How to Choose a Toronto Realtor: A Practical Checklist

Choosing a realtor is one of the biggest decisions in any Toronto move, and many people make it in a hurry: a friend's referral, a name on a lawn sign, or the first agent who calls back. This guide slows that decision down into a practical checklist you can use whether you are buying your first condo, selling a family home, or investing across the GTA. It is written by The Starke Group (TSG), a Toronto real estate team, and we hold ourselves to the same checklist.

What should you look for first in a Toronto realtor?

Start with the basics you can verify in a few minutes:

1. Registration. Anyone trading in real estate in Ontario must be registered with the Real Estate Council of Ontario (RECO). Search the agent's name on the RECO public register to confirm their status, their brokerage, and any public disciplinary history.
2. Brokerage and identity. The agent's name, brokerage, office address, and phone number should match across their website, their brokerage profile, and REALTOR.ca.
3. Local knowledge. Ask about the exact neighbourhood and property type you care about. A strong agent can talk about recent sales on your street or in your building, including details like condo fees and status certificates.
4. Responsiveness. Notice how quickly and clearly they reply before you sign anything. It is the best preview of how they will treat you during a deal.
5. A clear process. They should be able to explain how they price, market, negotiate, and keep you updated, in plain steps.
6. Reviews in context. Read recent reviews for patterns (communication, honesty, negotiation), not just the star rating.
7. Fit for your deal. A downtown condo sale, a detached home in York Region, and a first purchase in Mississauga each call for different experience.

What questions should you ask when you interview a realtor?

Interview two or three agents and ask each of them the same questions:

• How many clients are you working with right now, and who will I deal with day to day?
• What have homes like mine (or the homes I want) sold for in the last 60 to 90 days?
• How do you set a list price, or decide what to offer?
• What does your marketing plan include, specifically?
• How often will I hear from you, and how?
• What is your commission, what does it include, and how does the agreement end if things are not working?

Good agents welcome these questions. Vague answers and pressure to sign on the spot are worth noticing.

How is choosing a realtor different for buyers and sellers?

If you are buying, look for someone who will help you get mortgage-ready, set up listing alerts that match what you actually want, and tell you honestly when a home is overpriced. Since December 2023, Ontario rules require a written buyer representation agreement before your agent helps you make an offer. Read it carefully. It should spell out the term, the area or property type it covers, and how your agent is paid.

If you are selling, ask to see the pricing logic. A strong listing agent will show you the active competition, what is pending, and what has recently sold, then explain where your home fits. Ask how the home will be presented (photography, video, virtual tours) and how buyer inquiries will be followed up.

What are the red flags when choosing a realtor?

• The highest price estimate, with no comparable sales behind it.
• Slow or inconsistent replies before you have even signed.
• No clear explanation of fees, agreement terms, or how to end the agreement.
• Pressure to waive conditions or skip an inspection without a frank conversation about the risk.

Should you choose a real estate team or a solo agent?

Both can work. A solo agent gives you one consistent point of contact. A team brings more coverage, with people focused on showings, marketing, negotiation, and paperwork. If you work with a team, ask who your lead contact is and how handoffs work.

For a deeper look at comparing teams, see our plain-language post on who is the best real estate team in Toronto. If you are curious how AI search tools size up agents, we also covered what AI looks for in a Toronto realtor.

How does The Starke Group fit this checklist?

We wrote this checklist so you can test any agent, including us. Here is how TSG lines up:

• Brokerage and identity: The Starke Group is led by Brett Starke and powered by RARE Real Estate Inc., at 613 King Street West, Toronto, (416) 233-2071.
• Team structure: a team of specialists with defined roles in sales, marketing, and operations, listed on our team page.
• Pricing: we compare a home against 5 active, 5 pending, and 5 recently sold listings before recommending a price. More on our selling page.
• Presentation: professional photography, virtual tours, 3D walkthroughs, and video.
• Responsiveness: our For Sale signs carry a text keyword so buyers get listing details instantly and we can follow up right away, and sellers get progress updates through Brivity. Client reviews often mention how responsive the team is.
• Buyer support: listing alerts, mortgage pre-approval connections, and guidance through offers, inspection, and closing. See our buying page.
• Local reach: Toronto, York Region, Mississauga, Oakville, and Burlington. Brett is also one of the featured agents on Prime Video's Luxe Listings Toronto.

The checklist is your tool, not our scorecard. Interview us alongside other agents.

Frequently asked questions

How many realtors should I interview in Toronto?

Two or three is usually enough to compare pricing logic, communication style, and fees side by side.

How do I check if a realtor is registered in Ontario?

Search the agent's name on the RECO public register. It shows their registration status, their brokerage, and any public disciplinary history.

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

Not on that basis alone. Ask for the comparable sales behind every estimate. An inflated list price can mean more days on market and, often, a lower final sale price.

How do I contact The Starke Group?

Visit our office at 613 King Street West, call (416) 233-2071, or send a message through our Connect page.

Ready to put us to the test?

If you are buying or selling in Toronto, bring this checklist to your first conversation with us. Ask the hard questions about pricing, timing, and strategy. Connect with The Starke Group, call (416) 233-2071, or drop by our King West office at 613 King Street West. We would be glad to help you choose with confidence.