How to Interview a Buyer’s Agent to purchase a home in Ontario

“How long have you been working as a buyer’s agent?”

• Expected Answer: An overview of their experience, highlighting the number of years in the industry and the types of clients they’ve assisted.

• Rationale: A rookie agent often has the energy and time to serve you well, but can often be very green when it comes to negotiation. Pick someone who has the energy to attend to your needs, but also the experience to be your expert.

“What areas do you specialize in?”

• Expected Answer: Specific neighborhoods or regions where they have extensive knowledge and have facilitated transactions.

• Rationale: As an Ottawa expert, I would never show you homes or claim to have expertise in Toronto, but I can give you sound advice on neighbourhoods, market trends and types of resale homes (and their potential issues) in our capital city. If there are specific neighbourhoods or types of homes that you’re interested in, then your Realtor should be familiar and experienced with them.

“How do you tailor your search to match my needs?”

• Expected Answer: A description of their process for understanding your preferences and identifying properties that align with your criteria.

• Rationale: Buying a home is very personal, and we can help you use your time efficiently and wisely by understanding your needs, wants, and getting on your wavelength. Our team starts every interaction with a new client by sharing our new client questionnaire, so that we can get to know you deeply.

“Can you provide references from past clients?”

• Expected Answer: Contact information for previous buyers they’ve represented, along with testimonials.

• Rationale: A Realtor succeeds and fails by their reputation, and any Realtor worth hiring should be able to provide a number of references and reviews. If they can’t, that’s a red flag. Our team has probably worked with someone a lot like you, and you can hear their words on a video review or read them on Google.

“How do you handle multiple offer situations?”

• Expected Answer: An explanation of their strategy for advising clients during competitive bidding scenarios.

• Rationale: Experience with multiple offers can be the difference between you getting the home you want and spinning your tires on a drawn out search, and your Realtor’s strategy shouldn’t just be “offer as much as you can afford!” Look for someone who can educate you on how to manage the paperwork, deadlines and stress of a multiple offer situation before you get into one.

“What is your availability for showings and consultations?”

• Expected Answer: Their typical schedule and flexibility to accommodate your timing needs.

• Rationale: As a Buyer, you don’t get to pick when the right home becomes available, only how you respond to it. Your Realtor should have clear availablility and a plan to have a professional available to you when you need it, not just when it’s convenient for them. Teams can be good for providing this 24/7 coverage for your search.

“Do you work independently or as part of a team?”

• Expected Answer: Clarification on their working structure and how it benefits clients.

• Rationale: It’s fair to want to know who you’re going to be working with and what that feels like. Will you be in contact with one person for your entire search, and who will you have access to when you have questions?

“How are you compensated, and what is your commission rate?”

• Expected Answer: A transparent breakdown of their commission structure and any additional fees.

• Rationale: Don’t sign the Buyer Representation Agreement (form 371 here in Ontario) unless you’re crystal clear on how your Realtor will be paid. For example, on purchases our team agrees to be paid whatever the listing Realtor is offering on the MLS. Other Realtors ask for a minimum commission, and others still may offer certain rebates. Pick one that’s right for you.

“What services do you provide beyond property searches?”

• Expected Answer: Details on additional support, such as assistance with financing options, home inspections, and closing procedures.

• Rationale: How much help do you want beyond searching for a home, negotiating and navigating the closing process? A professional Realtor should be able to guide and educate you through the purchase process and fill in your knowledge gaps so that you can be successful.

“How do you stay updated on current market trends?”

• Expected Answer: Information on their ongoing education, attendance at industry seminars, and engagement with market analysis.

• Rationale: A professional doesn’t work by feel, though unfortunately some Realtors can be complacent about the market, offer strategies and knowing how it affects you. Look for someone who’s committed to being an expert in their profession.