House hunting can be one of the most exciting activities to do, but without the proper guidance you could end up in a home that isn’t the best fit for you. There’s no shortage of real estate agents to choose from, but how do you know which one’s right for you? Luckily, we’ve put together a simple guide so you know how to hire a Kelowna real estate agent that can help you find your dream home.
1. How to Hire a Kelowna Real Estate Agent: Find Out How Much of a Mortgage You Can Get First
Before you do anything else, find out how large of a mortgage you can actually get from a lender.
This is important because it gives you the maximum amount you can use to pay for a home. It also prevents you from rushing into what is arguably one of the most important financial decisions and spending outside of your limit.
No one wants to choose one property over another only to find out they can’t actually afford it so find out how much of a mortgage you can be preapproved for first.
2. Do Your Own Research Online
One of the best perks about living in our current day and age is the ability to research just about anything online. This goes double for real estate. Check out reviews, look into the types of properties a real estate agent has sold, and check the Better Business Bureau to see if they’re trustworthy.
Bear in mind, a couple of negative reviews aren’t immediate grounds not to choose a real estate agent. Check if there are significantly more positive reviews and read what people are actually saying about the real estate agent in their reviews.
3. Get Referrals From People You Trust
Your best source of real estate agents will be from the people you know who have used their services before. If you’re a first-time home-buyer though, talk to people who were also first-time home-buyers. They’ll have a perspective that’s more in-line with what you’re looking for compared to people buying real estate as investments.
4. Interview a Few Real Estate Agents
By this point, you should have a rough list of some key real estate agents you’re considering. You don’t have to make a choice just yet though.
Set up an interview with each person on your shortlist. This is the best way to get a sense of their experience and the overall chemistry you have with them. Because you’ll be in touch with them frequently it’s important to choose someone you’ll work well with.
This is also your chance to find out how you’ll primarily be communicating with them. If your preferred choice for contacting them is by phone after work, you’ll want an agent that’s available and comfortable with that.
5. Ask for References
Don’t just ask for references of satisfied customers from real estate agents on your shortlist. Go the extra mile and actually call them. Find out what their experience was like, if they had a good relationship with that real estate agent once everything was done, and if there was any kind of miscommunication they had to deal with.
Choosing a home is an important decision, and you want the best advice to help you with your choice from someone you trust.
6. Make a Choice
Finally, it’s time to make your choice. Trust your instincts and choose someone you truly feel you will work well with.
When it comes to finding the right real estate agent for your needs in Kelowna, it all comes down to chemistry and finding someone you can easily communicate with.