Choosing the right Realtor in South Surrey or White Rock is about more than finding someone who can list a property or write an offer. The right Realtor should understand the local market, give you honest advice, communicate clearly, negotiate strategically and be willing to protect your interests even when that means recommending a decision that doesn't lead to an immediate sale.

Anita Marler, PREC* has worked in real estate since 2008 and serves buyers and sellers throughout South Surrey and White Rock. Her approach is built around local knowledge, candid advice, strong negotiation and hands-on support throughout the real estate process.

Here are some of the most important things to consider when choosing a Realtor.

1. Look for Experience in South Surrey and White Rock

Real estate is highly local. Market conditions can differ not only between South Surrey and White Rock, but also between individual neighbourhoods.

Morgan Creek, Ocean Park, Crescent Beach, Elgin, Chantrell, Sunnyside and Pacific Douglas each have different housing styles, price ranges and considerations for buyers and sellers.

A Realtor with experience in the area can provide context around comparable sales, current competition, property values and neighbourhood differences rather than relying solely on an asking price or automated estimate.

Anita's primary market includes South Surrey and White Rock, and her experience throughout these communities helps her provide property-specific advice to both buyers and sellers.

2. Choose Someone Who Will Tell You the Truth About Price

This is particularly important for sellers.

When interviewing Realtors, it can be tempting to choose the person who suggests the highest listing price. But the highest suggested price isn't necessarily the most accurate one.

Ask each Realtor to explain how they arrived at their recommended value. A strong pricing recommendation should be supported by relevant comparable sales, current competition, the condition and features of your property and today's market conditions.

Anita does not believe in inflating a home's value simply to secure a listing. Her approach is to provide sellers with a realistic assessment of where their property fits in the market and then develop a strategy around that evidence.

The same philosophy applies when representing buyers. The asking price doesn't necessarily determine what a property is worth. Buyers should understand the property's value and circumstances before deciding how much they're prepared to pay.

3. Pay Attention to How the Realtor Approaches Negotiation

Good negotiation isn't simply about being aggressive.

A real estate transaction can involve negotiations over price, deposits, dates, conditions, inspection findings and other terms. Sometimes solving a problem creatively is more valuable than simply going back and forth over price.

Ask a prospective Realtor how they approach negotiations and how they would protect your interests if a transaction became difficult.

Strategic negotiation is an important part of Anita's approach. She looks at the entire offer or transaction and works to find solutions while keeping her client's priorities at the centre of the negotiation.

4. Find Out Whether They're Willing to Tell You to Walk Away

This can reveal a great deal about the relationship you're likely to have with your Realtor.

For a buyer, there may be situations where an inspection, property condition, price or another concern makes proceeding with a purchase questionable.

For a seller, there may be an offer that simply doesn't make sense to accept.

A Realtor should be comfortable giving you that advice even when walking away means there is no immediate commission.

Anita believes protecting her client's interests comes before completing a transaction. She has advised clients not to proceed when she believed a property or deal wasn't in their best interest.

5. Understand Exactly What Service You'll Receive

Before choosing a Realtor, ask what will actually happen after you hire them.

For sellers, this can include:

• Pricing and market analysis

• Advice on preparing the home for sale

• Professional photography and other visual marketing

• Staging recommendations

• Marketing and showing coordination

• Offer evaluation and negotiation

• Document and timeline management

• Support through completion and possession

Buyers should ask similar questions about property searches, valuation guidance, offer strategy, inspections, disclosures, title review, financing, appraisal and other due diligence.

Anita provides hands-on guidance throughout the transaction rather than treating an accepted offer as the end of the Realtor's role.

6. Read What Previous Clients Actually Say

Online ratings are useful, but don't stop at the number of stars.

Read the reviews.

Look for patterns in what clients say about communication, responsiveness, market knowledge, honesty, negotiation and how the Realtor handled difficult situations.

Anita's client testimonials repeatedly mention qualities such as listening, communication, knowledge, professionalism, honesty and negotiation. Much of her business also comes from repeat clients and referrals.

Those details can tell you considerably more about what it's actually like to work with someone than a rating alone.

7. Make Sure the Realtor's Communication Style Works for You

Buying or selling a home can involve a lot of decisions in a relatively short period of time.

You should feel comfortable asking questions and confident that you'll receive a clear answer.

During your initial conversations, pay attention to whether the Realtor listens before giving advice. Do they explain their reasoning? Do you feel pressured, or do you feel informed?

The right relationship should allow you to have candid conversations, including the difficult ones.

Questions to Ask a Realtor Before Hiring Them

When interviewing a Realtor in South Surrey or White Rock, consider asking:

• How long have you worked in real estate?

• How much of your business is in South Surrey and White Rock?

• What experience do you have in my particular neighbourhood?

• How will you determine what my home is worth?

• How do you help buyers determine what a property is worth?

• How do you approach negotiation?

• What would cause you to recommend that I walk away from a deal?

• What services are included if I list my home with you?

• Who will I communicate with throughout the transaction?

• Can I see reviews from recent clients?

The answers should help you understand not only the Realtor's experience, but also how they think and whether their approach fits what you're looking for.

So, How Do You Choose the Right Realtor in South Surrey or White Rock?

There isn't one Realtor who will be the right fit for every person. The goal is to find someone with the local knowledge, experience, communication style and approach that you trust.

For buyers and sellers who value candid advice, local South Surrey and White Rock experience, strategic negotiation and hands-on support, Anita Marler, PREC* offers an approach centred on protecting her clients' interests rather than simply completing the next transaction.

If you're considering buying or selling a home in South Surrey or White Rock, contact Anita for a conversation about your plans, your property and what you should consider before making your next move.