There are more than 10,000 REALTORS® practicing across Alberta.
REALTORS® are real estate associates who have pledged to uphold a national Code of Ethics and Standards of Business Practice. They are members of their local real estate boards, the Alberta Real Estate Association and the Canadian Real Estate Association.
The vast majority of Alberta real estate associates have made the commitment to become a REALTOR®.
Finding the right REALTOR® can take some time, but it is important to make sure you find one who is right for you.
To find a REALTOR® in your area:
Talk to family and friends. REALTORS® build their business through referrals, so talking to others about thier experiences is often the best way to find a REALTOR® who suits you.
Look for REALTOR® names on property listings in the neighbourhood you are looking to buy or sell in as these REALTORS® may have a better understanding of the area.
Pick up local real estate publications and look for the REALTORS® with listings in the area you are looking to buy or sell in.
Search a REALTOR® by name, office, city and languages spoken at REALTOR.ca
Ten Questions you may wish to ask a REALTOR® when finding the one that's right for you:
1. How long have you been in the business?
A freshly-licensed REALTOR® can do a wonderful job and will have up-to-date training; those in the business longer bring more practical experience to the table.
2. What is your average list-to-sales price ratio?
A competent listing REALTOR® should hold a track record for negotiating sales prices that are very close to list prices.
3. How will your marketing plan meet my needs?
Specifically, how will you sell my home? Where and how often do you advertise? Will you show me a sample flyer? How do you market online?
4. Will you provide references?
Ask if any of the references are related to the REALTOR®. Ask if you can call their references with additional questions.
5. What separates you from your competition?
Key phrases to listen for: assertive, available by phone or email, analytical, able to maintain a good sense of humour under trying circumstances.
6. May I review documents that I will be asked to sign?
A good REALTOR® makes forms available to you before you are required to sign them. Ask to see Agency Disclosure, Listing Agreement and Seller Disclosure.
7. How will you help me find other professionals?
Ask for a written list of professionals. Get an explanation if you see the term "affiliated". It could mean the REALTOR® is getting compensation from these professionals.
8. How much do you charge?
You don't have to ask if the fee is negotiable, since all real estate fees are negotiable.
9. What kind of guarantee do you offer?
If you sign a listing agreement with the REALTOR® and later find that you are unhappy with the arrangement, will the REALTOR® let you cancel the agreement?
10. What haven't I asked you that I need to know?
Pay close attention to how the REALTOR® answers this question, because there is always something you need to know.
Permission to reproduce these questions received from the Nova Scotia Association of REALTORS®.