Best Project Management Software In Canada For June 2023

To choose a project management software, consider each provider’s cost and added fees, overall features and functionality offerings, reporting, integration capabilities, necessary features vs. feature overload, customer reviews and customer support. In this section, we walk you through how to approach this exam.

Project management software has basic features that most projects need to be successful. However, extra or unique features make some software options better for certain teams or businesses. It’s important to do your research to understand what unique features might make your project more successful based on your team approach, type of business or type of project. Some highly utilized project management tools and features include:

Look for tools and designs that can help your organization use the software easier, despite barriers such as little knowledge of best practices or a cumbersome number of tasks that must be completed on a daily basis. Choosing the right ease-of-use features for your organization depends on many factors, including your company’s tech-savviness and size. However, some ease-of-use features commonly used by small to mid-sized companies are:

Reporting within project management software presents key data in a meaningful way to help you understand the success or needed improvements in your projects. The best project management software offer dashboards that break down data in the form of graphs, tables and the like to make gleaning insights from the data instant and intuitive.

Determine the types of key performance indicators (KPIs) you may need to track and the types of needed reports to help you track them. Then, when evaluating your considered software, explore its reporting and analytics options and dashboards to determine if they have what you need.

Common reports that may be helpful in a project management software include project status, health, team availability, risk, variance and timeline reports. Common KPIs include percentage of tasks completed, return on investment (ROI), schedule variance, planned vs. actual hours and the planned project value.

Next, evaluate whether the software will continue to meet your needs by exploring whether you can customize the reports or dashboards to meet needs as they arise. Customization options may include the ability to add or remove columns or create new reporting views.

Customer reviews offer real-world insights into what it is like to use your considered software and do business with its provider. Search your considered software on tech review sites such as Capterra and TrustRadius. Read the reviews of past and current users. As you do, you are likely to learn the glitches the software experiences, hidden costs not highlighted on the provider’s website and how the software compares to competitor solutions.

Access to quality customer support ensures that should a glitch happen in the software, your entire project isn’t derailed. To learn more about your chosen provider’s customer support, search for it on review sites such as TrustRadius and look at the company’s plans to understand what will be available to you and when. Aim to at least ensure support will be responsive during your normal business hours and via the mediums your team is accustomed to using.

As you look at the feature set, remember that startups have different needs in project management software than do large enterprises. For example, enterprise companies may need to manage projects with execution steps that span the globe, while startup projects are more likely to span one or two locations. Demos can help you determine what tools are useful for your organization’s size and which will unnecessarily create a steeper learning curve.

Though one software plan or tool may be best for your organization at your current size, those needs are likely to change as you grow. For example, as you grow, you may need a software or plan with greater automation capabilities to scale operations or greater file storage capacity. So, while it is important to choose a software without unnecessary features, it is equally important to choose one that will continue meeting your feature needs as they grow.

How To Find A Real Estate Agent

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Hiring the right real estate professional is vital to getting the best deal you can, whether you’re buying or selling. Knowing what questions to ask will help you identify if someone is the right fit for you.

As a prospective home buyer, you might think it’s simple enough to search for homes online, but a good real estate agent can manage the search for you by: staying on top of new listings, scheduling viewings and communicating with the agent representing the seller.

Agents also have access to more home listings than are readily available to the public. When it comes time to buy, a real estate agent can help a buyer navigate the purchase contract, which is critical to how much you will pay for the home over the life of a mortgage loan.

As a home seller, homeowners may be tempted to try to sell on their own, particularly in a hot housing market. But there are still plenty of time-consuming steps, and costs, required to sell a home that an experienced real estate agent manages all the time.

A good seller’s agent will know how to stage and market a home for sale, and which repairs might be necessary and which can be skipped. It’s also important to note that sellers are usually responsible for paying the buyer’s agent, so even if you pass up the chance to have representation of your own you’ll still pay some commission.

Real estate agents are licensed by the state and have to pass a licensing exam after completing a certain number of coursework hours. Many real estate agents and brokers are Realtors, meaning they are members of the National Association of Realtors (NAR). They’re bound to follow the Realtor’s Code of Ethics. Consumers can report Realtors to a local Realtor association if they violate the ethics code.

Agents also can become real estate brokers, which means they have received higher-level training and also passed a broker’s license exam.

