Selling a home is ranked as one of the most stressful things a person has to deal with. So finding the right realtor is the most important decision you'll make. A realtor can make the whole process either truly worthwhile or a total nightmare. The choice you make will determine your outcome, so be wise in who you choose. Here are some of the qualities you should look for.

Trust
Meeting a realtor is similar to meeting a new friend. Expect someone you can talk to easily, both on a business and personal level. A person you can trust and feel comfortable with, someone in your corner. You will be confiding in them, so if you don't feel comfortable or if you have the tiniest doubt in their abilities, then find another real estate agent.

Experience
It's also important to work with a realtor who has experience and who is very knowledgeable about market trends. How do you find this out? First, trust your instincts and, second, ask questions. The more questions you ask the more informed you become.

Finding out how long the real estate agent has been in the business might help, but it is not always foolproof. Ask the agent, "Why should I work with you? What sets you apart from all the other realtors?" What they say is important, as is what they say they will do for you. If you find the agent struggling with the answers, tripping over words, speaking too quickly, or if you just don't understand what her or she is talking about, then find another real estate agent.

Selling a Home
If you are a vendor/seller, consider interviewing one or two realtors. This process will provide different opinions on value and, in addition, you'll see how the real estate agent works. If you feel the agent doesn't have your best interest at heart, or you think money is their only motivator, then you know what you need to do. Some real estate agents will tell you what you want to hear and will do whatever it takes to get the listing. Once they have the listing it might be the last time you will see or hear from them, unless you call them.

When a Relative or Friend is a Realtor
Maybe you have a relative who is a real estate agent and you feel some sort of obligation to work with her or him. If you don't, maybe your spouse won't talk to you, or you'll be disowned by the family or even cut out of the will. Don't let this perceived family obligation looming over your head (guilt, guilt, guilt) force you to list with them, especially when you don't trust them and know they couldn't negotiate their way out of a paper bag.

Remind yourself that selling a home is like owning your own business. Would you trust the relative to run your company? Do you think they would do a good job? Do you think you could get mad at them if they did something wrong, without feeling like you did something wrong? Why add more stress to your life? Because they're family? Remember, "You're the one paying the bill." The object here is to sell your home, not to appease a family member.

Here's another scenario. You call a friend to find out if they know a good real estate agent. Your friend strongly suggests you use so-and-so. You meet this person and for whatever reason they make you feel uneasy. Because your friend told you to use them, you feel obligated. There's that nasty word again! So you tell them when you're ready, you'll list with them. Even though you don't feel comfortable, you decide you owe something to them and your friend. Do you know how absurd that is?

When You are Buying a Home
As a purchaser, you will also need to take the time to find the right realtor using the same criteria you would as a vendor/seller. Personally, I never take anyone out to see a home unless I've met with them first. During the meeting, I discuss all the aspects of purchasing a home from A to Z to make sure there are no surprises: what they can afford, what their needs are, what style of home they prefer, when they need to move, and which areas they prefer to live in. I also answer their questions and explain all the forms involved.

Areas I Work In
My home base is in Pointe Claire, Quebec which is located near Trudeau International Airport. The areas I am most familar with are Pointe Claire, Beaconsfield, Kirkland, Dorval, Dollard des Ormeaux, Pierrefonds, Baie D'Urfe, Ste. Anne de Belleuve, Senniville and west of the insland. This would include Hudson, St. Lazare and also Ile Perrot, Vaudreuil and Pincourt. I will also include all properties located in and around the island of Montreal.

Considering buying or selling a home? Just give me a call and I will make your dream home become your reality! Whether you're moving across the street or across the country.