Hiring the right real estate agent can save you time, stress, and money — or cost you all three if you get it wrong. Ottawa's market varies significantly by neighbourhood, price point, and property type, which means the right agent for your neighbour isn't necessarily the right agent for you. Here's how to find one you can actually trust.

How to Find the Right Realtor: Step by Step

1. 1
   Start with Research and Referrals

   Ask friends, family, and colleagues who they've used and whether they'd use them again. Check Google reviews and Realtor.ca for credentials and past client feedback. Repeated names across multiple referrals are a strong signal — it usually means consistent results, not just one lucky transaction.

2. 2
   Clarify Your Goals Before You Start Talking to Agents

   Are you buying, selling, or both? What type of property, in which neighbourhoods, and on what timeline? The more specific you are, the easier it is to assess whether an agent has actually done what you need — or whether they're generalists who'll figure it out as they go.

3. 3
   Verify Credentials and Experience

   Confirm the agent is licensed in Ontario and a member of the Ottawa Real Estate Board (OREB). Ask how many transactions they've completed in the past 12 months — not just how many years they've been licensed. A newer agent with 40 transactions this year is often more active than a veteran with five. Ask for references and actually call them.

4. 4
   Test Their Local Market Knowledge

   Ottawa's market is highly neighbourhood-specific. A strong Barrhaven agent may have limited insight into Westboro, and vice versa. Ask about recent comparable sales in your target area, current average days on market, and how they'd approach pricing your home or making a competitive offer. Vague answers are a red flag.

5. 5
   Interview at Least Three Agents

   Don't commit to the first person you speak to. A short interview — 20–30 minutes — tells you a lot about how an agent communicates, whether they listen, and whether their answers are confident or rehearsed. Key questions to ask: How do you handle bidding wars? What's your average sale-to-list ratio? What's your plan if the home sits longer than expected?

6. 6
   Evaluate Communication and Availability

   Real estate deals move fast. An agent who takes 24 hours to return a call during the interview process will take 24 hours to return a call when you need them to respond to an offer. Establish upfront how they communicate, how often you'll hear from them, and who covers for them if they're unavailable.

7. 7
   Ask About Their Professional Network

   A well-connected agent saves you time and reduces your risk. They should be able to refer you to trusted mortgage brokers, home inspectors, real estate lawyers, and contractors. At Hyams Real Estate, staging and cleaning services may be included when needed to help your property stand out — these aren't extras you need to source on your own.

8. 8
   Understand Fees and Terms Before You Sign Anything

   In Ontario, seller commissions are typically around 5% of the sale price, split between the buyer's and seller's agents — paid by the seller out of the proceeds. Always get the terms in writing. At Hyams Real Estate, buyers and tenants typically receive our service free of charge — our commission is covered by the co-operating brokerage.

9. 9
   Trust Your Instincts

   You'll be spending significant time with this person — at showings, during negotiations, and through the paperwork. If something feels off in the first conversation, it rarely improves. The right agent listens more than they talk, respects your budget, and makes you feel informed rather than pressured.

What Makes a Good Realtor?

The technical skills matter — market knowledge, negotiation ability, transaction experience. But so does the less tangible stuff. The best agents are honest even when it's inconvenient, clear about what they don't know, and focused on your outcome rather than their commission. Look for:

• Clear, consistent communication throughout the process
• Deep and demonstrable knowledge of your target neighbourhood
• Honest pricing advice — not inflated numbers to win your listing
• A strong network of trusted service providers
• A track record you can verify through references and public sales data
• Willingness to tell you things you might not want to hear

Do You Need a Realtor at All?

You can buy or sell without one. Selling privately means handling pricing, marketing, showings, negotiations, legal paperwork, and disclosure requirements on your own. Some sellers manage this successfully. Many others undervalue their property, miss issues in offers, or face legal complications they weren't prepared for.

Realtor vs. No Realtor: Key Differences

Frequently Asked Questions