Choosing a real estate agent is one of the biggest decisions in a move. This guide covers what to check, what to ask and what Ontario rules require. It applies to Peterborough, the Kawarthas and the surrounding townships, whichever brokerage you choose.
1. Confirm the agent is registered with RECO
Every salesperson and broker who trades in real estate in Ontario must be registered with the Real Estate Council of Ontario (RECO). Search the agent’s name on RECO’s public register at reco.on.ca. It shows their registration status, their brokerage and any disciplinary history.
2. Look for local, recent experience
Peterborough-area properties differ a great deal from one another. They range from in-town homes in East City, the Avenues, Northcrest and the West End to rural acreage, Lakefield, Bridgenorth and Buckhorn. There are also waterfront and cottage properties on the Kawartha Lakes and the Trent-Severn Waterway. Ask about recent sales near you and similar to your property. Experience across the city in general matters less.
For rural and waterfront properties, ask how the agent handles:
- septic inspections
- well water testing
- shoreline road allowances
- conservation authority rules
- year-round versus seasonal road access
3. Read reviews, and how the agent answers them
Google reviews are the easiest place to see what past clients say. Look for recent reviews that name the agent and describe a real transaction. Check how the agent responds, especially to criticism.
4. Understand what you’re signing
Since December 1, 2023, Ontario’s Trust in Real Estate Services Act (TRESA) has required a written agreement before an agent represents you. This applies to buyers as well as sellers. Your agent must also give you RECO’s Information Guide.
Before you sign, ask:
- 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, and how would that work? Ontario calls this “multiple representation”.
5. Questions to ask in the first meeting
- Sellers: 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?
- Buyers: 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: 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?
6. Individual agent or team?
Both can serve you well. A solo agent gives you one point of contact. A team can offer more availability and specialists. If you choose a team, ask who your main contact will be and who will attend showings, negotiations and closing.
7. Trust the conversation
Interview two or three agents. The right one explains things clearly, gives realistic advice even when it isn’t what you hoped to hear, and puts commitments in writing.
About this guide: written by McAuley Real Estate Group, a team at Bowes & Cocks Limited, Brokerage in Peterborough, Ontario. We believe in educating our clients at every step, whoever they choose to work with. If you’d like us to be one of the teams you interview, call 705-559-6116 or book a time to talk. This guide is general information, not legal advice; see reco.on.ca for full consumer information.
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