F.A.Q. OF HOME BUYERS AND SELLERS IN GANANOQUE: #9
Should I list my property for sale with a local "mom and pop" style brokerage or should I go with a big box brokerage?
This should be one of the most thought out and serious of decisions but one, that I have found, to be given very little consideration. Often when a Realtor is invited to list a home that didn't sell previously with the Seller's first choice, the Seller is asked "why did you choose your first Realtor?"
You would be amazed at some of the answers provided: 
Oh, my husband played hockey with him when they were kids!
Our kids go to the same daycare!
He's an elder at our church!
She's my aunt/MIL/cousin/dog walker etc!
I used to work with her a few years back!
He just got his license and I wanted to help him get started!
It goes on and on and on . . .
Just once I'd like to hear someone say,
"I asked people in the area who they thought were the top 3 Realtors and then I interviewed each of them to see who we could work best with. I didn't want to go with the one that gave us the highest list price because I know that is not realistic!"
Good questions to ask are:
- What were their results as Listing Agents as well as Buying agents? (they're very different skill sets)
- What sales have they concluded in the area in the past 18 months?
- What tools does their Brokerage provide to assist in effectively meeting their obligations to buyers and sellers?
- Do they rely solely on print advertising or do they embrace social media?
- Do they expect to find a Buyer through Open Houses?
It is also important to remember that Realtors from larger, reputable brokerages offer the backing, experience, considerable marketing benefits and access to a bigger database of potential international buyers that only a large company can provide. (not always, but usually)
Listing your home for sale is one of the most important decisions you will make so make sure the Realtor you choose will do the job in a professional manner and not just share high school sports stories!
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