Best Tips for Finding the Perfect Real Estate Agent
Choosing the right real estate agent is one of the most important decisions you will make in your home buying or selling journey. The right agent can save you thousands of dollars, reduce stress, and guide you through one of life's biggest financial transactions. The wrong one can cost you time, money, and peace of mind. Here are 8 proven tips to help you find the perfect match.
8 Tips for Finding the Right Agent
Start with Referrals, Not Searches
The best agents come through personal recommendations. Ask friends, family, colleagues, and neighbours who have recently bought or sold about their experience. A personal referral tells you more about an agent's real-world performance than any online profile.
- Ask about communication — were they responsive and proactive?
- Ask about negotiation — did they fight for the best deal?
- Ask about follow-through — were there any surprises at closing?
- Ask if they would use the same agent again
Verify Credentials and Registration
Before engaging any agent, verify they are properly registered with RECO (Real Estate Council of Ontario) and in good standing. Check for any disciplinary history or complaints on RECO's public record.
- Search RECO's registrant database at registrantsearch.reco.on.ca
- Confirm their brokerage is registered and active
- Check for disciplinary decisions or enforcement actions
- Verify they are a member of their local real estate board
Look for Local Market Expertise
The best agent for you is one who knows your specific neighbourhood inside and out. They should be able to discuss recent sales, current inventory, pricing trends, school zones, development plans, and what makes your area unique — without looking anything up.
- Ask about recent sales in your specific neighbourhood
- They should know upcoming developments and zoning changes
- Look for agents who live in or focus on your area
- Ask how many transactions they have completed in the area
Interview Multiple Agents
Meet with at least 2-3 agents before deciding. Prepare a consistent set of questions so you can compare their answers, approach, and personality. The right agent is someone you trust, communicate well with, and who demonstrates genuine expertise.
- Ask the same core questions to each agent
- Pay attention to how well they listen to your needs
- Notice whether they are prepared with relevant market data
- Trust your instincts about communication and chemistry
Evaluate Their Track Record
Past performance is one of the best indicators of future results. Ask for concrete numbers — recent sales in your area, average days on market, list-to-sale price ratio, and how many transactions they complete annually. A strong track record should be verifiable, not just claimed.
- Ask for a list of recent comparable sales they have handled
- Look for consistent annual transaction volume
- Check their average list-to-sale price ratio
- Read online reviews but focus on patterns, not individual complaints
Assess Their Marketing Plan (Sellers)
If you are selling, your agent's marketing plan is critical. A comprehensive plan should include professional photography, virtual tours, MLS listing, targeted online advertising, social media promotion, open houses, and a clear pricing strategy. Ask to see examples of how they have marketed similar properties.
- Professional photography and videography are non-negotiable
- Ask about their online advertising strategy and budget
- Review examples of their past listings and marketing materials
- Understand their pricing strategy and how they will position your home
Discuss Communication Expectations
Mismatched communication expectations are the number one source of frustration in agent-client relationships. Before signing, discuss how often you will receive updates, which channels they prefer (phone, text, email), and what their typical response time is.
- Set expectations for update frequency (daily, weekly, after showings)
- Agree on preferred communication channels
- Ask about their availability on evenings and weekends
- Clarify who you will be working with — the agent or their team
Understand the Agreement Before Signing
Before committing, read and understand the representation agreement (BRA for buyers, listing agreement for sellers). Know the term length, commission structure, exclusivity terms, and how either party can end the relationship if it is not working.
