10 Questions to Ask a Realtor Before You Buy or Sell in York Region
10 Questions to Ask a Realtor Before You Buy or Sell in York Region
The right questions upfront tell you more about how an agent will handle your transaction than any listing photo or online review. Here is what to ask before you sign with anyone.
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Choose a Realtor in York Region with clear questions about local experience, pricing, marketing, communication and representation. Learn what to ask about comparable sales, service scope, fees, updates and the terms of your representation agreement.
AI assisted educational overview. Read the full article below and confirm details for your circumstances with qualified professionals.
In This Article
Questions About Experience and Track Record
1. How many transactions have you closed in the past year, and how many of those were in the specific area I am buying or selling in?
An agent who closes deals regularly in your target neighbourhood typically has more current knowledge of pricing, buyer behaviour and local market conditions than one who works broadly across a wider territory. Neither approach is automatically wrong, but the answer should give you a sense of how familiar the agent actually is with your specific situation.
2. What happens on the transactions that do not go smoothly?
Every experienced agent has dealt with a financing delay, an inspection issue or a difficult negotiation. How they describe handling a past problem tells you more about their judgment than a list of successful closings alone.
Questions About Pricing and Comparable Sales
3. What comparable sales did you use to arrive at this price recommendation?
If you are selling, a vague or overly confident price with no specific comparable properties behind it is worth pushing back on. A grounded pricing conversation should reference specific recent sales, current active competition, and how your property compares to each.
4. How do you decide what to offer, and how will you help me stay disciplined if a property gets competitive?
If you are buying, this question reveals whether an agent will help you make a grounded, defensible offer or simply chase whatever the market is doing in the moment.
Questions About Representation
5. Will you be representing me exclusively, or is multiple representation possible on some transactions?
Ontario has brokerage representation and designated representation. Under designated representation, working with different designated agents at the same brokerage does not automatically create multiple representation. Ask who represents you and when a conflict could arise. Multiple representation requires written disclosure and written agreement from the affected clients and limits the advice and loyalty you receive. Ask about alternatives and obtain independent legal advice before agreeing.
6. What is your availability during my transaction, and will I be working directly with you or primarily with a team member?
Some agents work solo, others operate with a team. Neither is inherently better, but you should know upfront who will actually be showing you homes, answering your questions and negotiating on your behalf.
Questions About Marketing and Exposure
7. If I am selling, how specifically will you market my home beyond putting it on the MLS?
An MLS listing is often part of the marketing plan. Ask what else is proposed: professional photography, targeted online advertising, social media promotion, open houses, and outreach to other agents with qualified buyers. Ask for specifics, not general assurances.
8. How will you measure whether the marketing is working, and what happens if showings or offers are not tracking to plan?
A good agent should have a plan for adjusting course, whether that means a price conversation, a marketing refresh, or a different approach, rather than simply waiting and hoping.
Questions About Fees and Commission
9. What is your commission, and is it negotiable?
Real estate commission in Ontario is not set by law and is negotiable between you and your agent. Ask directly what is being proposed and what it includes, rather than assuming a standard rate applies.
10. Can you walk me through the other costs I should expect, and can you recommend a lawyer, mortgage advisor or other professionals I will need?
An experienced agent should be able to give you a realistic picture of the other costs involved in your transaction and connect you with trusted professionals rather than leaving you to find them on your own.
Questions About Communication
Beyond the ten questions above, it is worth clarifying upfront how and how often your agent will communicate with you: which channel they prefer, how quickly you can expect a response, and how they will keep you updated during the parts of a transaction that can feel like a waiting game, such as between an offer and a firm deal, or during a home inspection period. Mismatched expectations about communication are one of the more common sources of frustration in a real estate transaction, and they are easy to prevent with a short conversation upfront.
Quick Takeaways
- Ask about an agent's recent transaction volume and specific experience in your target area, not just their overall years in the business.
- Push for specific comparable sales behind any pricing recommendation, rather than accepting a number with no data behind it.
- Understand how representation works before you sign, including how multiple representation could apply to your transaction.
- Ask for a specific marketing plan if you are selling, not just confirmation that your home will be listed on the MLS.
- Commission is negotiable in Ontario; ask directly what is being proposed and what other costs to expect.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is real estate commission negotiable in Ontario?
Yes. There is no legally set commission rate in Ontario. Commission is agreed upon between you and your agent, and it is reasonable to ask directly what is being proposed and whether there is flexibility.
What is multiple representation and why does it matter?
Under brokerage representation, multiple representation can involve a brokerage representing both buyer and seller or competing buyers for the same property. Under designated representation, it can involve the same designated agent representing those competing interests. Written disclosure and agreement are required, and the representative must be impartial and cannot advise on the price or terms to offer or accept. Ask about alternatives and seek independent legal advice before agreeing.
Should I ask an agent for references or past client contacts?
It is a reasonable request, and most experienced agents can provide them. References give you a sense of how an agent communicates and performs from someone who has already been through the process with them.
How many agents should I interview before choosing one?
There is no fixed number, but speaking with more than one gives you a basis for comparison on experience, pricing philosophy, marketing approach and communication style, rather than evaluating a single agent in isolation.
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Jonathan Colford
Straightforward answers and clear expectations for buyers and sellers across York Region.
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