Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Real Estate Agent
Twelve questions to put to every agent you interview. Ask all of them, in the same order, to each agent. That is what makes the answers comparable. For each one below we have set out why it matters, what a strong answer sounds like and what a weak answer tells you.
1. Are you currently registered with RECO, and under which brokerage?
Why it matters. Registration is a legal requirement to trade in real estate in Ontario. You can verify the answer yourself on the public RECO registrant search.
A strong answer. They give you their registration details without hesitation and mention you can check the public register.
A weak answer. Vagueness, deflection, or describing themselves only as a consultant or advisor.
2. How many transactions have you completed in the last two years that resemble mine, in property type, price range and area?
Why it matters. This is the single most predictive question. Total career volume tells you much less than recent relevant experience.
A strong answer. A specific number, with examples of the areas and property types.
A weak answer. A career total, a team total presented as personal, or a change of subject to how much they love the neighbourhood.
3. Who specifically will handle each part of the process?
Why it matters. On a team, the person pitching you is often not the person doing the showings, the negotiation or the paperwork.
A strong answer. Named people for each stage, and a clear answer on who you contact with a problem.
A weak answer. We all work together, or an assurance that you will always deal with them personally that is contradicted later.
4. How did you arrive at that price, and which comparable sales did you use?
Why it matters. For sellers this separates a considered valuation from a number chosen to win the listing.
A strong answer. They walk you through specific comparable properties and explain what they adjusted for and why.
A weak answer. A number with no working, or a range so wide it commits to nothing.
5. What would you do differently if it has not sold in three weeks?
Why it matters. Tests whether they have a plan beyond listing and waiting.
A strong answer. A staged plan with specific triggers and actions, including how they would review pricing.
A weak answer. We would reduce the price, with nothing else.
6. What is your commission, what does it cover, and what is negotiable?
Why it matters. Commission is negotiable in Ontario. There is no standard rate and any suggestion otherwise is wrong.
A strong answer. A clear figure, a breakdown of what it includes, and a straight answer about what is flexible.
A weak answer. That is the standard rate, or discomfort at being asked.
7. What costs will I pay beyond commission?
Why it matters. Staging, photography, legal fees, HST on commission and other charges add up, and some agents fold them in while others bill separately.
A strong answer. An itemised list, with which are included and which are extra.
A weak answer. We can discuss that later.
8. What does your brokerage do if the buyer is also represented by your brokerage?
Why it matters. Under TRESA, brokerages may use designated representation. Which model applies changes how your interests are protected.
A strong answer. A clear explanation of whether the brokerage uses designated representation or multiple representation, and what would change for you.
A weak answer. Confusion, or an assurance that it never happens.
9. How long is the agreement, and how do I end it if this is not working?
Why it matters. Term length and exit terms vary, and holdover clauses can create a commission obligation after expiry.
A strong answer. A specific term, a clear cancellation process and an explanation of the holdover clause.
A weak answer. Everyone signs for the same period, or reluctance to put the exit terms in writing.
10. Can I speak to two recent clients whose transactions did not go smoothly?
Why it matters. Anyone can supply a happy reference. The useful information is how they behave under difficulty.
A strong answer. They offer a reference and describe the situation candidly before you call.
A weak answer. Only polished references, or a claim that nothing has ever gone wrong.
11. How and how often will you update me, and what is your response time?
Why it matters. Communication is the most common source of complaint. Set the expectation before you sign.
A strong answer. A specific commitment, such as a set update day plus a response time for urgent matters.
A weak answer. Anytime, just call me.
12. What would make you tell me not to buy this house, or not to list yet?
Why it matters. Tests whether the agent will give you advice that costs them a transaction.
A strong answer. A real example of having advised a client against a deal, with the reasoning.
A weak answer. An inability to think of anything, or an answer that is really a sales pitch.
Neighbourhood specific questions
The twelve above apply anywhere. Each of our Markham neighbourhood pages also carries three questions specific to that area, covering things like heritage permits in Unionville, rear laneway responsibilities in Cornell, the municipal boundary in Milliken and the airport lands in Buttonville. An agent who genuinely works an area will answer those directly.
Before the interview
- Confirm RECO registration for each agent on the public register.
- Read their reviews on this site, paying attention to recency and to whether the transaction type matches yours.
- Note how they responded to any critical review. That is often more revealing than the review itself.
- Read our guide on commission and fees so the money conversation is not the first time you have thought about it.
Common questions
Should I ask every agent the same questions?
Yes. Asking the same questions in the same order is what makes the answers comparable. If you improvise differently with each agent, you end up comparing your impressions of three conversations rather than comparing three agents.
Is it rude to ask about commission directly?
No. Commission in Ontario is negotiable and there is no standard rate, so asking about it is an ordinary part of the conversation. An agent who is uncomfortable discussing their own fee is showing you something useful about how negotiation with them will go.
What if an agent refuses to give references?
Privacy is a legitimate reason not to hand over client contact details without permission, so a refusal is not automatically a bad sign. What matters is what they offer instead. An agent who says they will ask a past client for permission to connect you is behaving correctly. One who simply declines and moves on has told you something.
This guide is general information, not legal or financial advice.