Calgary Realtors: How to Choose the Right One

There are a lot of Calgary realtors, and most buyers and sellers pick one from a sign, an ad or a friend's suggestion. A few minutes of checking first makes a big difference. This page sets out what to look for in a realtor in Calgary, the questions worth asking, and how Kelly works, so you can compare.

Check the licence first

Anyone who trades in real estate in Alberta must hold a licence from the Real Estate Council of Alberta (RECA), and must work through a licensed brokerage. RECA keeps a public search where you can look up any licensee by name and see their brokerage and licence status. It takes a minute, and it is the first thing to do with any agent you are thinking about hiring.

Kelly Baker is a licensed real estate associate with Keller Williams BOLD Realty, regulated by the Real Estate Council of Alberta.

Realtor, REALTOR® and real estate agent

People use the words interchangeably, but they are not quite the same. A real estate agent is anyone licensed to trade in real estate. REALTOR® is a trademark of The Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA), and only CREA members can use it. In Calgary, REALTORS® who belong to the local board can list homes on the MLS® System, which is where most homes for sale in the city are advertised.

Questions to ask Calgary realtors before you sign

• Which communities do you know well? Calgary has more than 200 residential communities, and prices, schools, lot sizes and condo rules change from one to the next. Ask for specifics, not general answers.
• How will you price my home, or the home I want to buy? A good answer uses recent sales of similar homes nearby, with the adjustments explained. Be careful with any number given without its reasoning.
• Who will I actually deal with? Some agents hand clients to assistants or team members. Ask who answers the phone and who will be at showings and negotiations.
• What does the service agreement say? Ask to see it in writing before you sign, and read what it says about the term, fees and how to end it.
• How do you handle school catchments, condo documents and 55+ restrictions? These trip up a lot of buyers. An agent should be able to tell you how they confirm them, not just repeat what a listing says.

Why local knowledge matters in Calgary

Calgary is spread over a large area, and two communities a few minutes apart can be very different. One may have older bungalows on large lots, the next new laned homes; one may sit in a sought-after school catchment, the next may be bused elsewhere. Some communities have lakes with homeowner fees, some have age-restricted complexes, and some new areas are still being built.

That is why this website has its own page for each of the City of Calgary's 219 residential communities, with photos taken on the ground, the schools inside and near each boundary, off-leash areas, community association facilities and things to do. There are also pages for every Calgary school, the city's lake communities, 55+ complexes and new-build areas.

How Kelly works as a realtor in Calgary

• Kelly answers her own phone. You will not be handed to an assistant.
• Prices come with the reasoning. When Kelly gives a number, she shows the recent sales behind it.
• Catchments get confirmed. Before you buy because of a school, Kelly checks the exact address with the school board.
• No pressure. A home evaluation is free, and there is no obligation to list.

Start with a community

If you are still deciding where to look, browse all 219 Calgary communities, compare lake communities, or find schools by location. If you are selling, start with a free home evaluation. First-time buyers can read the Calgary Buyer's Guide.