The primary difference between a buyer’s agent and a listing agent is that they represent opposite interests. Both agents want to get the best deal possible for their clients, but the buyer’s agent represents the buyer while the listing agent represents the seller.

Real estate agents will assume you have prepared for selling and/or buying a home before you hire them. Here are some of the most important early steps to take.

If you’re buying:

If you’re selling:

Although word-of-mouth referrals are the most common—and often the most comfortable—way to find a real estate professional, there are other ways to connect with agents who can help you.

Here are a few places to start your search:

Once you’ve collected names of several agents, you’ll need to consider certain attributes as you narrow the field. Here are key things to consider when hiring a real estate agent.

Realtors who are members of NAR have eight years of experience on average, according to the group. Still, some agents are likely to have more experience than others depending on your needs, such as working with first-time buyers, or doing deals in condos or co-ops.

There are many real estate certifications offered by the NAR, which lead to designations including Accredited Buyer’s Representative (ABR) and Seller Representative Specialist (SRS).These indicate that the agent has pursued additional education and training. Senior citizens who are looking to sell or buy might benefit from working with a Seniors Real Estate Specialist (SRES).

An agent who knows the area can best advise on a sales price based on recent trends, such as whether prices have been edging up or down in recent months in your neighborhood. They can also help you narrow down neighborhoods based on your priorities, like being close to good schools or away from busy streets.

A listing agent needs to know how to create a strong first impression online because most people shop for homes virtually before they ever visit a property for sale. The photos, videos and descriptive writing need to stand out in the listing, which will get posted on multiple sites, such as the brokerage’s website and consumer-focused sites like Zillow or Redfin. As a buyer, you’ll want an agent who can find newly listed homes at least as quickly as you can, if not faster—and has the resources to find homes for sale that aren’t listed on traditional channels.

An agent who works full-time and isn’t overcommitted with other work is more likely to be available when you call or text, and can set up last-minute visits to homes as soon as they become available. When you interview agents, find out if they’re willing to dedicate enough time for your needs, whether it’s getting a home ready to sell and show on your timetable, or visiting several homes each week.

You’ll need to decide if you want to work with an individual agent or a team of two or more agents. Ideally, an agency team works collaboratively, so someone is always available when you need help. On the other hand, some people decide to work with an individual agent in order to build rapport with one person who is with them every step of the way.

When you hire a listing agent, you’ll sign a listing agreement that typically lasts two to six months. Commissions vary but are usually around 5% to 6% of the purchase price, with half of the amount going to the buyer’s agent. Listing agents may be willing to negotiate their commission.

It’s also important to be sure your agent is working in your best interest. In some cases, agents from the same brokerage wind up representing both the buyer and the seller in a transaction. For buyers, that could be a concern: is your agent working to get you the lowest price possible, or a higher commission?

As a seller, if you’re comfortable with this arrangement, you could ask for a reduced commission because it’s all going to the same brokerage.

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There are some basic questions you should ask a realtor when selling or buying a home.

If you’re selling a home:

If you’re buying a house:

The agent you decide to work with will be your partner during a financially significant and stressful part of your life. Take your time and do as much legwork as you can to make sure you are comfortable relying on this person. Make sure all your questions are answered. And don’t settle; this is one area where relying on personal referrals can mean a lot.

Choosing the right real estate agent makes all the difference in terms of attracting potential buyers, getting the best possible deal and closing in a timely manner. But not all real estate agents are created equal. Some agents charge more than others, so it’s important to do your due diligence before choosing who to work with.

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The real estate agent commission is typically 5% to 6% of the property’s sale price, but this can be negotiated. Usually, the agents on each side of the transaction split the commission down the middle. However, this can vary by agent and location make sure to discuss your agent’s commission upfront before signing with them.

The real estate agent is paid when the home purchase closes. Their share of the money for the sale is usually disbursed by the title company or real estate attorney handling the closing process.

Yes. It’s not a requirement to use a real estate agent when buying or selling a home. However, this might impact your ability to buy or sell a property at the right price with favorable terms. It will also mean more work for you to handle on your own.

Check out their reviews and speak to other buyers or sellers they previously worked with to see if they had a good experience working with the Realtor or not. Also, check to see how many listings they have, and make sure their license is up-to-date and in good standing.

