Questions to ask Your Agent - with Husnain Ali

So you’re getting started on your real estate journey - whether that is buying or selling - and it’s time to get an agent. 

But what should I ask them to make sure they’re the right agent for me? What can I ask them to confirm the process and make sure that I feel confident? 

This is a tough question - especially if this is one of your first real estate transactions. We spoke with our agent Husnain Ali - an expert in real estate - to get his opinion on things you can ask your new agent to ensure you feel confident and comfortable throughout the process! 

Let’s get into it: 

1. What do you and your business focus on? 

Husnain says this question will help make sure you and your agent are a good fit. If you’re looking for a family home outside of the city (or looking to sell one), and this agent/company focuses on condos downtown, you probably aren’t a great fit. You want an agent that can help you with what they do best - and if they don’t know much about the area you’re looking to live in, or the type of home you’re trying to buy or sell, they won’t be able to help you to the best of their ability. You may also be interested in what type of clients they usually work with, or have had the most success with.  

At New Purveyors, our agents are equipped with a great breadth of experience in all areas and types of homes in Ottawa - it's what makes our team so strong! We also have agents who are dedicated to specific types of properties and clients - like condos or rentals. 

2. Are you a solo agent, or are you on a team? 

Husnain explains that “it’s important to find out if your agent is going to be the primary contact throughout your transaction, or if you will be working with several people during the process.”

For example, at New Purveyors, our agents work on a team with an administrator that is an expert in all things paperwork - so that things don’t get missed, and so that the agent has more time to chat with you! We also have a marketing specialist who puts your property up in all kinds of places (if you are selling) to ensure it gets the most publicity possible. 
Knowing lots about the team you are working with will help you feel secure in the process - the more experts on your side, the better!

3. Can you explain the home buying/selling process for our particular case?

Husnain says that this is one of the most important questions you can ask your agent so that you get a full explanation of the process - with the intricacies of your specific case!

“Each home sale and purchase is going to be different, whether it's due to a financial concern, the current market conditions, or something specific a client wants from a purchase or sale. Whatever it is, you’ll want to know that your agent has a plan for you,” Husnain explains. Interviewing your agent isn’t just a possibility, it's something you’re entitled to! Get their full explanation so that you’re equipped with the knowledge you need for every step of the process. 

4. What should we look out for in these types of properties?

Check in with your agent about the properties you are looking for if you’re looking to purchase. For example, Husnain explains, if you’re interested in homes with an older feel (anything built before 1980), you’ll want to look out for asbestos. If you want a fixer-upper, you need to look out for all the fees associated with those repairs. If you’re looking at a condo, you’ll want to not only check how much the condo fees are, but also what is included in them! And of course, you’ll want to account for your budget - and look out for anything that might put you over it. 

5. When is the deposit due? 

The final thing you’ll want to check with your agent if you’re purchasing a home is when the deposit is due. Yes! The deposit! Husnain explains, " Many people think you’ll pay the day you get the home, but that's not the case. You have to put in a deposit in advance to confirm your interest in the home! Your agent should supply you with this information well in advance to ensure you have time to get the money together.” 

If these tips make sense to you, consider Husnain as your agent for your next home purchase or sale!

Husnain Ali

Broker

613 327 0131

husnain@newpurveyors.com