Choosing the right realtor can significantly impact your real estate experience and the success of your transaction, whether you’re buying, selling, or investing. Calgary’s real estate market is strong but nuanced, and requires a realtor who is not only experienced but also understands the intricacies of the local areas. This is especially important if you are interested in a more complex transaction such as a pre-construction or investment property.
Look for the Key Qualities of a Top Calgary Realtor
Certain qualities and skills can significantly increase a realtor’s effectiveness and success.
Extensive Market Knowledge
A top Calgary realtor, like Jesse Davies of Century 21, recognized as such by peers and clients alike, must have an in-depth understanding of the local real estate market, and stay current on neighbourhood trends, property values, and market conditions. This knowledge allows them to provide accurate advice and help you make informed decisions. Calgary is a city with diverse neighbourhoods, each with unique qualities, and a wide range of options and opportunities. From trendy Beltline to family-friendly Tuscany, a deep familiarity with the character and trends of local areas is crucial for making the best real estate decisions.
During initial meetings, ask detailed questions; a knowledgeable realtor will be able to provide comprehensive answers and insights.
Strong Communication Skills
Effective communication is crucial in real estate transactions. Your realtor should be responsive and keep you informed at every stage of the process, in a timely manner – this can mean the difference between securing an ideal property and missing out. A good realtor also has the ability to negotiate skillfully on your behalf, for more successful results.
Pay attention to how quickly a realtor responds to your initial inquiry, how clearly the process is explained, and whether your questions are answered fully.
Proven Track Record
Look for a realtor with a proven track record of successful transactions. Testimonials from past clients can provide valuable insights into a real estate professional’s performance and reliability. A history of successful deals is a good indicator of what you can expect from a realtor.
Client-Centered Approach
A top realtor prioritizes their clients’ needs and works tirelessly to meet their expectations. They should be patient, attentive, and committed to building long-term relationships. Calgary’s real estate market can be fast-paced and stressful; having a realtor who is dedicated to your needs can make the process much smoother.
Expertise in Various Property Types
The Calgary real estate market includes a wide range of property types, from single-family homes to condos and investment properties. While having a wide range of options is good, it is important to have a real estate professional with expertise across these different categories. This enables them to offer customized guidance, whether you’re seeking a family home in a suburban neighbourhood, a downtown condo, or an investment property with high rental potential. They can also assist if you are uncertain about your specific needs or open to exploring various options and alternatives.
Check Credentials
Always ensure an individual is a licensed realtor, and check other qualifications and accreditations, so you get more value.
Licensing and Memberships
Ensure your realtor is licensed and a member of the Calgary Real Estate Board (CREB) and the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA). These memberships involve following a code of ethics and provide access to valuable resources and continuing education.
Certifications, Specializations, and Other Education
Certifications and designations indicate a higher level of expertise, a commitment to professional development, and a deeper understanding of specific areas within real estate. A degree in marketing, business, or a related field is a significant asset, as well.
Jesse Davies, a Certified Condo Specialist and Accredited Appraiser, with a Bachelor in Commerce, shares, “When a realtor invests in their education and earns certifications, it shows they are committed to the industry. Personally, I have found my background in business has been invaluable for helping with marketing and other areas, and continuing education helps me to grow and offer better service and advice. Whoever you choose to go with, finding someone with additional qualifications means you can benefit more from the added education and expertise.”
Awards and Recognitions
Awards and recognitions from industry bodies or local associations can be indicators of a realtor’s excellence and commitment to their profession. Look for recognition that indicates a strong reputation in the Calgary real estate market.
Jesse Davies, a 2023 Rate-My-Agent.com and 2023 RankMyAgent.com winner and Century 21 Elevate Real Estate’s #1 realtor from 2020 to 2023, notes, “Choosing a realtor who’s been recognized ensures you’re working with someone who’s proven their expertise and dedication to client satisfaction.”
Client Testimonials
Reading client testimonials can provide firsthand accounts of a realtor’s abilities and customer service. Look for patterns in feedback to gauge consistency. Testimonials often highlight a realtor’s strengths and can give you an idea of what to expect when working with them.
Calgary-Specific Considerations
Calgary’s real estate market is unique in many ways. A knowledgeable realtor will understand its economic and development dynamics and how these affect property values and market trends. Furthermore, each Calgary neighbourhood has its own character and appeal; a top realtor will have detailed knowledge of the various areas and their related market trends.
