You have no shortage of options when searching for a real estate agent to help you sell your home. Everywhere you look, there’s a billboard with some of the top names in the industry smiling down at you. The question is, how do you narrow it down? Expert representation often means the difference between lacklustre results (or even no sale at all) and earning top dollar in minimum time.

With so much at stake, this is one decision that you want to get right. The first step is to determine what criteria matters most to you. One of the most significant questions is whether the agent you’re considering is local. Do they regularly work in the area where you live (if you’re selling) or the community where you’re hoping to buy? Though any licensed agent can help you from anywhere, a local expert is likely to get you the best results.

Here are a few reasons why you should work with a local real estate agent.

They Know the Area Intimately

As a seller, a professional who knows your community will be well-positioned to prepare and market your property for your target demographic. They know the community inside and out, such as where the best parks are and the catchment areas of all the top schools. There’s just something more personal about working with an agent who can recommend a great cafe or restaurant nearby.

Local agents also know the buyers and what they are looking for. They can answer every question about the community with confidence, which helps to make your home and neighbourhood even more attractive.

Need more advice on how to maximize your sale in any market? You’ll find plenty in the posts below:

• Selling Your House in Hamilton? Here’s How to Make the Most of It
• 8 Important Things to Remember When Selling Your Home
• Minor Upgrades, Maximum Results

They Understand Pricing at a Deeper Level

Pricing a house seems simple in theory. In practice, it’s a completely different story. And almost nothing matters more when it comes to a fast sale at the highest amount. A little too high, and many people won’t consider your listing seriously, which reduces your ability to capitalize on early excitement about your home. Too low, and you are likely to sell for less than you should.

While anyone can look up the latest data on the real estate board website, it takes a true local to fully understand what those numbers mean to the buyers actively searching. An agent with a thorough understanding of the local market will be able to pull together an incredibly thorough comparative market analysis (CMA). Knowing the ins and outs of local home prices will work to your advantage during negotiations.

Setting a compelling price begins with knowing the current market. Learn more in What’s Your House Really Worth?

They Know What Buyers Want

When an agent prepares your home for the market, they consider your “most likely buyer.” They create a very real, life-like profile of this person and get to know what they want and what they prefer to avoid.

From pricing to staging to marketing and beyond, a strategic plan will be based in part on local knowledge. Of course, a true professional will also understand potential buyers coming from outside the area, like from Toronto and the GTA.

Knowing the buyer’s mindset is essential when selling your house. Learn more in Why Home Sellers Need to Think More Like Buyers.

They Have Local Connections

Imagine this. Shortly after you’ve listed your home, a pipe breaks. You don’t have a reliable go-to professional. You can’t just pretend you don’t notice since you legally must disclose this flaw to buyers. Without a well-connected real estate agent in the vicinity, you may start to panic.

The good news is, a local agent with a strong network can refer you to a trusted contractor who can make the repair. And just like that – your home is show-worthy again!

The same is true if you need top-notch local cleaning, staging, landscaping services or a really good real estate lawyer. No matter what, your agent should be the first person you ask. After years of living and working in a community, a respected real estate agent has many opportunities to build strong professional networks—which is good for their clients.

Need to troubleshoot your home sale? The posts below will help you overcome almost any obstacle:

• Why Am I Not Getting Offers on My Home?
• The Deal Fell Through. What Happens Now?
• Why Did My Neighbour’s House Sell but Mine Didn’t?

They’re Available

Few things are more frustrating than not being able to get a hold or your agent when you have an urgent question. As a seller, you want someone you trust and who will be there for you when it matters most. Any professional who offers a high level of service doesn’t make their clients wait long. They’ll jump at the chance to call or even meet up with you in person to keep you in the loop.

Working with a local agent may not seem crucial, but it could actually make the difference between receiving top-tier service and…not. It’s best to keep that in mind when you’re choosing a professional to work with!

Ready to start your buying or selling journey with a local agent? Get in touch right here or call our offices at 905-332-9223 to find out if we’ll be a good match!