If the thought of buying or selling a home in Ancaster, Hamilton, Dundas, or the surrounding area has even crossed your mind, finding a real estate agent to represent you should be one of your first steps. The market changes quickly, and these fluctuations have been particularly impactful over the last few years.

When you think of the level of commitment a real estate transaction requires, expert guidance is not something you want to go without. It’s not just a financial investment, either. This is your home, your sanctuary, and your future. Getting the best possible outcome is essential through this life-changing transition.

The Value of the Right Real Estate Agent

Working with a knowledgeable real estate agent who has your best interests at heart offers great value, both tangible and intangible. Moving can be a stressful experience for many people, and just having someone you can call for an encouraging word and practical advice is worth it. 

However, expert guidance isn’t the only thing the right Realtor® will bring to the table. A real estate agent who has been in the market for many years will also come with a vast network of other reputable professionals to make your transition easier and more straightforward.

• If you need help packing, your real estate agent can recommend a mover.
• If you can’t handle the work of cleaning and decluttering your home or simply don’t want the trouble, we can have someone step in to take care of it for you.
• Do you need a lawyer or a mortgage broker you can trust? Your real estate agent is the touch point for any other contact you will need.

When selling a home, you will almost always earn more money with expert guidance even after paying out any real estate commissions. When buying, you have a better chance of negotiating a break on the price or more favourable terms than when trying to do everything yourself. As the buyer, you don’t even have any commissions to worry about as these are taken care of by the seller on your closing date.

Why is Ancaster such a great place to live? What you’ll find in the posts below is just the tip of the iceberg:

• Top 5 Family-Friendly Neighbourhoods In Ancaster
• Ancaster Vs. Dundas: Which Offers The Best Green Spaces?
• Why Should You Consider Moving Your Family To Ancaster?

What to Look for in an Ancaster Realtor®

Understanding the value a real estate agent can bring is one thing. But how do you find the right expert who will deliver on all of their promises and then some? You may have multiple options to choose from who all seem qualified enough. 

Here are some ideas that will help you narrow it down to just the right fit for your scenario. 

Local Expertise

Your real estate agent doesn’t have to be your next-door neighbour or live on the same street as you. However, they should have extensive knowledge of the area you are looking to sell or buy in for several reasons.

• The real estate market is not necessarily a monolith. It could be a slower buyer’s market in the province overall, while conditions are vastly different in a particular city or even an individual neighbourhood.
• Ancaster is a unique market that features a variety of listings at every price point, from starter homes to luxury estates where buyers can be less affected by the regular market ups and downs.
• An agent who understands these nuances is better equipped to get you the results you’re after.

Once again, it isn’t always just about the money. When buying, you want to ensure your neighbourhood is safe and that all of the amenities you want are nearby. This may mean looking for an area that’s close to public transit or filled with epic parks and green spaces.

A Realtor® who knows the neighbourhood can also make you aware of zoning restrictions or new developments coming up that may impact your choice of what and where to buy.

Local knowledge is also essential when selling your home, especially in a soft or slow market. When demand is low, targeting the right buyer is paramount to a successful sale. Your real estate agent will need to find a buyer who is looking for all or most of the attributes your house offers.

Honest and Transparent

Having a Realtor® who is honest with you and does not just tell you what you want to hear is critical. A less experienced agent might be tempted to tell you your house is worth more than what it is to earn your business. This is intriguing at first – until you don’t get the results you were counting on.

Sellers generally want to earn top dollar while every buyer wants the best deal possible. However, the market is what it is. A good real estate agent is there to make the most of it, but will not promise miracles. Realistic expectations combined with a commitment to going above and beyond are the key to getting the best outcome the market will allow.

Dedication to Service

Ability, trustworthiness, and experience are the foundation of what you’re looking for in a real estate agent. However, that must be combined with a commitment to providing exceptional service. 

During your transition, you need an expert who is reachable and who will answer your emails and messages in a timely manner. Someone who leaves you hanging may not achieve the best outcome, no matter how knowledgeable or skilled they may be.

There are a few ways to get a feel for how dedicated a real estate agent will be before signing any agreements. 

• Check their Google reviews to see how many people they have worked with in the past. This may require a little reading between the lines to make the right choice. For example, a real estate agent with ten five-star reviews may be relying on friends and family to boost their ratings. However, an agent with over 100 positive reviews is doing something right.
• Visit their website or social media to see if they are current and active in your area. Recent blog posts or updates can indicate that they are up to date with the market. 
• Reach out to them through email or their online contact forms. How quickly they respond to your questions can give you an idea of what they will be like to work with.

Knowing the market is essential to maximizing your results, whether buying or selling. You’ll find plenty of insight in the posts below:

• Should I Buy First Or Sell First?
• How To Sell A Luxury Home In Ancaster
• Buyer’s Market, Seller’s Market Or Balanced Market?: What They Mean, And Where We Are Now

Benefits of Concierge Real Estate Service

There’s a bit of a misconception that a large real estate team with multiple agents will provide better service. However, this is often not the case. If a different agent answers your call every time, it can be frustrating to have to explain your situation over and over again.

A small, established real estate service like The O’Reilly Group offers a level of commitment and personalized attention a large team simply can’t provide. You’ll have a dedicated agent who gets to know you and cares about your needs as much as they would their own.

When you have a question or urgent issue, you’ll get a fast response where the expert on the other end is intimately aware and has been involved from the beginning. When it comes to buying or selling a house, it’s comforting to know that you are never just a number. A concierge real estate team aims to make you feel like one of the family.

Do you want to know more about buying or selling a home in Ancaster? We are happy to offer whatever guidance you need. Reach out to hello@theoreillygroup.ca or call 905-512-5323 to start a conversation.

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Whether you’re selling or buying the O’Reilly Group is dedicated to elevating your real estate experience.

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