Your home is likely your biggest investment and purchase.  When it comes time to buy or sell, it can be stressful, but with the help of a professional REALTOR^®, the process can be a lot easier.  According to the Okanagan Mainline Real Estate Board (OMREB) there are approximately 1000 member REALTORS^® in the region.  Chances are you know a few.

It's important you spend some time finding the right real estate professional to help you buy or sell your home rather than hiring someone simply because you know them.

We recommend you set up an in-person appointment whenever possible. This way you can see what they're like in real life and see if you have a connection.  This meeting is a great time to ask the important questions that will help guide your decision.

General Questions To Ask a REALTOR

How long have you been in the business?  It's important you hire a real estate professional with experience, or who is a part of an experienced team.  While everyone needs to get started somewhere, and new professionals may provide you with excellent service, look for someone who answers this question in a way that showcases their support system and knowledge base.

What is your area of focus?  Some REALTORS^® specialize in a certain neighbourhood, demographic or type of home, while others might work exclusively with buyers or sellers.  If you are in a niche market, you might want to consider a professional with related experience.

Are you a full-time REALTOR^®?  Not all real estate professionals make real estate their full-time profession.  While selecting a REALTOR who pursues other opportunities to supplement their income might not pose a problem, you want to ask this question to be sure your chosen REALTOR^® is available when it counts!

What makes you different from other REALTORS^®? Whether it's their specialty or innovative marketing practice, no two professionals are exactly the same.  Choose someone who you connect with.

Do you have any references?  You should be reading reviews on popular review websites such as Google and Facebook (and seeing if they take the time to respond) but you should also ask for a few names and numbers of past clients to call.

What are your preferred communication methods?  In today's modern world, there are so many ways to stay in touch including email, telephone, texting, social media, instant messaging etc.  Be sure to ask what they consider an appropriate 'get back to you by' time for when you leave a message or send an email.

Do you have a team working with you?  Here's where you'll learn more about the REALTORS^® support beyond their brokerage.  Many work on a team of other REALTORS^® which means you will be well-looked-after if your chosen REALTOR^® is away.  Many successful real estate professionals will employ an administrative assistant to look after the office work, which leaves them more time to help their clients.  Some also have internal marketing professionals to help market their listings and their brand.

This article is part of our "How To Interview a Realtor" Blog Series.

Buying?

If you're buying a home in Kelowna, you will want to find a real estate agent you like!  After all, they'll be joining you on one of the biggest decisions of your life.  You also want to make sure your REALTOR is experienced, knowledgeable and is great at communicating.

Learn the Questions You Should Ask Every REALTOR^® When Buying A Home 

Selling?

If you're considering selling a home, finding the right REALTOR^® is important.  You need to find a real estate agent who has the right combination of experience, knowledge and marketing skills all wrapped up in a personality you can gel with.  With so many Kelowna REALTORS^® to choose from, interviewing a few is a great start.

As part of our How To Interview a REALTOR^® blog series, we've put together specific questions to ask Sellers' representatives

Selling? Here Are 9 Questions To Ask A REALTOR Before You Hire Them To Sell Your Home

Hiring a REALTOR^® is an important decision.  You need to feel confident you have the best representation for your purchase or sale. By asking these questions you will get to know your potential REALTOR^®, their personality and negotiation style so you can choose a Kelowna real estate agent who is a good fit for you.