There are a lot of real estate agents. Everyone has a friend, colleague or relative who can recommend someone that found them either the house of their dreams or sold their house for them. That’s a great starting point.

Feel free to contact a few agents and set up an appointment with the clear understanding that you’re interviewing them to see if they are the correct person to work with you. Correct, as in, you want to make sure that the agent listens to your needs and provides the right counsel for today’s real estate market. Make sure that you would be comfortable keeping the lines of communication open with them – so they hear what you think and vice versa. Ultimately, you want to ensure that your realtor is someone who is adding value to what may be the biggest transaction of your life.

Find an Agent 

Friends or family can recommend an agent that worked well for them. Interview them. 

Beyond referrals, look to online reviews and testimonials for overall input. 

Questions to Ask an Agent

Is the Agent familiar with the location(s) that you are interested in? Have they bought/sold a home in the area in the last 6 months?

What are their thoughts on today’s real estate market? 

Is your budget realistic for the location you’ve noted? 

Do they have the experience to negotiate on your behalf? 

What is their commission structure? Do you need to sign a contract? 

What other types of fees will there be? 

What are their marketing preferences? 

Are they a member of the OREA (Ontario Real Estate Association)? 

Questions an Agent will Ask You

What type of home are you looking for? Condo, townhouse (freehold or condo), Semi, detached house. 

What does that ideal home look like? 

Where are you looking to purchase a home – areas of the city? Is there anything specific you are looking for, eg. Transit access, access to major highways, school locations, etc. 

What is your budget? Will you need to sell the home you currently have? 

What is your overall timing? 

How can we best keep in touch? 

Have you worked with an agent in the past, and if/so, what was your experience like?

Do you have a list of must haves, nice to haves, etc.?