The Advantages of Using a Local Agent

When you’re buying or selling a home, there are many deciding factors that go into hiring an agent. Naturally, you need to consider reputation and track record. You also want to make sure you have a good rapport and feel comfortable with the agent. But that’s not all. Buying or selling a home successfully can also come down to your agent’s familiarity and experience working in your neighborhood and price range. After all, if you’re looking for a starter home in the suburbs, there’s no use interviewing an agent who specializes in million-dollar city condos. Hiring an agent who speaks your language can save you a lot of time and money.

Test your agent’s local knowledge with these questions:

• How long have you specialized in this neighborhood?
• Do you have a list of houses you have sold here?
• How many clients have you helped buy a home here?
• What can you tell me about house construction, age and prices?

If a local agent is good, he or she will have a solid understanding of the area and be up to speed on new property listings. So ask about current availability in your price range, as well as common construction and problems in the area. The agent should also be able to tell you what you can expect for your money when it comes to lot size, square footage, number of bathrooms and bedrooms and special features, such as a main floor laundry room.

If an agent is unable to answer these initial questions, you’re better off looking for another one than wasting any more of your valuable time. If they have responded successfully, then move on to more specialized queries:

• Which streets are quiet and which have a lot of traffic?
• Who lives on the various streets: young families with kids, retirees or a mix?
• What parks, schools, churches, grocery stores and other amenities are in the area?
• Is there public transit?
• Where are the best schools and shopping?
• What can we expect to pay in property taxes?
• Are there any area bylaws we need to be aware of?

It’s also important to find a good local agent when selling a property. Not only will he or she likely be well-connected with local clients and agents, but they will also know how best to price your home.