If you’re on the hunt for a Winnipeg real estate agent, the first thing you’ll notice is the deep, deep pool you have to choose from. There are over 1,000 practising real estate agents in Winnipeg, all of whom want you business, and many of whom will say anything to get it.
So where do you start? The most important thing is to find a realtor who can understand your needs and goals in order to help you find a home or sell yours quickly and for the best price.
Here are five questions you should ask every realtor you interview in order to determine if they’re the right agent for you.
1. How long have you been in the business?
Experience makes an expert, which is why it may be a little risky to choose a real estate agent who just got their license. Keep in mind, though, that time may not necessarily equal experience in the case of real estate.
You may find an agent in Winnipeg who has sold hundreds of homes over their 20-year career, or you may also find a realtor who has sold the same number of homes in just 10 or 15 years. Either way, it’s important to gauge how hard your agent will work for you and what level of expertise they can bring to the table.
A great place to start is to ask how many homes the real estate agent has sold in the specific area in which you’re selling. Also, don’t be afraid to ask how long, on average, their listings remain on the market. If you want to dive deeper, inquire about a realtor’s list-to-sale price ratio.
This is also a great time to ask for testimonials from other clients. Also look up Google reviews and other online testimonials to paint a detailed picture of how past clients feel about this agent.
2. Do you provide any complimentary services?
Free is always better, right? That’s especially true when you’re moving, so ask the agent if they offer any complimentary services that may make things financially or logistically easier on you during this stressful time.
For example, the Gino Cipriano team offers a complimentary moving van to help you get from point A to point B. All you have to do is book, and it’s yours on moving day.
Many agents also take photos or video of your home as part of their services, as well as home staging and other services that help sell your home more quickly. What you’re really looking for is what gives this real estate agent an edge over other realtors in Winnipeg.
You’re not always going to be selling when the market is red hot, so it’s important to have many resources at your disposal to help you get what you need and hopefully what you want.
3. Do you have a marketing plan?
In some cases, and depending on market conditions, it may not be enough to list your home online or in the Winnipeg Free Press Homes section. The realtor you choose should have some great marketing tools in their tool belt that will help get your listing seen by as many potential buyers as possible.
This may include digital marketing tools, including a well-made, unique-looking website. It may also include more advertising on local channels, so find out which publications your potential realtor advertises in and how else they may help get your home in front of more eyes.
Social media is also a major awareness resource, so check up on the agent’s online presence and how well they run each channel (Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, etc.). While more followers doesn’t necessarily equal high-quality leads, it’s still one of the best places to start to determine how much clout the agent has in Winnipeg.
A significant online presence paired with more traditional advertising methods will also indicate that your potential real estate agent knows how to market to multiple demographics, from the senior population who may rely on the local newspaper to tech-savvy millennials and “Gen Z-ers” who essentially live online.
4. How will you communicate with me?
This may seem somewhat obvious, but communication is vital to the home selling or home buying process. If your potential realtor plans for a 10-minute weekly update call, then you may want to look elsewhere?
The best Winnipeg real estate agents will be available by text message, email, phone call, whatever. While they may have many clients on the go, they’ll make you feel like you’re their top priority, and they’ll communicate in a way that demonstrates that (within reason, of course).
Your agent should be flexible to communicate in the way that you prefer. This not only shows that they’re willing to work with you on your level; it shows that they’re willing to work for you.
5. What if I’m unsatisfied with your services?
Being up-front with a potential realtor is important because it helps you glean a bit of their personality and level of integrity, while also establishing how much of a commitment you have to make with regard to using their services.
Are you locked in with them to the very end, or are they more flexible and willing to work with you to come to amicable terms? Many real estate agents will offer a 24-hour cancellation policy, which allows you to terminate your buyer or seller agreement within 24 hours of signing if you are unsatisfied with the terms or the real estate agent’s work.
Asking this question will also give you insight into the type of person you’re dealing with. They may confidently lay out all of the facts and legalities in a completely open manner or they may try and evade certain questions in order to hide various aspects of the agreement.
You’ll have to gauge their responses and decide whether or not you want to entrust them with your sale or purchase. The best answer will be a complete explanation of your rights as the buyer or seller, as well as a contingency plan of services or strategies that will help satisfy your needs in the event that you’re unhappy with the service you receive.
Questions?
If you have any questions about choosing a Winnipeg real estate agent or you’re ready to start looking for one, call or text Gino Cipriano today at 204-955-5853, or send him an email. He’ll be happy to sit down with you to discuss your needs and goals, whether you’re looking to sell or buy a new home in Winnipeg and the surrounding area.