Take this to every first meeting. Interview two or three agents, tick what each one covers, and compare.
Write each agent’s name at the top of a column. Tick the box when they answered clearly and you’re satisfied. Based on our guide, How to Choose a Real Estate Agent in Peterborough.
| Agents I’m interviewing | A | B | C |
1. Before the meeting
| Check | A | B | C |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered with RECO (search their name at reco.on.ca: status, brokerage, any discipline) | |||
| Recent sales near me, in homes similar to mine | |||
| Recent Google reviews that name the agent and describe a real transaction | |||
| Responds to reviews well, especially to criticism |
2. The agreement
Since December 1, 2023, Ontario’s TRESA rules require a written agreement before an agent represents you, buyer or seller.
| Ask | A | B | C |
|---|---|---|---|
| How long does the agreement last, and can it be shortened? | |||
| Is it limited to certain areas or property types? | |||
| How is commission calculated, and who pays it? (Commission is negotiable in Ontario.) | |||
| What happens if I want to end the agreement early? | |||
| Will you ever represent both sides of the deal (“multiple representation”), and how would that work? | |||
| Gave me RECO’s Information Guide |
3. In the first meeting
| If you’re selling | A | B | C |
|---|---|---|---|
| How did you arrive at this price range? Which comparable sales did you use? | |||
| What exactly does your marketing include (photography, video, floor plans, online exposure)? | |||
| How will you handle multiple offers? | |||
| If you’re buying | A | B | C |
| How do you find homes before they reach the open market? | |||
| How do you set an offer price? | |||
| Which inspections and conditions do you recommend for this kind of property? | |||
| Everyone | A | B | C |
| Who will I deal with day to day: you, a team member or an assistant? | |||
| How quickly do you respond? Do you work evenings and weekends? | |||
| If you’re a team: who is my main contact, and who attends showings, negotiations and closing? |
4. Rural, cottage or waterfront property
| How does the agent handle | A | B | C |
|---|---|---|---|
| Septic inspections | |||
| Well water testing | |||
| Shoreline road allowances | |||
| Conservation authority rules | |||
| Year-round versus seasonal road access |
5. After the meeting
| Did they | A | B | C |
|---|---|---|---|
| Explain things clearly? | |||
| Give realistic advice, even when it wasn’t what I hoped to hear? | |||
| Put their commitments in writing? |
Notes
McAuley Real Estate Group · Bowes & Cocks Limited, Brokerage · 333 Charlotte St., Peterborough ON
Call or text 705-559-6116 · hello@patrickmcauley.com · patrickmcauley.com
This checklist is general information, not legal advice. See reco.on.ca for full consumer information.
Call or text 705-559-6116 · hello@patrickmcauley.com · patrickmcauley.com
This checklist is general information, not legal advice. See reco.on.ca for full consumer information.
