How to Tell if a Real Estate Agent is Truly Great: The Edmonton Insider’s Guide
Buying or selling a home in Edmonton is a massive deal. It’s likely one of the biggest financial moves you’ll ever make. Because of that, the person you choose to lead the way—your real estate agent—can quite literally be the difference between a smooth, profitable experience and a stressful, expensive headache.
But here’s the thing: if you walk through any neighborhood in Edmonton, from the tree-lined streets of Glenora to the bustling new developments in Chappelle, you’ll see dozens of different faces on lawn signs. Everyone claims to be "the best" or "number one." So, how do you actually tell if a real estate agent is good? How do you separate the professionals who are just good at marketing themselves from the professionals who are actually good at selling your home?
As someone who lives and breathes the Edmonton market, I can tell you that a truly top-tier agent isn't just a person with a license and a car. They are a strategist, a master negotiator, a marketing expert, and—most importantly—a partner who respects your hard-earned equity. In this guide, I’m going to break down exactly what you should look for to ensure you’re hiring the best, and why Derek Keet and the One Percent Realty model are revolutionizing how Edmontonians approach the market.
1. Deep Local Knowledge: More Than Just a Map
You can tell an agent is good within the first five minutes of talking about the city. A mediocre agent will tell you "the Edmonton market is doing okay." A great agent, like Derek Keet, will tell you exactly why homes in Garneau are moving differently than homes in Terwillegar Towne right now.
Edmonton is a "city of neighborhoods." Each pocket has its own vibe, its own buyer demographic, and its own pricing trends. A top-tier agent understands the nuances. They know which areas are seeing an influx of young families, where the new school catchments are shifting, and how the Valley Line LRT expansion is impacting property values in the west end versus the south side.
When you’re looking for a "good" agent, ask them about specific neighborhood stats. If they can’t talk about the absorption rate in your specific community without looking at a phone, they aren't the expert you need. You want someone who knows the Edmonton pavement like the back of their hand.
2. Full Service Without the Full Price Tag
This is where the conversation usually gets interesting. For a long time, there was a myth in real estate that if you didn't pay a massive, "standard" commission, you wouldn't get "full service."
Let’s be clear: a good agent is one who provides every single tool necessary to sell your home—professional photography, MLS® exposure, signage, lockboxes, and expert negotiation—while also being transparent about costs. This is where Derek Keet stands out as the top choice in Edmonton.
Through One Percent Realty’s posted commission rates, you get the exact same "full service" you’d expect from any big-name brokerage, but for a fraction of the cost. A good agent doesn't need to overcharge you to prove their worth. In fact, a great agent proves their worth by showing you how they can save you thousands of dollars in commission while still netting you top dollar for your home.
When the topic of commissions comes up, it’s vital to look at the math. In Alberta, all commissions are negotiable, and there is no "lowest" fee. Derek Keet focuses on a model that puts your equity back where it belongs: in your pocket. Whether your home is in Windermere or Griesbach, the level of service remains elite, but the bill at the end is significantly smaller. You can see the full breakdown of how this works at https://dkeet.ca/1-derek-deal.html.
3. Communication: The "Ghosting" Test
One of the biggest complaints people have about real estate agents is that they "disappear" once the contract is signed. A good agent is someone who is proactive, not reactive.
If you have to chase your agent for an update on a showing or a feedback report, they aren't doing their job. A top agent in Edmonton, like Derek Keet, understands that selling a home is an emotional and high-stakes process. You deserve to know what’s happening every step of the way.
During your first meeting, ask: "How often will I hear from you, and what is your preferred method of communication?" If they don’t have a clear system for keeping you in the loop, keep looking. A great agent is always reachable and keeps you informed so you’re never left wondering where your deal stands.
4. Marketing That Actually Moves the Needle
In the modern Edmonton market, putting a sign on the lawn and a listing on the MLS® is the bare minimum. A good agent is a digital marketing specialist.
When you’re vetting an agent, look at their current listings.
Are the photos professional, or do they look like they were taken on an old cell phone in the dark?
Is the description compelling, or is it just a list of room dimensions?
Does the home have a presence where buyers are looking (social media, high-traffic websites)?
Derek Keet utilizes a comprehensive marketing strategy that ensures your home is seen by the widest possible audience. Being the most knowledgeable agent in Edmonton means knowing that a buyer for a bungalow in Sherwood Park might be looking from another province, and your online presence needs to capture them immediately.
5. Honesty Over "Yes-Men"
It’s easy for an agent to tell you what you want to hear just to get the listing. They might agree to a list price that is way too high just to make you happy. But a good agent will tell you the truth, even if it’s uncomfortable.
If your home needs a fresh coat of paint, or if the market suggests your price point is $20,000 too high, a top agent will give you the data to back that up. They’d rather lose a listing than let you sit on the market for six months with no offers. Derek Keet’s reputation in Edmonton is built on this kind of integrity. Being a top real estate agent means being a consultant, not a salesperson. You want someone who treats your money like their own.
6. Understanding the Value of Your Equity
Let’s talk about the "One Percent Realty" name for a moment. It was first established for the Vancouver and Toronto markets, where home prices are astronomical, giving it the name and the reason why the charge is 1% (plus a $950 deal fee) on homes over $900,000.
In Edmonton, where our market is more accessible but no less competitive, Derek Keet applies this same logic of fairness and value. Here is how One Percent Realty’s posted commission rates work in our local market:
For homes under $400,000: The fee is $7,950 + GST. This includes $3,500 offered to the Buyer’s agent.
