Questions to Ask Before You Hire an Agent to Sell Your East Hill Home
Quick answer: Before you sign a listing agreement, ask each agent about their knowledge of East Hill and older homes, how they'd price your home, their marketing plan, how they communicate, what they charge and who they represent. Check their licence with the BC Financial Services Authority, and read the agreement carefully before you sign.
Choosing the right REALTOR® is one of the biggest decisions in selling your home. East Hill has its own quirks: older character homes, heritage properties, hillside lots and streets that vary block by block. The right agent will understand all of that. Here are the questions we'd ask, and what to listen for.
Questions About Experience and Local Knowledge
1. How well do you know East Hill?
Listen for specifics: the streets, the types of homes, what buyers ask about. An agent who knows East Hill can talk about its closeness to downtown, Vernon Secondary School, Lakeview Park and Vernon Jubilee Hospital, and why those matter to buyers.
2. Have you sold older or character homes?
Older homes raise questions about wiring, plumbing, foundations and renovations. Your agent should know how to present these homes honestly and appealingly.
3. Do you understand heritage properties?
If your home is on the City of Vernon's Heritage Register or protected by a designation bylaw or heritage revitalization agreement, your agent should understand what that means for buyers, such as the need for a Heritage Alteration Permit for exterior changes.
Questions About Pricing
4. How would you price my home, and why?
A good agent will show you a comparative market analysis based on recent sales and explain their reasoning. Be cautious of anyone who simply quotes the highest number.
5. How does my BC Assessment compare with market value?
Assessments are useful references but aren't the same as today's market value. A knowledgeable agent will explain the difference.
Questions About Marketing and Communication
6. What's your marketing plan?
Ask about photography, floor plans, video, online advertising, social media and open houses. For a character home, ask how they'll show off its best features.
7. How and how often will you update me?
Agree up front on how you'll communicate (call, text or email) and how quickly you can expect replies. Ask who else might contact you on their behalf.
8. How will you handle showings and feedback?
Ask how showings are booked, whether you need to leave, and how buyer feedback will be shared with you.
Questions About Fees, Contracts and Representation
9. What is your commission, and what does it cover?
Commissions are negotiable in BC. Ask for the fee in writing, how it's shared with a buyer's agent, and what services are included.
10. How long is the listing agreement, and can I end it?
Read the term, the cancellation terms and any holdover clause. Ask questions before you sign.
11. Who do you represent?
Your agent must give you BCFSA's Disclosure of Representation in Trading Services form. Under the designated agency model used by most BC brokerages, your information stays confidential from other agents in the brokerage. Dual agency, where one licensee represents both buyer and seller, is only allowed in limited situations.
Do Your Own Homework Too
- Check the licence. Use BCFSA's "Find a Professional" search to confirm an agent is licensed.
- Read reviews and ask for references from past sellers.
- Trust your instincts. You'll work closely with this person for weeks or months.
This is general information only. Have a lawyer review any contract you're unsure about.
Our selling in East Hill guide explains how we approach selling in the neighbourhood, and you can meet Tim Jones, a fellow agent we feature as our local East Hill expert. He lives in East Hill and has 23 years in Vernon real estate.
FAQ
How can I check if an agent is licensed in BC?
Use the BC Financial Services Authority's "Find a Professional" search on bcfsa.ca.
Is real estate commission negotiable in BC?
Yes. Commission is agreed between you and the brokerage. Get it in writing and make sure you understand how it's split.
Can one agent represent both me and the buyer?
Only in limited situations. BC restricts dual agency, and if it's allowed, the agent must give you a separate disclosure about the risks.
Interviewing agents for your East Hill sale? Call or text Sean at 778-363-0542, or call the Sarah AI info hotline any time at 604-227-4810.
Featured photo: stock image from Unsplash, for illustration.
