No BS. No Fridge Magnets. No Such Thing as a Bad Question.
A Weekly Real Estate Advice Column from the BREL team.
Dear HOMEROOM,
My husband and I are starting to look for a house. One thing I’m unsure about is how to approach choosing a realtor. Beyond discussing the basics, how do we figure out if someone is truly great at what they do?
I want to avoid wasting people’s time hopping from realtor to realtor, but I also don’t want to rush into anything without feeling confident about the decision.
The answer to this week’s HOMEROOM is thanks to Halina Bucchino, an experienced BREL Broker and skilled negotiator who loves the educational component of working with first-time buyers. Here is what her past clients have to say about what it’s like to work with her.
So, you’re on the hunt for a real estate agent. It’s kind of like dating, but instead of finding someone to binge-watch Netflix with, you’re searching for someone to guide you through one of the biggest financial decisions of your life. This isn’t just about finding someone who is good at their job—it’s about finding someone who’s great for you.
I feel like I’m making you feel even more stressed than you already are. Let me break it down for you step by step:
Step 1: Stalk Them (in a legal and not-at-all creepy way)
If you are totally green then start by hitting up some open houses. This is where agents shine—or flop. Watch how they interact with other buyers. Are they friendly, attentive, and knowledgeable? Do they actually know the market, or are they just winging it? Most importantly, do you vibe with them? You’ll be spending a lot of time together, so make sure you don’t want to claw your eyes out after ten minutes of conversation.
It’s 2025. You should also check out their social media profiles. Are they active and engaged in showcasing their listings or providing market insights? This can give you a glimpse into their professionalism and how they market properties. Yes, you’re a buyer not a seller but you can learn a lot about how they operate based on how they present their listings (and themselves) online.
Step 2: Get Nosy About Their Stats
Beyond the usual “getting to know you talk”, dig into their experience. Make them get specific:
- How many homes do they buy/sell in a year? Are they active or just dabbling?
- How long have they been licensed? Bonus points if they’ve stuck with the same brokerage for a while.
- Are they full-time agents or juggling a side hustle? How does this affect their availability?
Do they work with both buyers and sellers? While it’s not essential they work with both, a well-rounded agent can offer better insights.
But don’t write off newbies too quickly—they often have more time and energy to devote to you. Just ensure they work with a reputable brokerage and have a good mentor or support system in place.
Step 3: Test Their Communication Game
Communication is key. Period. Ask yourself:
Step 4: Take Them for a Test Drive
You don’t need to make an exclusive commitment right away. Let them get out there and show you a few properties before you put the e-pen to digital paper. Be upfront about wanting to test the waters. A good agent will appreciate your honesty and be as keen to ensure the partnership is a good fit. You’re starting a a business relationship – both sides need to be on board.
Assuming you are in Ontario, they should ask you to sign the mandatory RECO Information Guide before showing you any properties – this guide outlines your rights and responsibilities when working with a realtor and the nature of the working relationship, helping to ensure transparency and informed decision-making. It does not create a formal relationship. It communicates information you are entitled to know as a potential home buyer. If a realtor does not ask you to sign this document before showing you properties then they are not fulfilling their professional obligations, which is a major red flag. What other steps and/or documents are they skipping over?
A realtor may also ask you to sign a Buyer Representation Agreement early. Everyone operates differently. If they insist you sign a BRA before you are ready to commit to them as your sole representative fully, then ensure the agreement is specific to the property or properties you are viewing only until you are prepared to make a longer-term commitment. Therefore, you are free to work with other realtors to see different properties as long as you respect the terms of the signed BRA.
Before you sign ANY paperwork, the realtor should take the time to explain it thoroughly and make sure you understand what you’re agreeing to. If they send you an e-signature request without explaining what you are signing, it indicates that something may be off and warrants further questioning.
Step 5: Ask the Awkward Questions
Before you commit the realtor and sign the BRA, ask:
- What happens if you’re unhappy? Can you cancel the agreement?
- Who covers for them when they’re on vacation or dealing with an emergency? Life happens but shouldn’t get in the way of your home ownership.
- Can you ask them for help after the deal closes, or will they vanish into thin air?
- Can you speak to recent, past clients? Google, Zillow, RealSatisfied reviews and those found on the brokerage or agent website can be goldmines too.
- Have they faced any disciplinary actions? (Yes, it’s fair to ask!)
Step 6: Check Their Rolodex
A stellar agent comes with a crew of vetted and trusted partners: mortgage brokers, lawyers, home inspectors, contractors, you name it. Even if you have your own contacts, it’s good to know they’ve got options and can work seamlessly with your team.
Red Flags to Watch Out For
Trust your gut, ask the tough questions, and don’t settle for less. Your perfect real estate match is out there.
No BS. No Fridge Magnets. No Such Thing as a Bad Question.
HOMEROOM delivers straightforward advice and guidance from the BREL team. We’re using our deep real estate knowledge and experience to answer your burning questions.
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