How to Find the Perfect Realtor in Mississauga (Part 2): The 8 Steps

Now that you know what to look for in a realtor (from my previous article), it's time to start your search. If you know anyone who has recently bought or sold a home in Mississauga, ask them. You can also turn to Google to identify real estate professionals. Wherever you find your realtor, though, it's important to follow a thorough process to make sure they are competent and organized.

Here are eight steps to help you find the perfect realtor for your needs:

1. Check their website

The first step is to check their website. The design of the website should be clean and professional and easy to navigate. Realtors' websites are a good indicator of how they will present your home. If their website is outdated or poorly designed, they likely won't do great job presenting your home either.

Give the realtor a bonus point if they have a blog where they publish educational content. This shows they care about educating the market and will do a good job of explaining your options.

Pro tip: you can compare a realtor's website with that of other realtors in Mississauga. A realtor's website should include clean listings, tools and calculators, and well-presented content.

2. Look for reviews and testimonials

The second step is to look for reviews and testimonials. Realtors should have plenty of positive reviews from past clients. If they don't, that's a red flag. You can find reviews and testimonials on their website, Google, Facebook, or other third-party websites.

Pro tip: always look at negative reviews if the realtor has any, but use critical thinking to assess whether the person leaving a bad review makes a legitimate claim.

3. Check Their Social Media Accounts

The third step is to check their social media accounts. Realtors should be active on social media, especially Twitter and Facebook. They should also have a strong online presence, including videos. If they don't, that's another red flag because it means they don't understand today's marketing landscape.

Pro tip: when looking at a realtor's social media accounts, put yourself in the buyer's shoes and ask yourself, is this someone I trust and like? If not, this is probably not the right fit.

4. Look at their listings

The fourth step is to look at their listings. Realtors should have plenty of listings, and they should all be well-designed and up-to-date. If they don't, that's another red flag. Remember, if you work with them, their house is to list your home and sell it. This is perhaps the most important step in this process.

Pro tip: put yourself in the buyer's shoes, and ask yourself if the properties seem attractive enough to inquire about them. If not, this means the realtor is doing poorly on the listings.

5. Ask how many years they have been in the business

The fifth step is to ask how long they've been selling real estate. Realtors should have plenty of experience, and they should be able to show you a track record of success. While your realtor doesn't need to be a 20-year veteran, they should have 3-5 years of experience under their belt.

Pro tip: you don't need to ask the question too bluntly as it could rub the realtor the wrong way. If you prefer, you can ask subtle questions about the market and their experience. This will tell you how long they have been in the business—and it will also show your how knowledgeable they are.

6. Check the credibility of their brokerage

The sixth step is to check the credibility of their brokerage. Realtors should be with an extremely reputable brokerage, and they should be able to show you proof of that. A reputable brokerage will have a good reputation, and they will also be able to offer you resources that smaller brokerages can't.

Realtors and brokerages are represented by the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA). Make sure the association identifies your realtor as a professional and contact them if needed. The CREA holds realtors accountable to its Code of Conduct.

Pro tip: if you're not sure about the credibility of the realtor's brokerage, you can always ask around or do a quick Google search, which will give you all the information you need.

7. For a sale, ask, "What exactly would you do to market my property?"

The seventh step is to, for a sale, ask the realtor, "What exactly would you do to market my property?" Realtors should have a solid marketing plan that they can share with you. This will give you an idea of how they will go about selling your home.

Pro tip: when asking this question, be sure to listen to the realtor's answer carefully. If they don't seem confident or are making the plan as they go, this shows a lack of experience and understanding of the market.

8. Ask, “Is it better to buy or sell first?” 

The eighth and final step is to ask the realtor, "Is it better to buy or sell first?" Realtors should have a strong opinion on this matter, and they should be able to give you a clear answer. The answer you are looking for is, "it depends on the market." If the price of homes is falling, as it is now, it is better to buy first. If the price of homes is rising, however, it is better to wait until you've bought your new home.

Pro tip: if the realtor seems wishy-washy about this question, it shows that they don't really know what they're talking about. This is not the type of person you want to work with.

Ready to Find the Perfect Realtor in Mississauga?

Now that you know the 6 qualities you should look for in a realtor and the 8 steps find that realtor, you are ready to go out and look for a realtor. Realtors should be experienced, they should have a solid marketing plan, and they should be with a reputable brokerage. If you follow these steps, you will be sure to find the right person for the job.

I hope you enjoyed this blog post! If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to reach out to me. I would be happy to help! I am a ReMax realtor based in Mississauga who can help you buy or sell your home.

Click here to schedule a consultation.