Before hiring a real estate agent, ask about their credentials and licensing, whether they work solo or as part of a team, why you should list with them, how often they communicate, their marketing plan for your home, and their read on current local market conditions. These six questions reveal whether an agent has the expertise, availability, and strategy to handle your sale or purchase — and they're a fast way to compare agents before committing to one.

Moving is considered one of life's most stressful events, especially if you don't know what to expect going into your first home purchase or sale. Finding a real estate agent you trust is one of the first — and most important — steps. This individual is your link to the entire housing market, so you want someone professional, knowledgeable, and approachable enough that you're comfortable asking hard questions throughout the process of buying a home or selling your property.

Here are the six questions worth asking before you commit.

What are your credentials?

Your agent must hold a valid licence to practice in your location, and it's worth confirming they carry the MLS® mark as a member of the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) — membership that plugs them into a cooperative selling system supporting purchase, sale, and lease transactions.

Beyond licensing, look at fit: do they work full-time or part-time, and do they specialize in residential or commercial property? An agent with deep, specific knowledge of your target neighbourhoods — population trends, school catchments, parks, and local amenities — will generally serve you better than one working from general market data alone.

Do you work alone or as part of a team?

Most agents operate within a brokerage and often alongside a broader support team. That team structure matters: it can mean access to professional stagers and real estate photographers who help a listing stand out, rather than one agent trying to handle every part of the transaction alone.

Why should I list my home with you?

This is where a direct conversation beats online research alone. Reading an agent's Google reviews tells you what past clients experienced; asking this question directly tells you whether their marketing philosophy and values actually align with what you want for your sale.

How often can you communicate?

Real estate moves fast, and you'll likely have frequent questions once your home is listed or you're actively searching. Ask about your agent's typical response time and how they'll keep you updated — new listings, incoming offers, showing feedback — so you know upfront whether their availability matches your expectations.

How will you market my home?

A strong marketing strategy is what separates a fast, high-value sale from a listing that sits. Ask specifically: How will they maximize exposure? What's the plan for private showings and open houses? A vague answer here is a warning sign; a strong agent should be able to walk you through a concrete plan.

What can you tell me about the current market conditions?

A good agent tracks the local market closely — average home prices in your target neighbourhoods, sale trends over the past year, and which property types make sense for your budget right now. If they can't speak specifically to current conditions in your area, that's a gap worth noting before you commit.

Talk to a Durham Region Real Estate Agent at The Shiv Bansal Team

Buying and selling property comes with real complexity, and the right agent makes that process far easier to navigate. The Shiv Bansal Team, Century 21 Percy Fulton Ltd., Brokerage, serves Pickering, Ajax, Whitby, and Oshawa with additional coverage across Durham Region.

Contact us today to talk with a REALTOR® who can represent your best interests from first conversation to closing. Browse our current real estate listings to start your search, or ask about our personalized services to get your home sale-ready.