First meeting with a real estate broker: how to prepare?

Are you planning to sell or buy a property with a real estate broker? Preparing for your first meeting is a crucial step in this process which, let’s face it, is often punctuated by unexpected events and strong emotions.

However, many buyers or sellers sometimes feel caught off guard when the time comes to establish the foundations of this collaboration. Needs, objectives, constraints: there are many elements to take into consideration to conclude a successful real estate transaction. In this article, you will discover how to prepare yourself well for this first meeting in order to maximize the role of your broker in one of the most important decisions of your life.

Understand the role of a real estate broker

From coordinating visits to signing the notarial deed, a real estate broker acts like a real conductor. Thus, it helps you sell or buy a property according to your reality and your needs. It helps you navigate the complex world of real estate transactions, saving you time and money, while providing you with the essential information to make informed decisions. That said, what are the right questions to ask to choose your real estate broker?

Here are some elements to discuss during the first meeting:

• What are his fees?
• Does he exercise alone or in a team?
• When did he obtain his brokerage license?
• What are the most recent deals he has made?
• Does he know the targeted neighborhood well?
• What is their strategy for promoting your property?
• How does he negotiate complex transactions?
• What is his availability?
• How does he communicate with his customers?

To be able to practice in the province, a real estate broker must hold a brokerage license issued by the Organisme d’autoréglementation des brokers régional du Québec (OACIQ). Some also have the Quality of Customer Service (QSC) certification from the Federation of Real Estate Boards of Quebec (FCIQ), an additional process that provides clues about the quality of services offered[3].

Target your expectations and needs

Once your real estate broker has been found, you will need to provide him with as much information as possible to enable him to do his job properly. To do this, you will need to identify your needs and a detailed list of your search criteria.

Here are some essential elements to define before the first meeting[4]:

• The budget you have available
• The type of property sought
• The essential characteristics of the property
• Important, but not essential criteria
• The targeted neighborhood(s)
• The perfect time to move

Also remember to specify all the services you would like to find nearby: public transportation, schools, grocery stores, pharmacies, medical clinics, restaurants, etc. To complete this exercise, think about the current and future needs of all members of your family.

The business relationship with a real estate broker is first and foremost based on trust. With this in mind, do not hesitate to share your apprehensions with him and ask him all your questions as you go along. This will maximize your chances of concluding a satisfactory real estate transaction.

Source: centris.ca