1.
How do I verify a REALTORS® license in Alberta?
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All realtors in Alberta must be licensed with the Real Estate Council of Alberta (RECA). You can verify any agent's license status, disciplinary history, and standing on the RECA public registry at reca.ca. Ask for their license number and cross check it before signing any representation agreement.
2.
How many transactions has this realtor closed in my specific neighborhood?
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Ask for a list of properties the agent has listed or sold within your neighborhood in the past 24 months, not just their overall transaction count. An agent with 300 total sales but only 2 in your community has general experience, not local expertise. Request specific sold comparables within your postal code or subdivision.
3.
What is your average list-to-sale price ratio?
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A competent listing agent should have a track record of negotiating sale prices close to list price. Ask for their sold-to-list ratio on listings in your property type and price range. A specific figure with supporting sold data is the answer of a working professional; a general claim is not.
4.
How do you handle multiple offer situations?
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A strong agent will explain their strategy in terms of comparable sales evidence, the seller's motivation, and what concessions matter most given your financing structure. They should discuss how they structure offers, advise on contingencies, and communicate with listing agents.
5.
How often will we communicate during the transaction?
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Get a specific communication plan before signing. A good answer sounds like: "I respond to texts within an hour during business hours, and to email by end of day. After 8pm I'm with my family; if it's urgent, call." Agents who promise round-the-clock availability either burn out or are not telling the truth.
6.
What contingencies do you recommend, and which would you advise against waiving?
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Your agent should walk through each contingency including inspection, appraisal, and financing, explain what risk it covers, and the conditions under which waiving makes sense. They should never push you into waivers without making the risk explicit.
7.
What is your strategy for pricing my home?
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A good REALTOR® won't just tell you what you want to hear. Sellers should be wary of a realtor who recommends listing much higher than others. The agent should provide a realistic price range based on comparable sold prices, current market conditions, your timeline, and their reasoning behind the recommendation.
8.
How will you market my home?
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Ask for a full overview of marketing services including professional photography, videography, online marketplace listings, social media, flyers, staging, and open house plans. A clear marketing strategy demonstrates preparation and commitment to generating strong buyer interest.
9.
What happens between contract and closing?
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Ask for a clear explanation of inspections, financing milestones, appraisals, title work, and final walkthrough expectations. Every transaction has problems — inspection findings, appraisal gaps, lender conditions. Ask for two examples from recent transactions where something went wrong and what the agent did to fix it.
10.
What haven't I asked you that I need to know?
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Pay close attention to how the realtor answers this question there is always something you need to know. A candid, specific response shows the agent is thinking about your interests. An evasive or generic answer is a red flag that reveals whether they are considering your specific situation or just reciting a script.
Albert was born and raised in Calgary where he developed a fascination with the rapidly growing city and a particular interest in its booming real estate market. He attended Southern Alberta Institute of Technology for Business Administration and Hospitality Management, and spent 3 years in the Hospitality industry before deciding to pursue a career in Real Estate. Albert obtained his Real Estate License in 2013, and has since been mentored and trained by some of the top professionals in the industry as part of the Profeta Hare Silberman Team (now known as the Connect Real Estate Group) at RE/MAX Real Estate (Central). He is an avid automotive enthusiast, with an interest in high-end exotic sports cars and imports. When he is not attending car shows, Albert closely follows the latest tech trends, and is always on the hunt for the coolest new gadget.