- Start with a shorter term (60-90 days) if you are unsure
- Understand the commission structure and who pays
- Ask about cancellation terms and holdover clauses
- Never feel pressured to sign immediately — take time to review
Red Flags to Watch For
Not every agent is the right fit. Here are warning signs that should give you pause:
Communication Issues
- Slow to return calls, texts, or emails
- Vague or evasive when answering questions
- Talks more than they listen during your first meeting
- Pressures you to make decisions quickly
Professional Concerns
- Suggests an unrealistically high listing price to win your business
- Unwilling to provide references or recent sales data
- Lacks knowledge of your specific neighbourhood
- Pushes you to sign a long-term agreement right away
Ethical Red Flags
- Speaks negatively about other agents or clients
- Not registered with RECO or has disciplinary history
- Discourages you from getting a home inspection
- Seems more interested in their commission than your needs
Marketing Weaknesses (Sellers)
- No professional photography in their past listings
- Vague or no marketing plan for your property
- Past listings have poor descriptions or few photos
- No online presence or social media strategy
Questions to Ask Every Agent
Use these questions during your agent interviews to get a clear picture of who you are working with:
For Buyers
- How many buyers have you represented in this area?
- How do you handle multiple offer situations?
- What is your approach to pricing and negotiation?
- How will you search for properties beyond MLS?
- What happens if I find a home on my own?
- Can you explain the buyer representation agreement?
For Sellers
- What is your recommended listing price and why?
- What is your complete marketing plan for my home?
- What is your average list-to-sale price ratio?
- How many homes have you sold in this neighbourhood?
- What is your commission structure and what's included?
- How do you handle price reductions if the home does not sell?
For a more detailed list, see our How to Interview Real Estate Brokers guide and our How to Pick a Real Estate Agent guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I find a good real estate agent near me?
Start with personal referrals from friends, family, or colleagues who have recently bought or sold. Ask specifically about their experience — communication, negotiation, and follow-through. You can also search online reviews on Google, check RECO's registrant search to verify licensing, and look at an agent's recent sales history in your area. Interview at least 2-3 agents before making a decision, and prioritise local market expertise over brand name.
What qualities should I look for in a real estate agent?
The most important qualities are: deep knowledge of your local market, strong communication skills (responsive and proactive), a proven track record with verifiable recent sales, excellent negotiation ability, honesty and transparency about pricing and market conditions, a solid marketing plan (for sellers), and genuine commitment to your interests over their commission. Experience matters, but so does energy, availability, and how well you connect personally.
How many agents should I interview before choosing one?
Interview at least 2-3 agents to compare their approaches, market knowledge, communication styles, and proposed strategies. More than 5 usually leads to decision fatigue without adding value. During each interview, ask the same core questions so you can compare apples to apples. Pay attention to how well they listen to your needs, how prepared they are with market data, and whether they seem genuinely interested in helping you — not just getting the listing.
Should I work with a family member or friend who is an agent?
This is a personal decision with trade-offs. Working with someone you trust can be comfortable, but it can also create awkwardness if problems arise — such as disagreements about pricing, difficult negotiations, or if you are unhappy with their service. If you choose to work with a friend or family member, treat it as a professional relationship: discuss expectations, commission, and what happens if either party wants to end the arrangement. Sometimes the best gift you can give a friend in real estate is a referral rather than your own transaction.
What is the difference between a buyer's agent and a listing agent?
A buyer's agent represents the buyer — helping them find properties, negotiate offers, manage conditions, and navigate the purchase process. A listing agent represents the seller — pricing the home, marketing it, managing showings, negotiating offers, and guiding the seller to closing. Some agents specialise in one or the other, while many do both. If you are buying, look for an agent with strong negotiation skills and deep knowledge of the neighbourhoods you are interested in. If selling, prioritise marketing expertise and a track record of achieving strong sale prices.
Can I switch agents if I'm not happy?
It depends on whether you have signed a representation agreement. If you have a signed Buyer Representation Agreement (BRA) or listing agreement, you are contractually bound for the specified period. However, most professional agents will discuss concerns and, if the relationship truly is not working, may agree to release you from the agreement. The key is to communicate your concerns early rather than letting frustration build. To avoid this situation, start with a shorter agreement period (e.g., 60-90 days) and extend it if the relationship is working well.
Experience the Battaglia Team Difference
Joe Battaglia has been a top-producing REALTOR with RE/MAX Realty Specialists Inc. for over 25 years, helping more than 1,000 families buy and sell homes in Mississauga and the GTA. No pressure, no obligation — just an honest conversation about how we can help you achieve your real estate goals.