Picking a real estate agent in Toronto is the single biggest decision you make before listing or buying — it determines pricing strategy, negotiation leverage, and how smoothly your deal closes. The right agent is RECO-registered, TRREB-affiliated, has verifiable sold data on the MLS, and treats your Buyer Representation Agreement (BRA) or listing agreement like the legal contract it is. Use the six steps below to vet anyone before signing.
In this guide, we cross-reference How to Interview Brokers, Tips for Finding the Right Agent, and Ontario Realtor Fees Explained — click through whenever you want to go deeper on a related concept.
1. Confirm RECO Registration Before Anything Else
Every real estate professional in Ontario must be registered with the Real Estate Council of Ontario (RECO). Search the public RECO Registrant Search by name — you will see their registration number, brokerage, status (Salesperson or Broker), and any disciplinary history. If they are not in the database, walk away.
Confirm whether they are a Salesperson or a Broker. Brokers (like Aldo, RECO #3064712) have completed additional Humber College real estate broker courses and carry extra responsibility under TRESA, the Trust in Real Estate Services Act, 2002.
2. Look at Real Sold Data, Not Marketing Numbers
Anyone can post a “Top 1%” banner. The truth is in TRREB sold data: how many transactions in the last 12 months, in your neighbourhood, in your price band. Ask for an MLS-pulled list of solds and check the addresses against the Realtor.ca history.
- How many homes did you list and sell in this postal code last year?
- What was your average list-to-sale ratio?
- How many days on market for your last 10 listings?
- Can I speak to the last three sellers and last three buyers you represented?
3. Interview at Least Two Agents
Bring the same questions to each interview so you can compare apples to apples. Ask about pricing strategy, marketing plan, professional photography, staging, MLS exposure, social media reach, and how they handle multiple offers.
4. Read the BRA or Listing Agreement Carefully
Under TRESA the agent must explain the difference between client (full fiduciary duty) and self-represented party. Check the term length, the holdover period, the commission split, and whether the agreement is exclusive or open. Ask for changes in writing — every clause is negotiable until you sign.
5. Check Online Reviews and Local Reputation
Read Google Reviews, RankMyAgent, and HomeStars. Look for patterns, not one-off complaints. A handful of detailed five-star reviews from real Toronto neighbourhoods is worth more than 200 generic ones.
6. Trust Your Gut on Communication
You will spend 60–120 days working with this person on the largest financial transaction of your life. If they are slow to return calls during the courtship phase, it will not get better after you sign. Pick the agent whose communication style matches yours.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I verify a real estate agent's licence in Ontario?+
Use the public RECO Registrant Search at reco.on.ca. Enter the agent's name and you will see their registration number, brokerage, status (Salesperson or Broker), and any current or past discipline. Every Ontario real estate professional must appear in this database.
Should I pick a Salesperson or a Broker?+
Both can buy and sell real estate in Ontario, but Brokers have completed additional education through Humber College and are held to a higher standard under TRESA. A Broker often has more experience and may be better equipped for complex transactions.
Is it OK to interview multiple agents?+
Yes — and you should. Interview at least two before signing anything. Until you sign a Buyer Representation Agreement or listing agreement, you have no obligation to any agent.
What is the holdover clause in a BRA?+
The holdover is the period after your BRA expires during which the agent is still entitled to commission if you buy a property they introduced you to. Standard holdovers run 60–90 days. Read it carefully and negotiate the term length up front.
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Work With a Top Toronto Real Estate Agent
Aldo Udovicic and the (416) GET ALDO team have closed over $1B in Toronto real estate across 37 years. RECO #3064712, RE/MAX Crossroads Realty, 60+ five-star reviews. Book a no-pressure consultation and judge for yourself.