10 Questions to Ask YourNew Realtor Before You Sign

Are you a Sales Representative or Broker? What designations do you hold?

Why it matters: A Broker has completed additional experience and exams beyond the basic licence. Designations like ABR (buyer specialist), FRI (real estate institute fellow), and MCNE (negotiation expert) indicate structured training in specific skill areas — not just time in the industry.

How many transactions have you completed in the area I’m targeting in the past 12 months?

Why it matters: Local knowledge is irreplaceable. An agent unfamiliar with your target market can’t give you accurate pricing guidance or flag neighbourhood-specific risks. Transaction volume is an objective metric — not a personal judgment.

What does your Buyer Representation Agreement say about term, territory, and cancellation?

Why it matters: TRESA requires a written agreement before service begins. A fair agreement should have a reasonable term (3–6 months), a clear cancellation clause, and should not lock you in indefinitely. Every term is negotiable — a professional agent will explain rather than pressure.

If your brokerage also represents the seller on a home I want to buy, how do you handle that?

Why it matters: This is the most important conflict-of-interest question. Multiple representation affects what advice the agent can give you. Under TRESA, disclosure is mandatory — but you have the right to understand exactly how it limits the agent’s advocacy for you, and the right to decline the arrangement.

How often will you update me on the market, and through what channel?

Why it matters: Communication failure is the most common buyer complaint. Confirm whether the agent proactively reaches out (rather than waiting for you to chase them), and whether their communication style — text, call, email — matches yours.

How do you help me determine offer price strategy?

Why it matters: A good agent provides a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) with recent comparable sales to anchor your offer price. If the answer is “just offer what feels right,” that’s a red flag — you need data, not guesses, when committing hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Do you receive referral fees from the mortgage brokers, lawyers, or inspectors you recommend?

Why it matters: Referral arrangements aren’t inherently wrong, but you should know about them. Transparent agents disclose referral relationships upfront — it’s a professional ethics requirement, not a private matter. This helps you assess whether the recommendation is truly in your best interest.

If I’m not happy with your service, how do I exit the agreement?

Why it matters: This is often overlooked. Some agreements have exit clauses that strongly favour the agent. A professional will clearly explain the termination process rather than gloss over it. You should not feel trapped in a working relationship that isn’t serving you.

Who covers for you if you’re unavailable?

Why it matters: In a competitive market, offer windows can be just a few hours. Know whether the agent has a team or a reliable backup for vacations and emergencies. Missing a critical window because your agent was unreachable is a real risk.

Given my specific situation — first-time buyer / move-up / investor — what’s your honest take?

Why it matters: This open-ended question reveals whether the agent actually listened. A strong agent gives specific, situation-aware advice. A weak one gives generic scripts. The quality of this answer tells you more than any credential on paper.

Do Ontario buyers need to sign a representation agreement?

Yes. Under Ontario’s updated TRESA rules (2023), a brokerage must provide a written Buyer Representation Agreement before providing services. The agreement specifies the scope of service, compensation, territory, and term. Buyers have the right to understand and negotiate its terms.

What is multiple representation in Ontario real estate?

Multiple representation (also called dual agency) occurs when the same agent or brokerage represents both buyer and seller in the same transaction. Under TRESA, the agent must disclose this conflict in writing and obtain the buyer’s informed consent. Buyers have the right to refuse the arrangement.

Who pays the buyer’s agent commission in Ontario?

In Ontario, the buyer’s agent is typically paid by the seller through a commission co-op split. Buyers generally don’t pay their agent directly, but this arrangement must be disclosed in the Buyer Representation Agreement.

What credentials should I look for in an Ontario realtor?

Look for designations like ABR (Accredited Buyer’s Representative), FRI (Fellow of the Real Estate Institute), MCNE (Master Certified Negotiation Expert), and SRS (Seller Representative Specialist). These indicate the agent has completed specialized training beyond basic licensing requirements.

How do I know if a realtor is truly right for me?

Key indicators: they proactively disclose conflicts of interest, support pricing recommendations with data, are willing to say no to overpriced homes, respond promptly, and give you specific advice tailored to your situation. A good agent will also honestly tell you their limitations.