How to choose the right real estate agent
THE HOME GUIDE
WEEK 43 / YOUR REPRESENTATION
How to choose the right real estate agent
Almost every agent can make a good first impression. The important differences often appear when something becomes difficult.
ABOUT 7 MINUTES TO READ
THREE THINGS TO LOOK FOR
01
EvidenceRecommendations supported by facts you can examine.
02
AccountabilityClear responsibilities, accurate records and follow-through.
03
JudgmentThoughtful advice when price, timing or risk becomes complicated.
Most real estate agents work hard to serve their clients. But how do you distinguish someone who gives good advice from someone who's simply good at selling their services?
An impressive presentation can be reassuring. So can experience and a strong recommendation from a friend.
Those are reasonable starting points. Before choosing an agent, you should also understand how they make decisions, verify information and handle problems.
01 / RECOGNIZING WARNING SIGNS
Some warning signs are obvious. Others look like ordinary mistakes.
Real estate transactions involve a substantial amount of information and many deadlines. Problems can arise from deliberate dishonesty, conflicts of interest or careless work.
THREE LEVELS OF CONCERN
SERIOUS MISCONDUCT
Misrepresentation or falsification
Examples include inventing competing offers, falsifying documentation or knowingly misleading clients about material facts. These behaviours can lead to regulatory enforcement and serious financial consequences.
CONFLICTED ADVICE
Recommendations without a clear basis
Be cautious when an agent pressures you to change a price, remove a condition or accept a particular offer without explaining the evidence and risks. Ask about any interests that could influence the recommendation.
CARELESS PRACTICE
The details that get overlooked
Inaccurate measurements, incomplete documents or missed follow-ups may appear small at first. Their impact can become significant when buyers, sellers or lawyers rely on the information.
A single administrative mistake doesn't establish that an agent is dishonest. What matters is whether the agent checks their work, acknowledges errors and acts promptly to address them.
02 / A REAL REGULATORY CASE
When a basement apartment wasn't what the listing promised
RECO published a discipline case involving a property advertised with a basement suitable for rental income.
The basement had a separate entrance and kitchen. Buyers relied on the listing information, only to discover after closing that the space had not been approved for the advertised rental use.
WHAT THE BUYERS FACED
A municipal compliance order requiring removal of the basement kitchen.
THE REGULATORY OUTCOME
$10,000
Fine imposed after RECO found the seller's agent had failed to conduct appropriate due diligence and improperly advertised the property's permitted use.
The lesson extends beyond basement apartments. An agent should investigate important claims about a property and explain when further verification is necessary.
03 / INTERVIEW THE AGENT
Ask questions that reveal how someone works.
RECO recommends interviewing multiple agents before hiring one. Consider asking each candidate the same questions so you can compare the answers more fairly.
TAP EACH QUESTION TO SEE WHAT TO LISTEN FOR
How would you determine what my home is worth?
Listen for: comparable sales, property-specific adjustments and competing inventory. A useful answer explains the method and its limitations, rather than promising the highest price.
How will you verify the property's important details?
Listen for: checks of relevant records, measurements, ownership details and permitted uses. An agent should identify what is known and what requires additional investigation.
What happens when something goes wrong?
Listen for: a clear communication plan, prompt attention to deadlines and appropriate use of legal or other qualified advice. Ask for an anonymized example of a difficult transaction.
Who will actually handle my transaction?
Listen for: specific responsibilities. If the agent works with a team, identify who attends appointments, negotiates, communicates with you and manages documentation.
What will the agreement cost, and how can it end?
Listen for: a clear explanation of services, compensation, duration, cancellation terms and any continuing obligations. Ask for the agreement early enough to review it carefully.
04 / TEST YOUR JUDGMENT
Two agents. Two different conversations.
You're interviewing agents to sell your home. Both appear experienced and personable. Their pricing recommendations differ.
AGENT A
"I can get you $1.1 million."
The agent presents an optimistic price but provides few comparable sales or details about the marketing plan.
AGENT B
"Here's the evidence behind my range."
The agent explains comparable transactions, shows the current competition and describes when the pricing strategy would be reviewed.
Which conversation gives you more to evaluate?
Agent B provides more testable information. That doesn't guarantee a better result, but it gives you a stronger basis for questioning the advice. Ask both agents to support their estimates and explain their process.
Both agents are fictional. The exercise illustrates how to evaluate recommendations.
05 / UNDERSTAND THE AGREEMENT
Know what you're signing before you sign it.
In Ontario, the RECO Information Guide explains representation, the duties owed to clients and important agreement terms. An agent must provide and explain it before offering services or assistance.
YOUR AGREEMENT REVIEW
What work will be provided, and who is responsible?
What fees apply, when are they payable and who is responsible for paying them?
When does the agreement begin and end?
What happens if the working relationship ends or you complete a transaction later?
Ask questions about any term you don't understand. Seek independent legal advice where appropriate.
06 / KEEP THIS CHECKLIST
Your agent-selection checklist
Use the following as a practical interview worksheet. Check each item once you've reviewed it.
BEFORE HIRING AN AGENT
The checkboxes are for personal review within this page; they do not save your selections.
A good agent makes their reasoning visible.
A strong working relationship requires more than confidence and a pleasant conversation. You need to understand the advice you're receiving and trust that important details are being handled carefully.
The right person for your transaction should be able to explain what they recommend, support important claims and help you understand the choices available.
That gives you a stronger foundation for making decisions throughout the purchase or sale.
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