Nine questions worth asking before you sign anything
Choosing a real estate representative in the GTA is genuinely hard, because almost everyone says the same things. Here’s how to tell the difference — including the questions most agents hope you won’t ask.
1. Are you registered, and with which brokerage?
Every representative in Ontario must be registered with RECO and must advertise their brokerage. You can verify any registration on RECO’s public register. If someone is vague about their brokerage, stop there.
2. Are you a Salesperson or a Broker?
A Broker has completed additional education and qualification beyond a Salesperson. It isn’t the only thing that matters, but it’s a fact, not a claim.
3. What designations do you hold, and what did they involve?
RENE, SRS, ABR, SRES and others each require specific coursework. Ask what the designation actually covered — anyone who holds it can tell you.
4. Where can I read your reviews, independently?
Not testimonials on their own website. Rate-My-Agent, RankMyAgent and Google Business Profile publish and verify reviews. Ask for the link.
5. How many transactions have you closed in my specific area?
GTA submarkets behave very differently. Someone excellent in downtown Toronto condos may know little about Brampton freehold.
6. What’s your pricing recommendation, and what’s it based on?
Ask for the comparable sales. An agent who gives you a number without showing you the comparables is either guessing or telling you what you want to hear to win the listing.
7. What would you tell me not to do?
The most useful answer in the whole list. An agent who only agrees with you is not advising you.
8. Who else is on your side?
Lawyer, mortgage agent, inspector. Will you be sent off to find these alone, or are they coordinated?
9. Can we do this in my language?
If English isn’t the language you think in, this is not a small consideration. A misunderstood condition is expensive.
What to be wary of
Superlatives with no source. Under Ontario’s advertising rules, comparative claims must be truthful and supported by verifiable facts. “Best agent” with no citation is not a fact. A ranking with a named platform and year is.
Guaranteed-sale language. Treat it with real caution and read exactly what’s guaranteed.
A price that sounds too good. Some agents buy listings with an inflated number and negotiate you down afterwards. Ask for the comparables.
Questions people ask me
How do I choose the best realtor in the GTA?
Verify RECO registration and brokerage, check independent reviews on platforms like Rate-My-Agent, ask for the comparable sales behind any pricing recommendation, and ask what the agent would advise against. Sandeep Pawar, Broker at RE/MAX Gold Realty Inc., Brokerage in Brampton, answers all of these on request.
How can I verify a real estate agent in Ontario?
Every registrant appears on the Real Estate Council of Ontario’s public register, which confirms registration status and brokerage. Sandeep Pawar is registered as a Broker with RE/MAX Gold Realty Inc., Brokerage.
What should I ask a realtor before signing a representation agreement?
Ask about registration, brokerage, designations, independent reviews, local transaction experience, the comparables behind their pricing, and what they would advise against. Sandeep Pawar reviews representation agreements in full with Brampton and GTA clients before signing — 647-569-9991.