Scenario 1: You’re just thinking about selling next year (6-12 months out)

This is the ideal starting point. Have coffee with 2-3 agents. The goal isn’t to sign — it’s to ask: ‘What would my house list at today? In 6 months? What should I change?’ A good agent gives you a 12-month market read, not a number. If they only push to sign immediately — pass.

Scenario 2: You plan to list within 3 months

This is exactly when interviews should happen. Give each agent 1-2 hours to walk you through strategy. Interview 3 agents — one local boutique, one big franchise, one with bilingual strength if your buyer pool is mixed. Compare their pricing logic (not the number), their marketing portfolio, and their last 5 list-vs-sold ratios.

Scenario 3: You must sell within 30 days (relocation/job change)

Tight but still doable. Prioritize agents with fast days-on-market in your postal code over the past 6 months. Compress the process — at the first meeting they bring CMA, marketing plan, staging notes; sign on the spot or within 48 hours. But don’t skip comparison just because you’re in a hurry — a weak agent can cost you 5-8% of sale price.

Scenario 4: You just heard a neighbor sold for a high price

This is the most common trap. People see a neighbor’s high sale and immediately sign with the first agent who calls. Slow down — verify the actual sold price (not list), days on market, and whether their condition matches yours. Then interview 2-3 agents for a real CMA.

Scenario 5: You’ve decided to move up (sell-then-buy)

Start interviewing at least 3 months ahead. This is the most complex deal type — sale proceeds fund the new down payment, and bad timing means either not closing the new home or double carrying costs. The same agent handling both saves time, but verify their listing record and buyer record are both strong.

Do I really need to interview 3 agents?

Strongly recommended, especially for first-time sellers. Three agents give three different strategies and price bands — that’s how you judge which narrative is actually convincing. Meeting just one means you only hear their pitch.

Can I just hire the agent my friend recommended?

Yes — but don’t sign immediately. The referral goes on your shortlist, but still compare against 2 others. A friend’s positive experience doesn’t mean the agent is right for your specific home and price band.

How long should the listing agreement be?

Standard is 90-180 days. For a first-time relationship, don’t go over 90 days — you can always renew if they perform. If the agent insists on 1 year, walk away.

Open Listing vs. Exclusive Listing?

Exclusive = only this brokerage represents you, listing goes on MLS. Open = multiple agents can bring buyers; whoever sells gets the commission. Open Listing is rare in GTA — almost everyone wants Exclusive + MLS.

One agent’s number is 20% higher than the others. Good sign?

Almost always a sales tactic. They quote high to win the contract, then ‘adjust based on market feedback’ two weeks in — but you’ve already signed 90 days. Look at their pricing evidence, not the headline number.