Is it worth hiring a real estate agent, and how do you find one?

When buying or selling real estate in Calgary, an important question arises: should you hire a professional real estate agent, or can you do it yourself? Given the complexity of the procedures, legal aspects, and financial risks, hiring a qualified realtor is often not only advisable but also economically justified. In this article, we will look at the advantages of working with realtors, the criteria for choosing one, and practical tips for finding a reliable professional in Calgary.

Advantages of working with a realtor

The main arguments in favor of hiring a realtor are their expertise, access to resources, and professional representation of your interests. Experienced agents have in-depth knowledge of the local market, including current price trends, neighborhood characteristics, school quality, and other factors that affect property values. They can quickly assess whether a home is overpriced or undervalued, helping you avoid overpaying or missing out on a good deal.

Realtors have access to the entire MLS (Multiple Listing Service) database, including properties that are not yet publicly advertised. This expands your search options and allows you to find options that you might have overlooked on your own.

One of the most difficult parts of buying a home is negotiating with the seller. Professional realtors have the skills to negotiate not only the price, but also the terms of repairs, the timing of the transaction, and other aspects. They know which demands are reasonable and which could hurt the deal.

Buying or selling real estate involves a huge amount of paperwork, and filling it out incorrectly can lead to legal problems or financial losses. Realtors are thoroughly familiar with the procedure and ensure that all necessary forms are completed correctly.

In addition, realtors have an extensive network of professional contacts: home inspectors, real estate lawyers, mortgage brokers. This provides access to trusted professionals who can assist at all stages of the transaction.

Real estate agent fees

It is important to understand the structure of commission fees in Alberta. Unlike some other provinces, there is no standard commission in Alberta — all rates are negotiable. However, the following structure is common: 7% of the first CAD 100,000 of the property value and 3% of the remaining amount. This commission is usually split equally between the buyer's agent and the seller's agent.

For example, when selling a house for CAD 500,000, the total commission will be:

  • 7% of the first CAD 100,000 = CAD 7,000

  • 3% of the remaining CAD 400,000 = CAD 12,000

  • Total commission = $19,000 (9,500 CAD to each agent)

It is important to remember that buyers do not usually pay their agent's commission directly — it is already included in the total commission paid by the seller.

How to find a reliable real estate agent in Calgary

Finding the right real estate agent requires a systematic approach and careful screening of candidates.

The best way to find a real estate agent is through recommendations from friends, family, and colleagues. Professionals who provide quality services usually stay in touch with their clients and get referrals based on their reputation.

Attending open houses gives you the opportunity to meet agents in person and assess their professionalism. Although the showing is often not conducted by the agent who listed the property, it is a good opportunity to meet potential candidates.

When searching online, be wary of “broker” websites that claim to help you find the “perfect” agent. These resources are often not independent and receive payment from realtors for advertising.

Be sure to use the official RECA ProCheck tool (https://reports.myreca.ca/publicsearch.aspx) to verify an agent's license. This free service allows you to:

  • Confirm that the person has a valid license and is in good standing

  • Check if the agent is licensed for your type of transaction (residential, commercial real estate, etc.)

  • View disciplinary decisions, if any.

Criteria for selecting a realtor

When interviewing potential candidates, there are several key points to consider.

Make sure the agent specializes in your area or type of property. Calgary is a large city with diverse neighborhoods, each with its own characteristics. An agent who knows the area well will have valuable information about the market, schools, shops, and other amenities.

Experience is important, but passion for the profession is just as important. An agent who is truly passionate about their work will put more effort into achieving your goals.

Assess the candidate's communication skills. A good agent should keep you regularly informed about the progress of the process, respond quickly to requests, and explain complex issues in understandable language.

Ask about the agent's current listings and the number of deals they have closed in the last year. This will give you an idea of the professional's activity and success.

Check the agent's qualifications, certifications, and awards. Additional education and specializations demonstrate a commitment to professional development.

Find out in detail the commission structure, terms of the contract, and the list of services provided by the agent. Don't hesitate to compare offers from different candidates.

Questions for an interview with a real estate agent

A thorough interview will help you select the best candidate. Ask:

“How can your experience benefit my transaction?” The agent should explain what unique knowledge and skills they can offer.

“If you were buying or selling your own home, what would you look for in an agent?” This inside look at the profession will reveal the candidate's professional standards.

“Tell me about a recent professional success.” The answer will show what the agent is proud of and how they achieve results.

“What are your most effective methods of marketing a home?” It is important to know the specific tools the agent uses, rather than general phrases.

“Why did you decide to become a real estate agent?” This answer will reveal the agent's motivation and work philosophy.

Alternatives to traditional cooperation

Although the advantages of working with a professional real estate agent are obvious, some owners consider selling their property themselves (For Sale by Owner) to save on commission. However, this route requires significant knowledge of the market, legal aspects, marketing and negotiation skills. Statistics show that many attempts at selling independently end with a call to a professional after months of unsuccessful efforts.

Alternative service models are also emerging: a fixed fee instead of a percentage commission, partial services, or a reduced commission in exchange for a smaller scope of services.

Conclusion

Hiring a qualified real estate agent in Calgary is a worthwhile investment, especially for those new to the real estate market or those who do not have enough time to navigate the complex process on their own. A professional agent will not only save you time and effort, but can also ensure better financial results thanks to their expertise in negotiation and knowledge of the market.

When choosing a realtor, key factors include specialization in the desired area, work experience, communication skills, and professional reputation. Be sure to check their license through RECA ProCheck and conduct a detailed interview with several candidates.

Remember that the realtor's commission is negotiable, and you have the right to discuss both the amount of compensation and the scope of services. Choosing the right professional can be the key to a successful and stress-free real estate transaction in Calgary.