Ultimately, the definition of ‘good’ is relative. Decide what qualities are important to you in a Realtor, such as communication skills, how they communicate (text versus phone calls, for example), a team versus a solo agent, experience with specific property types or in certain neighborhoods and transparency.

How to Find the Right Real Estate Agent for You

Hiring a professional real estate agent when buying or selling a home can help you make smart decisions and avoid costly mistakes.

But not just any agent will fit the bill. Here's how to choose the right real estate agent for you.

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Real estate agent basics

Real estate agents help people buy and sell homes. Agents educate their clients about current market conditions, guide them through each step of the process and make referrals to other professionals, such as home stagers and real estate attorneys. Most agents can represent buyers or sellers. Their particular titles in a transaction depend on whom they're representing in that sale.

In some cases, an agent can represent both sides in a single transaction, but it's best to have someone who's solely in your corner.

Realtor vs. real estate agent

All real estate agents must be licensed in the states where they work and abide by national and state laws. Realtors are licensed agents who belong to the National Association of Realtors, which has more than 1.5 million members. Members pledge to abide by the association's standards and code of ethics.

Difference between a real estate agent and a broker

A real estate broker has received additional training, beyond what agents receive, to get a real estate broker license. Like agents, brokers must complete state-required coursework and pass an exam to get licensed. A broker can oversee other real estate agents, work under a managing broker or operate independently.

How to find and interview real estate agents

Ask friends and colleagues for referrals to find several prospective agents. Look up the agents' websites and online profiles, read about their specialties and experience, and check out customer reviews.

Choose at least three agents to interview and dig into specifics about how they would work with you.

You can also get matched with agents through a lender's real estate agent network or a standalone referral service. Before using one of these options, make sure you understand what they require of agents, how you'll be matched and what happens if you don't like the agent you're paired with.

What buyers and sellers should ask real estate agents

Here are the key things to find out, whether you're buying or selling a home.

Is the agent licensed?

Licensure requires agents to complete a certain amount of coursework and pass an exam. Check your state's real estate commission website to find out if a particular agent is licensed.

Will the agent represent my interests?

You might assume any real estate agent you choose will represent your interests only. But in some cases, real estate agents aren't legally required to represent solely the buyer or the seller in a transaction. For example, a "dual agent" represents both the buyer and the seller in the same deal, and a "transactional agent" works with both sides, but has no fiduciary responsibility to either.

Understanding the nature of the agent's role when working with you is critical. Ask prospective agents if they will represent your interests only through the entire process, and request a written form that discloses the relationship, advises the Consumer Federation of America.

🤓Nerdy Tip

Real estate agents can complete educational programs to earn specialized credentials. There are designations and certifications for certain types of consumers, such as seniors and military members, and for dealing with certain types of properties, such as luxury homes. Ask agents what special training they've completed.

What experience and training does the agent have?

How long has the agent been working with clients, and what training or recognition does the agent have? Look for an agent with a good track record of serving clients like you.

Will the agent or assistants work with me?

Agents sometimes have assistants working for them on a team. Will you work more with the agent or with the assistants? An efficient team can serve your needs, but make sure you'll have enough direct access to the agent.

How will the agent communicate with you?

Do you prefer to communicate by text, phone calls or email? Most agents use all three channels. Make sure the agent will accommodate your preferred communication method.

How much will the agent be paid?

Usually, the seller pays the real estate commission, which the listing agent splits with the buyer's agent. A typical real estate commission is 5% to 6% of the sales price.

As the seller, you may be able to negotiate a lower rate, particularly for a high-priced property, according to the Consumer Federation of America. As the buyer, you can ask for a rebate of a portion of the buyer agent's commission.

Agents may not be willing to budge on the commission, but it's worth asking.

Were recent clients satisfied?

Request references from clients who worked with the agent in the past year. Were they satisfied with the agent's work? What went smoothly, and what didn't go well? How did the agent deal with challenges? Conversations with recent clients will give clues as to whether the agent is a good fit for you.

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Finding a real estate agent: Tips for buyers

Here are some things to think about when choosing an agent to help you buy a home.

Finding a real estate agent: Tips for sellers

Here are some things to think about when choosing an agent to help you sell a home.

How to choose a real estate agent

While you should compare agents' experience and approaches, it's just as important that the one you choose can establish rapport. Look for a competent agent who listens and responds to your needs and has a working style that clicks with yours. In buying or selling a home, people skills matter as much as real estate expertise.