There's no shortage of checklists out there for choosing a real estate agent. Ten questions to ask. Twenty red flags to watch for. A scoring matrix for comparing your options.
Honestly? Most of them overcomplicate it.
Here's what I've noticed after working in this business: the good agents are more similar than different. They work full time, they know the market, they have systems, they use the tools. That stuff is table stakes. The real question isn't whether someone checks the boxes. It's whether they'll actually be there for you when things get uncertain, and whether you trust them enough to listen when they tell you something you might not want to hear.
That said, there are a few things worth paying attention to.
1 Do they know the market, or do they just talk about it?
There's a difference between someone who follows the market and someone who can explain what it means for your specific situation. A good agent can tell you what homes are actually selling for in the neighbourhood you're looking at, how long things are sitting, and whether the list price reflects reality. If they're vague on the numbers, that's worth noting.
2 Do they have a plan?
For sellers especially, ask what their marketing approach looks like. Not just "we'll list it on MLS" — that's everything. Ask how they'd price it, how they'd present it, and what happens if it doesn't move in the first two weeks. A good agent has thought through these scenarios before you even bring them up.
3 What's their communication style?
This one matters more than most people realize. You want to know upfront how often you'll hear from them, through what channel, and what happens if you have a question on a Saturday afternoon. There's no wrong answer, but there's a wrong fit. If you're someone who wants regular updates and they're someone who only reaches out when there's news, that gap will cause stress.
4 Do they have references?
Any agent worth working with should be happy to connect you with past clients. Not a testimonials page — actual names and numbers. Most of their business probably comes from referrals anyway, so this shouldn't be a hard ask.
5 Can they give you their list-to-sale ratio?
This tells you something real. It's the difference between an agent who gets homes sold and one who gets homes listed. Those aren't always the same thing.
6 Do they have a network?
Real estate touches a lot of moving parts — lawyers, inspectors, mortgage brokers, contractors. An agent who's been around will have people they trust and can refer you to. That network is genuinely useful, especially if you're new to the process.
"You're choosing someone to walk with you through one of the bigger financial decisions you'll make. What matters most is whether you feel like they're on your side — and whether they'll be honest with you even when it's inconvenient."
The checklist stuff matters, but what matters more is whether you feel like they're on your side and whether they'll be honest with you even when it's inconvenient.
The best thing you can do is have a conversation. Ask your questions. See how they answer. Trust your gut a little.
