Choosing the right Realtor to sell your home should not come down to who promises the highest price or gives the most polished presentation. The better test is whether the agent can explain the market evidence, the selling strategy, the costs, the communication process and what happens if the first plan does not work.
1. Which Recent Sales Are You Using to Price My Home—and Why?
Ask the agent to identify genuinely comparable sales and explain the differences in property type, lot, layout, condition, parking, basement utility and location. A city-wide average or one exceptional neighbour sale is not a pricing analysis.
Be cautious about selecting an agent simply because they suggest the highest asking price. Ask what evidence supports that number and what the plan will be if buyers do not respond as expected.
2. Which Listings Will Compete Directly With Mine?
Recent sales explain the past. Active listings show what buyers can choose today. A strong listing presentation should identify the closest alternatives and explain where your property ranks on price, condition, layout and location.
3. What Should I Fix Before Listing—and What Should I Skip?
Ask for a prioritized preparation plan, not a generic renovation list. Cleaning, lighting, minor repairs and presentation may matter more than expensive remodeling. The recommendation should reflect your budget, timeline and likely buyer.
Use the GTA Pre-Listing Checklist as a reference point.
4. Exactly What Marketing Is Included?
Ask what happens before launch and after the listing goes live: photography, copy, online presentation, showing management, buyer-agent communication, feedback, open houses where appropriate and how the marketing will change if results are weak.
5. Who Will Actually Handle My Listing?
Understand whether you will work directly with the agent you interview or mainly with assistants or team members. Ask who handles showings, feedback, offer presentation, negotiation and urgent questions.
6. How Will You Decide Whether a Price Reduction Is Needed?
A good answer should involve evidence: showing volume, buyer feedback, competing listings, new sales, online engagement and offer activity. Avoid a process where price changes are automatic or based only on elapsed time.
If a listing stalls, see Why Isn’t My GTA Home Selling?.
7. How Do You Handle Multiple Offers and Counteroffers?
Ask how the agent will help you compare price, conditions, deposit, closing date and other material terms. The highest number is not always the strongest overall offer.
Review How Much Should I Counteroffer as a Seller? and Should I Accept a Conditional Offer?.
8. What Will I Pay, and What Does the Listing Agreement Say?
Ask the agent to explain the remuneration agreed in the listing agreement, applicable HST, what services are included, the listing period and other material terms. Do not rely on a generic commission percentage from the internet.
For a broader transaction-cost framework, see How Much Does It Cost to Sell a House in Ontario?.
9. What Happens If I Want to Cancel or Change the Listing?
Before signing, ask how termination, suspension, expiry and changes to the listing are handled under the agreement and brokerage policies. If you have legal questions about the contract, obtain legal advice before committing.
10. What Relevant Local and Property-Type Experience Do You Have?
“GTA experience” is broad. A detached home in Bayview Hill, a townhouse in Cornell and a condominium in Willowdale can attract different buyers and require different comparable sets. Ask the agent to show how they would analyze your specific segment.
Seller Interview Scorecard
| Question | What a Strong Answer Should Include |
|---|---|
| Pricing | Relevant sold and active comparables with clear reasoning |
| Preparation | Prioritized work tied to likely buyer expectations |
| Marketing | Specific launch, presentation and follow-up process |
| Communication | Who contacts you, how often and with what information |
| Price changes | Evidence-based review rather than arbitrary reductions |
| Offers | Comparison of price, conditions, deposit and closing |
| Costs | Clear explanation of the listing agreement and remuneration |
| Local knowledge | Experience relevant to your neighbourhood and property type |
Start the Interview With a Property-Specific Value Analysis
A useful first meeting should give you something concrete to evaluate. I can prepare a complimentary home-value review using relevant recent sales, current competition and your property’s characteristics, then explain the preparation, pricing and marketing strategy I would recommend.
Explore seller resources for North York, Richmond Hill and Markham.
Interviewing Realtors to Sell Your Home?
Request my home-value and selling-strategy review, then compare the evidence and plan with any other agent you are considering.
See Selling With Richard for my seller process.