What does “full-service” mean when it comes to a real estate agent?

When it comes to real estate, what does “full-service” mean, exactly? For many agents and real estate companies, it can mean very different things. But if you want an experience that’s actually full-service, look for an agent who will do anything and everything to make your experience easier and better. At the end of the day, you want someone who will take all of the stresses of buying and selling off your shoulders and make the process smooth and enjoyable! 

1. They can connect you to reputable professionals.

It takes an all-star team to make a real estate transaction happen successfully. You shouldn’t have to get into the weeds looking for lawyers, contractors, movers or stagers yourself – your agent should connect you with skilled, experienced, dependable professionals. I recommend lawyers, mortgage brokers and other pros who I really trust and who have proven themselves repeatedly with my clients. No matter what’s happening in the market, it’s important to be well-represented across the board. 

If my clients need anything at all, even down to the smallest things, I make it happen. I always take care of it! 

2. They are well connected with agents in different markets and with different specialties. 

Let’s say you worked with a great Toronto real estate agent to buy your home. If you’re planning on buying a cottage in Muskoka, an investment condo in Vancouver, or getting into a commercial property, however, you’ll need expertise your Toronto REALTOR® may not have. A well-connected agent will refer you to trustworthy professionals who can help you achieve your goals.

One of my clients came to me with a request recently: he had a friend who was doing really well buying campgrounds in the US, and wanted to join him in a similar venture here in Canada. While I’m not a commercial agent myself (commercial real estate is a whole different ballgame), I do know several agents who are great at it. It didn’t take me long to help find my client a great commercial agent – who found him a perfect campground to buy. The deal is scheduled to close in October. 

3. They should be a master marketer. 

Selling a property takes a lot more than throwing a listing up on MLS. Getting as many eyes as possible on a listing means you need professional photos, videos, and virtual tours. It means staging, social media marketing, and sharing listings with buyer agents. I go the extra mile with next-level marketing for all my clients – check out my YouTube channel to see some examples.

4. They can get you into high-demand pre-construction projects. 

Buying a great layout in a hot project’s early release isn’t something you can do without a well-connected agent. To get into a popular development, you may have to pull a few strings. Having an agent with good industry connections is vital.

I recently had a client who wanted to get into the highly-anticipated Saw Whet Condos in Oakville. With a bit of persistence and using all my contacts, I managed to connect with the owner of the brokerage that was repping the builder, and got my client VIP Platinum access to the first launch – and a great layout she loves in a release that sold out in a matter of days. If there’s a string to pull for my clients, I’ll pull it!

5. They should always be willing to go the extra mile to help you succeed. 

Whether it’s arranging movers while you’re out of the country or finding fantastic tenants for your new investment property, a truly full-service REALTOR® will do whatever they can to take away stress and provide you with a smooth, turnkey process. 

This summer, I worked with a couple who were brand new to real estate investing. I guided them through the process and found them a fully-renovated, well-located 2-bedroom downtown. We snapped it up for under asking, taking advantage of the changing market. Then I helped them find some solid renters – after 30 viewings in less than a week and a spirited bidding war, I got them $300 a month more than what they were asking and set a new building record! 

6. They should be part of a full-service brokerage. 

While the idea of saving money on your commission with a discount brokerage has its appeal, you really do get what you pay for. Most discount real estate companies offer fewer services and often have less experienced agents. Find out how to find the right agent for you here.  Property.ca Inc. Brokerage prides itself on being a full-service brokerage, and while every Property.ca Inc. agent does things a little differently, we all have the support we need to bring the best to our clients. 

Ultimately, if you want a really great experience with the best results, you need an agent with knowledge, connections, and drive – and the ability to put all the pieces together and help you succeed. Want to work with a truly “full-service” agent? You can find out more about me here.