Are you planning to buy a new home, or take advantage of the Vancouver real estate market and sell your current home? If so, you’ll need the assistance of a top Vancouver realtor to ensure the process goes smoothly.

We’ve all seen the commercials about what can happen if you fail to consult a realtor whether you’re buying or selling, and those commercials are true! Real Estate is complicated and the professional skills of a Realtor are what will ensure your buy or sell goes smoothly and without any surprises.

So how do you begin to search for the ‘right’ Realtor for you? This guide will help you do just that. We’ll take a look at what makes a top Vancouver realtor – a specialist, who can help you get the right buyer for your home, or help you start a new life in your dream home.

Top Vancouver Realtors Know The Lay of the Land

Real Estate is fast becoming the career of choice for millennials. And the market is hot in Vancouver. Property values are at an all-time high, with foreign buyers grabbing up available properties hand over fist. And while the government works to regulate the market, everyone wants to get on board for a piece of the pie. And this means there are some folks who are simply trying to take advantage of the ‘moment’, rather than putting in the time to really become familiar with Vancouver, and what it means to own property here.

One of the first things you should look for in a potential Realtor is their experience and history in Vancouver. As noted above, it’s a hot market right now, but you should definitely look for a Realtor with extensive experience in and around Vancouver.

Does he/she understand how property values have risen and fallen over decades vs. years? Will they be able to help you understand the long-term effects of buying or selling? Or are they just out to make a quick buck without considering your long term plan?

Knowing the history of Vancouver; the ebb and flow of the Vancouver market, and understanding your needs, is of the utmost importance.

Top Vancouver Realtors Communicate

As with any type of financial transaction, communication is key. Let’s be honest, buying or selling a home is probably one if not THE, biggest financial transaction most working folks will make in their lives. It can be very stressful! Often, there are timelines and deadlines that must be met in order for the purchase or sale to go smoothly.

If you choose a Realtor who doesn’t communicate well, how will you know that he/she has your best interests at heart? And how will you know if you’re making the right choice? Opportunities could slip right through your fingers if you’re not made aware of them in a timely manner.

Details Details Details

Attention to detail is of the utmost importance in any real estate transaction. Right down to the tiniest detail, a good realtor will know what suggestions to make to enhance the appeal of the property. It’s not just about square footage, or the number of bedrooms – it’s about comps (comparables)!!! If there is a home for sale next door or in the neighborhood, how does your home match up? From interior details like in-builts, to exterior details like landscaping and curb appeal, a good Realtor will have answers to ALL the questions that may arise.

Organized

Being organized is one of the best skills a Top Vancouver Realtor can have. There are lots of fine details that go into a real estate transaction, including a lot of numbers crunching. Being able to balance all of the things that go along with a real estate transaction is key to having it go smoothly.

Motivation

Buying or selling real estate is a job that takes a lot of motivation. Look for a Realtor who is truly motivated to get the best possible deal for you, and works hard to secure all of the details and features that you want in a new home. If you’re selling, your Realtor should have your best interests at heart, and put them before everything else, including their own commission.

Tech Savvy

These days, it’s all about the IOT – Internet of Things. What does that mean? Well, in basic terms, it means that newly built homes are ‘smart homes’ that have all sorts of technology built right into the home. Heating, lighting, security, those are the basics, but these days, even your kitchen and laundry appliances can include smart technology to make your life easier. If you’re planning to buy a newly built home, you’ll want a Realtor who is very familiar with IOT so that you get all of the best technology, at your fingertips.

Presentation Skills

Presentation skills include how your Realtor appears. Is he/she well groomed and dressed professionally? Let’s face it, a Realtor is going to come into contact with a lot of people – being professionally dressed and well groomed is important.

On another front, how a Realtor presents a new home to a potential buyer is also extremely important. Not everyone can afford to use a staging company to furnish the house, but a top Vancouver Realtor will be able to add small touches that will add value and make the home look inviting. These little touches can include things like a bouquet of fresh flowers on a countertop, a nice throw rug in the entry way, and perhaps some magazines on a table. All of these little extras will make potential buyers envision how their own things would look in the home.

Summary

Now that you have a good idea of the qualities and skills you should look for in a Top Vancouver Realtor, you’ll know who to choose and who to avoid. As we realize you have several choices when it comes to selecting a Realtor in Vancouver, consider Lorne Goldman’s 36 years of experience and familiarity with the Vancouver real estate market! Learn more about Lorne.

Written by Lorne Goldman

Featured in The Globe and Mail, Vancouver Sun and on Global News TV. Expert Vancouver Real Estate Agent with 42 years of industry experience.