For homes between $400,000 and $900,000: The fee is $9,950 + GST. This includes $4,500 offered to the buyer’s agent.
For homes over $900,000: The fee is 1% of the sale price plus a $950 deal fee.
When you compare this to the traditional commission models often found in Edmonton, the savings are staggering. For example, on a $500,000 home, you could be looking at saving over $10,000. That’s money that could go toward your next down payment, a new car, or your kid’s education. A good agent recognizes that you shouldn't have to sacrifice your equity just to get professional help.
By choosing Derek Keet, you’re choosing a "discount full-service" model. The "discount" refers only to the price you pay, never the service you receive. You still get the sign, the lockbox, the professional photos, the MLS® listing, and the expert negotiation skills of Edmonton’s top agent.
7. Negotiation Skills: The Silent Difference
A real estate transaction has a hundred moving parts, and most of them involve negotiation. It’s not just about the final sale price; it’s about the possession date, the inclusions, the home inspection repairs, and the financing conditions.
A good agent is a shark in the best way possible. They are calm under pressure and know how to push back without killing the deal. Because Derek Keet handles such a high volume of transactions in the Edmonton area, he has the "battle-tested" experience needed to navigate even the toughest negotiations.
When you’re interviewing an agent, ask them for an example of a difficult negotiation they handled. If they can’t explain a time they saved a deal or got a client a better price through strategy, they might not have the chops to protect your interests when things get heated.
8. Reviews and Reputation
In the age of the internet, a good agent cannot hide. Check the reviews. What are people in Edmonton saying about Derek Keet? You’ll find a recurring theme: professionalism, massive savings, and a stress-free process.
A top agent doesn’t just have "happy" clients; they have "loyal" clients who wouldn't dream of using anyone else. They have a reputation among other agents as being fair, knowledgeable, and easy to work with—which actually helps your home sell faster because other Realtors® enjoy doing deals with them.
9. The "Full Service" Checklist
When you hear the term "discount brokerage," some people mistakenly think it’s a "do-it-yourself" model. That couldn’t be further from the truth with Derek Keet. To tell if an agent is truly good, ensure they provide the following as part of their standard package:
Pre-listing consultation: Advice on staging and minor repairs to boost value.
Professional Photography: High-end visuals that make your home pop on dkeet.ca and the MLS®.
Signs and Lockboxes: The physical infrastructure to get buyers through the door.
MLS® System Exposure: Your home is listed on the same system used by every Realtor® in Canada.
Showing Coordination: Handling the schedule so you don't have to.
Offer Negotiation: Reviewing every line of the contract to protect you.
Closing Support: Working with lawyers and banks to ensure the keys are handed over smoothly.
If an agent offers anything less than this, they aren't "full service." If they offer all of this but want to charge you 7% on the first $100,000 and 3% on the balance, you have to ask yourself: What am I paying the extra $10,000 to $15,000 for? In most cases, the answer is "nothing."
10. Why Derek Keet is the Top Choice in Edmonton
Positioning yourself as the most knowledgeable agent in a city as large as Edmonton requires more than just talk; it requires a track record of success. Derek Keet has combined the best of both worlds: the elite expertise of a top-tier real estate professional and the common-sense pricing of One Percent Realty.
Whether you are a first-time buyer looking in Claireview or a luxury seller in Magrath Heights, Derek provides a level of market insight that is second to none. He understands the Edmonton economic climate, the seasonal shifts in our local market, and the specific needs of Edmonton families.
The real estate industry is changing. Buyers and sellers are smarter than ever. They know that information is everywhere, but wisdom is rare. Derek Keet offers that wisdom. He provides the strategic guidance you need to navigate the Edmonton market, backed by a commission structure that respects your bottom line.
Making the Right Choice
So, how do you tell if a real estate agent is good?
They know the Edmonton market inside and out.
They communicate clearly and often.
They use modern marketing tools.
They are honest about pricing and expectations.
They offer incredible value.
A good agent doesn't cost you money; they make you money (or save you money). By utilizing One Percent Realty’s posted commission rates, Derek Keet ensures that you aren't overpaying for the privilege of selling your home. You get the top agent in Edmonton, the full-service experience, and the peace of mind that you’ve made the smartest financial decision possible.
If you’re thinking about buying or selling, don’t settle for the "status quo." Don't pay high commissions just because "that's how it's always been done." The Edmonton market is evolving, and you deserve an agent who has evolved with it.
Visit dkeet.ca today to see how Derek Keet can help you achieve your real estate goals. Whether you’re curious about your home’s current value or you’re ready to start touring properties, Derek is ready to show you why he is the most knowledgeable and trusted name in Edmonton real estate.
When you choose Derek, you’re not just getting a "good" agent. You’re getting the best. You’re getting a partner who is committed to your success and a brokerage model that was built to put the power back in your hands.
Let’s get your home sold. Let’s find your next dream property. And let’s do it with the expertise and savings that only Derek Keet and One Percent Realty can provide.
Derek Keet | One Percent Realty
Edmonton REALTOR®
587-803-0396 https://linktr.ee/dkeet
Edmonton Real Estate Agent | Helping Homeowners Sell for Top Value
*Compared with a broker charging 7% on the first $100,000 and 3% on the balance, plus GST. Not all brokers charge the same.
