Posted by: Karim Ali
Coffee with Karim
How To Interview a Buyer Realtor
Est. read time: 6-7 minutes
When you’re choosing a buyer realtor, the interview matters more than most people think. You’re trusting this person with one of the biggest purchases of your life, so you want to make sure they actually know what they’re doing – and that they’re the right fit for you. Below is a simple guide to help you ask the right questions without overthinking the process.
Why Interview Your Buyer Realtor?
A lot of buyers skip the interview step. They meet someone at an open house or send a quick message on Realtor.ca and call it a day. That’s usually how people end up frustrated later – slow communication, poor advice, no strategy, or someone who doesn’t understand the neighbourhoods you’re looking in.
A short conversation upfront can save you months of stress and maybe thousands of dollars.
1. How long have you been working as a buyer agent?
Experience doesn’t guarantee quality, but it tells you whether the agent has seen enough deals to handle surprises. Real estate moves fast in Ottawa, and someone who has guided dozens of buyers will catch red flags, negotiate better, and keep you calm.
If they’re newer, that’s not always bad – just ask how much support they get from their team or brokerage.
2. How many buyers have you helped in the last 12 months?
This gives you a sense of how active they are.
Too busy = you might get ignored.
Zero clients = maybe a red flag.
You want someone with momentum, but not someone juggling so many buyers that you’re an afterthought.
3. What areas and property types do you specialise in?
Ottawa is full of micro-markets. A realtor who mostly sells rural homes might not be the best fit for a Centretown condo buyer.
You want someone who already knows the buildings, the parking situations, the condo fees, the past special assessments, and even little things like which towers have loud HVAC units on the roof.
The more specific the experience, the better the advice.
4. What’s your strategy for finding homes?
A good buyer agent doesn’t just send you MLS listings.
Ask:
- Do they set you up with a custom portal (REALM, OneHome)?
- Do they hunt for off-market opportunities?
- Do they network with other agents?
You want a system, not randomness.
5. What’s your approach to negotiation?
Buying a home is emotional, but negotiation is not. Your realtor needs a plan.
Ask them how they handle:
- multiple offers
- hot markets
- overpriced listings
- sellers who won’t budge
- repairs after inspection
Their answer should be structured and confident. If it feels unclear or unfocused, it may be a sign their negotiation style & experience isn’t as strong as you need.
6. How quickly do you communicate?
Fast communication wins houses.
Ottawa homes often move within a few days, especially good condos or well-priced townhomes.
Ask:
- How fast do you reply to texts and emails?
- What’s your availability for showings?
- Do you work alone or with a team?
If response time matters to you, set that expectation upfront.
7. What will I sign and what are the fees?
Buyers normally don’t pay the agent directly in Ontario, but you should still ask:
- What is the Buyer Representation Agreement?
- How long is it for?
- Under what conditions could I owe a fee?
- Can we limit the scope or time period?
A transparent agent should explain this without hesitation.
8. How do you protect me during the process?
This is where great buyer agents stand out.
Good answers include:
- reviewing condo rules
- reading available status certificates
- digging into neighbourhood history and resale data
- spotting inspection red flags before you spend money
- advising on how to stay competitive without overpaying
If all they say is “I’ll send you listings,” beware!
9. What problems do you foresee for my budget and criteria?
A strong agent will gently tell you the truth, even if it’s inconvenient.
If you say:
“I want a two-bed condo with two parking spots, EV charger potential, low fees, and a pool for under $450K,”
a real pro will tell you exactly which parts are realistic and which aren’t, or where you’ll have to compromise.
You want honesty, not someone trying to win your business by promising the impossible.
10. Can you share reviews from other buyers?
This is simple.
If they’re good, they’ll have them.
If they don’t, ask why.
What You Should Notice Beyond Their Answers
Sometimes the best “interview” is noticing things like:
- Do they listen more than they talk?
- Do they ask smart follow-up questions?
- Do they sound rushed or distracted?
- Do they explain things in a way that actually makes sense?
A buyer agent is basically your guide through a messy process. You want someone who helps you make calm, informed decisions – not someone who pressures you or disappears when it matters.
That's All!
Buying a home in Ottawa isn’t simple, whether you’re looking downtown, in Barrhaven, Stittsville, Rockland, or anywhere else. A solid buyer agent will make the process smoother, safer, and way less stressful. Don’t skip the interview. Fifteen minutes today can save you from six months of headaches.
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