Choosing the Best Calgary Realtor: Process
1. Conduct Thorough Research
Start by researching potential realtors online. Look at their websites, read client reviews, and check their social media profiles. Pay attention to their experience, areas of expertise, and overall reputation.
2. Interview
Interview potential candidates to get a sense of their approach, communication style, and knowledge of the Calgary market. Prepare a list of questions to ask during these interviews, such as:
How long have you been working in Calgary’s real estate market?
What is your experience with properties similar to what I’m looking for?
How do you stay updated on market trends and changes?
In addition to their knowledgeability, assess their interest, commitment, and communication skills.
3. Check Reviews
If you haven’t already, check the client reviews for realtors you are interested in. You can also request references from past clients and follow up with them. Ask about or look for clues as to the realtor’s negotiation skills, as this is a critical aspect of buying or selling properties.
4a. Evaluate Their Marketing Strategy (Sellers)
For sellers, a realtor’s marketing strategy is crucial. Ask about their approach to marketing properties. A comprehensive and effective marketing strategy can help sell your property faster and at a better price.
A top realtor will have a robust marketing plan to attract potential buyers, including professional photography, video tours, widespread online listings, and other marketing tactics. Your realtor should demonstrate a solid understanding of the local market to set a competitive and realistic price for your property, and be willing to provide a comparative market analysis to justify their pricing recommendations.
4b. Assess Their Knowledge of the Local Market (Buyers)
For home buyers, a realtor’s understanding of the local market is essential. Ask about their familiarity with neighbourhoods, schools, amenities, and market trends. A well-informed realtor can provide valuable insights, help you find the best properties that meet your criteria, and negotiate a fair price.
5. Consider Their Network
A well-connected realtor can be a significant asset. If they have a trusted network of professionals, including mortgage brokers, home inspectors, and contractors, to assist throughout the buying or selling process, you can benefit from a much simpler process, and potentially discounted services.
Realtors for Calgary Real Estate Investments
Investing in Calgary real estate can be rewarding, but it adds complexities that require a realtor with specific expertise in investment properties.
Choose a realtor with experience in Calgary investment properties, including rental properties, multi-family units, and commercial real estate, who understands the ins and outs of these types of investments. This ensures your realtor can find suitable properties, price them accurately, and provide valuable advice.
An investment realtor should have a deep understanding of market trends and be able to identify areas with high potential for appreciation and rental income. A good investment realtor will provide data and insights to support any recommendations. Additionally, your realtor should have a strong grasp of financial concepts related to real estate investing and be able to help you analyze potential returns, cash flow, and the overall financial viability of an investment property.
Real-Life Success Stories
Jesse Davies believes testimonials and word-of-mouth are the biggest indicators of the effectiveness of a realtor. He states, “At the end of the day, success stories and testimonials are the true measure of a realtor’s worth. Real estate agents can learn from these reviews to continue to grow, but they are equally critical for potential buyers or sellers to check. They are the evidence of our dedication and ability to deliver results, which is why I am proud of each satisfied client I’ve worked with.”
Spotlight on the Jessie Davies Team
Jessie Davies goes on to share some of the key success stories of his team, and how testimonials can highlight different areas of real estate work, for potential buyers or sellers to look for when researching realtors.
Professionalism and Responsiveness: “I found him to be very professional, knowledgeable, and quick to respond to all calls and emails.”
Added Support for First-Time Home Buyers: “As a first-time homebuyer, I was glad to have Jesse be my real estate agent. He walked me through every step of the process and gave frank and honest advice when it was needed.”
Communication: “I recently used Jesse Davies … to sell a condo … I was pleased with how everything went and the agency kept me up to date on how showings were going and when I had questions they were handled in a timely manner.”
Dedication: “Jesse took the time, laid out all of our options and provided all the research material we needed to make the right decision. With the current real estate market, it is important to be an informed buyer/seller. We must have dragged Jesse to over 50 different homes before we put in an offer. He was there for us any day, any time, and worked around our busy work schedule.”
Market and Property Knowledge: “Jesse’s wife is also an appraiser, which greatly helped to value different types of home upgrades which were harder to quantify.”
Client-Centered Approach: “Jesse listens first and finds you what you want. His knowledge of Calgary is outstanding. But what I appreciate the most is that he helps you visualize how you can make a property/space into your own within your budget.”