seller Will Accept?

Not many potential buyers realize this, but it important to ask whether the seller is willing to negotiate even on their minimum price. The real estate agents generally give you an indication as they benefit when they are making a sale, albeit at a lower price. It’s very simple really; if they don’t sell, they just won’t get paid.

These are just a few of the questions you should be asking your real estate agent while buying a new home. While it’s a good idea to get these answers from the agent, it also important that you conduct a certain amount of independent research before making your final decision.  Start off on the right foot and let us help you find your dream home today!