In any real estate transaction, picking right real estate agent is essential. Not only will your agent directly impact what you’re able to accomplish in the marketplace, but a true professional can also make the process feel anxiety-free.
No matter your ambitions, choosing a Realtor is not to be taken lightly. At the core of this all-important process is an informed and insightful interview process.
This article offers refined guidance on how to interview a real estate agent in Toronto, from identifying high-quality candidates to must-ask questions and beyond.
Exploring the West Toronto real estate market? We can guide you toward an exceptional result. Call 416-722-4723 or reach us by email at evan@christensengroup.ca.
What to Look For in a Realtor
Years (Even Decades) of Experience
One of the first questions you should ask a Realtor is how long they’ve been in the business. Generally speaking, the more experience they have, the better equipped they’ll be to handle your buying or selling challenges.
To get a more complete idea of a Realtor’s capabilities, ask how they would handle specific, potentially relevant scenarios (like how they might advise you in a multiple offer situation).
Local Expertise
Toronto is a city of micro markets. Even in broader regions like Etobicoke or West Toronto, there are distinctive communities and neighbourhoods where real estate follows its own trends. To that end, you want to work with a professional who understands your local real estate landscape.
If you are selling a house, ask any Realtor candidates how many properties they’ve sold in your neighbourhood (and how recently). If you are house hunting, look for someone who works in your first-choice enclaves.
A Strong Track Record
To determine what a real estate agent is capable of, look at what they’ve accomplished. If you’re selling a home, ask about their price-to-sales ratio (how many homes they’ve sold over asking). Another useful metric for sellers is the average number of days an agent’s listings have sat on the market.
Buyers might want to ask how often they’ve successfully negotiated a lower price.
Numbers don’t tell the whole story, so be sure to ask agents how they’ve achieved impressive results. Ask for references—a trustworthy agent will be happy to connect you to past clients.
Accreditation & Awards
You may also want to ask interviewees if they have any special training. For example, the skills required to become an Accredited Buyer’s Representative or a Certified Master Negotiator can help agents navigate complex transactions.
Availability
Your real estate agent should be your trusted advisor, so you need to be comfortable asking them questions. Ask each interviewee how available they are to their clients—and whether they’re open to being contacted in the ways that are most convenient for you (whether that’s via phone calls, texts, or emails).
Remember that a professional who’s friendly and communicative will probably work well with other agents, which can provide you with more favourable results.
Looking to optimize the sale of your Toronto home? Explore these blog posts for strategic insights.
- How to Sell Without Losing Money
- Why Staging is Important in a Balanced Market
- Pricing Your Home Strategically
Interview Questions: What to Ask a Real Estate Agent
While it’s important to feel comfortable with the real estate professional you choose, your decision shouldn’t be based on intuition alone. Here are a few must-ask questions to help you begin your interviews on a strong foot.
Questions to Ask a Realtor When Buying
- How Long Have You Been a Realtor?
- Where Do You Work?
- How Can You Help Me Become a Better Buyer?
- Do You Have Connections to Lenders or Financers?
- What Conditions Do You Think Are Essential in Today’s Market?
Questions to Ask a Realtor When Selling
- How Long Have You Been a Realtor?
- Where Do You Work?
- Have You Sold Houses in My Neighbourhood Before? How Many?
- How Would You Price My House?
- How Would You Market My House?
- What Does My Home Need to Be Market Ready?
How Many Agents Should You Interview?
It’s one of the first questions many buyers and sellers ask themselves: how many real estate agents should I interview? While it may be tempting to set a goal before you start the process, there’s no magic number. Between two and six is typical, but every situation is unique.
If you talk to several professionals and none of them meet your expectations, it makes sense to continue your search. Conversely, if you trust the knowledge and experience of the first Realtor you interview, they may be the best person for the job.
Preparing to buy a house in Toronto? Consider these additional real estate resources.
- Buyer’s Market Vs. Seller’s Market: What’s The Difference?
- How Much is Land Transfer Tax in Ontario?
- How to Make an Offer on a House
Christensen Group: Your Link to Success
At Christensen Real Estate Group, we’ve represented buyers, sellers, and investors in West Toronto and Etobicoke for over 40 years. Our proven systems and unwavering commitment to providing top-tier service far exceed the competition.
In a market of approximately 70,000 active agents, we’re in the top 0.5% of total transactions – outperforming even the top 2% of Toronto real estate agents. If you’re looking for a real estate team that can provide you with exceptional results and a seamless experience from start to finish, Christensen Group Real Estate is your path forward.
Buying or selling in West Toronto? We can guide you toward an exceptional result. Call 416-722-4723 or reach us by email at evan@christensengroup.ca.
