Buying and selling a home isn’t a simple process especially if you consider the following details: Do you have access to every home for sale in the neighborhoods you’re interested in? Do you have the time, energy and resources to research the real estate market in your area? Do you understand the true value of your property, and can you market your home for sale effectively? Can you read real estate contracts and, if selling a home, do you understand your legal obligations toward buyers?

The truth is, buying and selling real estate can be quite complicated, not to mention it being one of the biggest financial decisions most people will ever make in their lives. With so much on the line, working with a professional real estate agent can help locate the right property at the right price, or negotiate the best deal possible on your home sweet home. But how do you go about choosing the right real estate agent? Here are a few important tips:

Start by interviewing real estate agents from a number of different agencies. Good agents have multiple qualifications and many years on the job. Have there been any complaints filed with the City Board of Realtors? Lastly, how much does their personality match with your own? Having a good personality fit will ensure your real estate agent is patient, and understanding of what you’re seeking in your future home.

Does your real estate agent know the in’s and out’s of your neighbourhood of choice? If so, they should be aware of the housing prices in the areas you are aiming to buy or sell a home. An experienced agent will know the market well enough to set an optimal price that is attractive for both the buyer and seller.

Real estate agents have access to a powerful tool –the Multiple Listing Service (M.L.S.) that has listings for all available properties by region. A skilled agent will use the M.L.S., in addition to their own experience, to locate homes in neighborhoods matching your property wish list — such as a quality school system, number of bedrooms, convenient shopping or close transit access.

Will you be receiving good customer service? Since a real estate agent is your trusted business partner in a huge financial move, you’ll definitely want to choose an agent who is always ready, willing and available to show you properties, make recommendations, and be flexible as per your schedule. Be sure that communication stays open throughout your engagement, and that phone calls and emails are returned. Top agents often employ assistants to handle much of their legwork. If this is the case, be certain your agent is the one present and accounted for when it comes time to check the contracts and close the transaction.

Always read through the real estate contracts to understand what you’re signing. Take the time to read through all of the fine print if asked to sign a working contract with an agent.

Find Sarnia Real Estate through Linda Miller, one of Sarnia’s top real estate agents . We’ve been helping clients find sarnia homes for over a decade.