Choosing the right real estate agent can have a significant impact on your experience buying or selling a home. But with so many agents to choose from, how do you know who is actually the right fit?
Rather than simply asking how long someone has been in real estate, focus on questions that tell you how they work, how well they know your market and what you can expect once you hire them.
Here are five questions worth asking before making your decision.
1. How well do you know my neighbourhood and type of property?
Real estate is local. An agent who understands the Burlington market may know that selling a detached home in Roseland requires a different approach than marketing a condo near the GO station or a townhouse in the Orchard.
The same applies across Oakville and Hamilton, where values and buyer expectations can change considerably from one neighbourhood to the next.
Ask about the agent’s experience with your area, your type of home and recent comparable properties. They don’t need to have sold the house next door, but they should be able to speak confidently about the local market and what drives value.
2. What is your strategy for pricing and marketing my home?
If you're selling, don't settle for an agent simply telling you what they think your home is worth. Ask them to explain why.
A strong pricing strategy should consider recent comparable sales, competing listings, current buyer activity, the condition of your home and how it compares to other options on the market.
Then ask what happens once the price is established.
Professional photography and an MLS listing should be the starting point, not the entire marketing plan. Ask how your home will be prepared, presented and promoted to reach the right buyers.
At The Maguire Team, we believe pricing, preparation and marketing should work together. The goal isn't simply to get a home listed. It's to position it properly from the beginning.
3. Who will I actually be working with?
This is especially important when interviewing a real estate team.
Find out who will be your main point of contact, who handles showings and feedback, who negotiates on your behalf and who you call when you have a question.
There isn't necessarily a right or wrong team structure. What matters is knowing what to expect before you sign anything.
You should feel confident that you'll have reliable communication and experienced guidance throughout the process, not just during the initial listing presentation.
4. How will you communicate with me throughout the process?
Buying or selling a home can move quickly. You shouldn't have to wonder what's happening or chase your agent for an update.
Ask how often you'll hear from them and how they typically communicate. Some clients prefer phone calls, while others would rather receive texts or emails.
For sellers, it's also worth asking how showing feedback, market activity and changes in competing listings will be communicated. A good agent should keep you informed enough to make decisions without overwhelming you with unnecessary updates.
5. What makes your approach different?
This is a simple question, but it can tell you a lot.
You're not necessarily looking for the biggest sales pitch. Listen for a clear explanation of how the agent works and what they prioritize.
Do they focus on preparation and presentation? Local market knowledge? Negotiation? Communication? Do they have systems and support in place to make the process easier?
Most importantly, does their answer line up with what you're looking for?
Don't Choose an Agent Based on One Number
It can be tempting to choose the agent who suggests the highest listing price or offers the lowest commission. Neither one automatically means you're getting the best representation.
The right agent should be able to explain their recommendations, show you the reasoning behind their strategy and give you realistic expectations.
You're hiring someone to help guide one of the largest financial transactions you'll make. It's worth asking a few good questions first.
Thinking About Buying or Selling?
The Maguire Team helps buyers and sellers throughout Burlington, Oakville, Hamilton and surrounding communities navigate the real estate process with local knowledge, thoughtful advice and a clear strategy.
If you're considering a move, we'd be happy to talk about your plans, answer your questions and give you an idea of what the process could look like for your home. There's no obligation to move forward. Sometimes a conversation is simply the best place to start.
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