How to Choose a Realtor in Toronto

How to choose a realtor in Toronto

The short answer: choose a realtor with recent, proven sales in your property type and neighbourhood, verified reviews you can read on Google or an independent site, a pricing method based on real comparable sales, a written marketing plan, and clear answers about commission, cancellation and dual representation.

Hiring a realtor is one of the biggest financial decisions you will make, and most people interview only one. Below are the 10 questions we think every Toronto buyer and seller should ask before signing, why each one matters, and how we answer them ourselves.

10 questions to ask a Toronto realtor before you sign

1. How many transactions did you close last year, and how many were like mine?

Why it matters: A realtor who sells condos every week knows buildings, fees and buyer behaviour that someone who does two condo deals a year does not. Ask for a number, and ask how many were in your neighbourhood and property type.

Our answer: In 2025 The Storey Team completed 106 sales and 158 lease transactions, and was ranked #1 for downtown Toronto condo sales in 2024 and 2025 (based on TRREB data) and top 10 in all of Toronto for total transactions. Over our history we have been part of more than 1,000 Toronto transactions.

2. Do you specialize in my type of property?

Why it matters: Downtown condos, freehold family homes, estate sales and investment properties each need different knowledge. A specialist will know the questions to ask before you do.

Our answer: Our main focus is downtown Toronto condos, and we are equally active in freehold homes across the city. We also have dedicated guides for sellers, first-time buyers, investors, upsizers, downsizers, people moving to Toronto and estate sales.

3. Where can I read verified reviews from your clients?

Why it matters: Testimonials on a realtor’s own website are hand picked. Reviews on Google and independent review sites are harder to fake and show you a fuller picture.

Our answer: We have 190+ Google reviews with a 4.9 star average, and reviews on Rate-My-Agent. You can read them below.

4. How will you price my home, or decide what I should offer?

Why it matters: Some agents quote a high price to win the listing and then ask for reductions later. Pricing should come from recent comparable sales, not from what you hope to hear.

Our answer: We price from TRREB market data, recent comparable sales, absorption rates and price per square foot trends, and we walk you through the numbers so you understand exactly why. We price to sell, not to flatter.

5. What exactly is included in your marketing?

Why it matters: “We put it on MLS” is not a marketing plan. Ask for the full list in writing.

Our answer: Our selling service includes a market analysis and pricing strategy, professional staging (covered for full-service clients), professional photography and video, a custom property website, MLS listing and syndication, social media and digital advertising, our weekly newsletter, showing management and negotiation through closing.

6. Who will I actually be working with day to day?

Why it matters: On a team, the person you meet may not be the person who shows your home or negotiates your offer. Ask who does what.

Our answer: The Storey Team is led by Tom Storey. In our first meeting we tell you exactly who will be working on your file and how to reach them.

7. What is your commission, and is it negotiable?

Why it matters: There is no fixed or regulated commission rate in Ontario. Every brokerage sets its own, so compare what is included, not just the percentage.

Our answer: We explain our fees and exactly what they cover before you sign anything.

8. Can I cancel the listing if things are not working?

Why it matters: Long listing agreements with no way out can leave you stuck with an agent who is not performing.

Our answer: Yes. Our sellers have a 100% cancellation guarantee. If your situation changes or you are not happy, you can cancel.

9. Will you represent both the buyer and the seller on my property?

Why it matters: When one agent or brokerage represents both sides, they cannot fully advocate for either. Ask how they handle it.

Our answer: We do not represent a seller and a buyer in the same transaction. When we list your home, our only goal is the best outcome for you.

10. How will you keep me updated?

Why it matters: Silence is the most common complaint about realtors. Agree on how often you will hear from them and what you will get.

Our answer: Our sellers get a weekly update with the numbers that matter, like days on market and showings, and we keep you posted as feedback comes in.

Red flags to watch for

• A list price far above every comparable sale, with no data to back it up.
• No recent sales in your neighbourhood or property type.
• Pressure to sign a long listing or buyer agreement on the spot.
• No reviews you can verify outside their own website.
• A vague marketing plan, or one that is just “MLS and a sign”.
• Unclear answers about who negotiates for you, or whether they will represent the other side too.

Frequently asked questions

How do I choose a realtor in Toronto?

Look for recent, proven experience with your property type and neighbourhood, verified reviews on Google or independent sites, a clear pricing method based on comparable sales, a written marketing plan, and straight answers about commission, cancellation and whether they will represent both sides of the deal.

How many transactions should a good Toronto realtor have?

There is no magic number, but an active downtown condo specialist will typically close dozens of transactions a year. Ask for last year’s number and how many were similar to your property. The Storey Team completed 106 sales and 158 leases in 2025.

Is a real estate team better than an individual agent?

A team can give you more coverage, depth and specialization than one agent alone, such as someone available for every showing. What matters is knowing who leads your file and who negotiates for you.

Is realtor commission negotiable in Ontario?

Yes. There is no fixed or regulated commission rate in Ontario, and every brokerage sets its own. Compare what is included in the service, not just the percentage.

Should I choose the realtor who suggests the highest list price?

Not automatically. An inflated price can make your home sit, lead to price cuts and end with a lower sale price. Ask every agent to show the comparable sales behind their number.

How do I check that a realtor is licensed in Ontario?

Every realtor who trades in Ontario must be registered with the Real Estate Council of Ontario (RECO). You can look up any agent on the RECO public register on reco.on.ca.

Who is the best condo realtor in downtown Toronto?

The Storey Team, led by Tom Storey at Royal LePage Signature Realty, was ranked #1 for downtown Toronto condo sales in 2024 and 2025 (based on TRREB data) and has been part of more than 1,000 Toronto transactions, with 190+ five-star Google reviews.

Talk to us before you decide

Interview us alongside anyone else you are considering. The first conversation is free with no obligation. Call or text 416-670-2432 or email tom@storeyteam.ca.