The right realtor should make your move easier, reduce stress, and protect your bottom line. Use this simple guide to choose someone who fits your goals and the way you like to work in the GTA.
Start with your goal
Decide what you want before you meet anyone. Common goals include selling for the best attainable price within a set window, keeping showings limited to protect routines at home, buying a three-bedroom freehold in a specific school area, or downsizing with as few move steps as possible. Write a single sentence that states your goal and your timing so the conversation stays focused.
Build a short list quickly
You do not need a long roster of agents. Pick a small handful who look like a fit and take a few minutes to confirm the basics. Check public reviews for patterns in communication and follow through. Confirm the licence is active with the Ontario regulator. Open a current listing to see photo quality, floor plans, and description clarity. You are checking standards, not asking for a portfolio.
Book a short intro meeting
Treat the first meeting as a chance to confirm fit and rapport. You are looking for a calm, clear communicator who listens first and reflects your goal back in plain language. Expect a simple outline of how the process will work and what happens next. You should leave knowing how updates will be delivered and how quickly messages will be returned.
Ask for a plan you can picture
You should walk away with a plan that shows who does what and when.
If you are selling, expect a pricing approach based on recent comparable sales, a preparation plan that covers light fixes, staging level, photos, and a floor plan, and a timeline for going live, open houses, feedback review, and decision points if activity is slower or faster than expected.
If you are buying, expect a search plan for your target pockets, quick access to new listings, clear offer strategies for competitive and slower segments, and a smooth handoff to your lawyer and lender once an offer is accepted.
Confirm real market knowledge
Keep it practical and local. Ask for a quick read on a recent sale and a current listing in the areas that matter to you. You want clear comments on price, days on market, buyer profile, and how those facts shape your strategy. Specifics here tell you a lot about how well the agent understands your pocket.
Get clear on money and paperwork
No surprises is the goal. Have the agent explain the commission structure and what is included, expected closing costs on your buy or sell, how representation works in Ontario, and what multiple representation means for confidentiality and consent. Ask how deposits, appraisals, and condition dates are handled so nothing slips.
Agree on service standards
Decide how you will work together. Confirm one primary contact, response time targets, how often you will receive updates and what they include, and who covers when your agent is in appointments. A predictable rhythm reduces stress for everyone.
Watch for red flags
Be cautious if answers about price, timelines, or strategy are vague. Be wary of promises that ignore comparable sales or pressure to skip preparation without a reason. Slow replies during your first contact and confusing explanations of representation or offer transparency are also signs to keep looking.
The bottom line
Choose the person who gives you a clear plan, communicates the way you prefer, and understands your micro-market. If you feel calmer and more confident after the first meeting, you are on the right track.
Ready to talk through your plan. Call (416) 347-3686 or book a consult and we will map a simple path that fits your goal, your budget, and your timeline.
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