Choosing the right real estate agent can make or break your home buying or selling experience. In Ottawa a competitive real estate market with a plethora of agents to choose from, it’s crucial to differentiate between genuine professionals and those who might exaggerate their credentials. But how can you tell if a realtor is truly legitimate?
Let’s explore key indicators of a credible realtor, red flags to watch for and practical steps to ensure your agent is as qualified as they claim.
1. Verify Their Credentials
The first step to confirming the legitimacy of any realtor is to verify their licensing. In Ottawa, real estate professionals must be licensed by the Real Estate Council of Ontario (RECO). This regulatory body maintains a database where you can look up any realtor to check their licensing status and any disciplinary actions they might have faced.
How to Check: Visit the RECO website and use their search tool to confirm your agent’s license and standing. This step ensures that your realtor is legally recognized and abides by professional standards.
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2. Examine Their Track Record
One of the most effective ways to determine if a realtor’s claims are legitimate is to review their past successes. Many agents in Ottawa boast about being the “Top Agent” in their area but without hard evidence such claims can be misleading.
Questions to Ask:
- Can you provide data on your recent sales?
- What is your list-to-sale price ratio?
- Can you share testimonials or references from past clients?
Requesting concrete data helps verify that their performance aligns with their claims.
3. Fact Check Online Claims
With the prevalence of social media and online profiles, it’s common for realtors to highlight their achievements publicly. However, not everything online is accurate or up-to-date. To separate fact from fiction, check their website and cross reference it with independent sources.
Tips for Fact Checking:
- Use platforms like Realtor.ca to confirm current listings and past sales.
- Search their name on Google and see if credible third-party websites talk about or feature them.
- Look at online reviews on trusted platforms such as Google Reviews. Be wary of profiles with only overly positive or one-sided reviews as these could be curated.
4. Ask for Proof of Performance
If a realtor claims to be the “#1 Agent in Orleans” or any specific area of Ottawa, ask for evidence. Legitimate realtors should have no problem sharing their achievements, such as annual sales figures, awards, or recognition from established organizations such as RE/MAX or other credible industry bodies.
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5. Check Their Professional Network
Established realtors usually have strong connections within the real estate community. Affiliations with professional groups such as the Ottawa Real Estate Board (OREB) or partnerships with reputable mortgage brokers, inspectors and lawyers can indicate their credibility.
6. Look for Red Flags
Certain behaviours and claims should raise immediate concern. Here are a few red flags to watch for:
- Vague Answers: If an agent is hesitant or evasive when you ask for proof or credentials, this is definitely a warning sign.
- Unverifiable Awards: If the awards they mention don’t come from recognizable sources then they might be fabricated or even ones they have paid to receive.
- Too Good to Be True Promises: Unrealistic guarantees such as selling your home for an unusually high price in record time should be viewed skeptically.
Final Thoughts
Finding a trustworthy realtor in Ottawa requires diligence but it’s well worth the effort to ensure your experience is smooth and successful. By taking the time to verify credentials, examine past successes and ask the right questions you can confidently choose an agent who is truly a professional.
Thinking of interviewing Realtors® for a home purchase or sale? Our Team would love to be considered. Call 613.909.8100 or email Info@PilonGroup.com to get in touch.
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