10 Questions Every Buyer Should Ask Their Realtor
A local buyer’s guide—written to help you feel confident choosing the right agent (even if that agent ends up being me).
Buying a home is a big decision—financially and emotionally. Whether you’re a first-time buyer, upsizing, or investing, you deserve a realtor who listens, explains, and truly has your best interests at heart.
I always tell my clients this: you should never feel hesitant or uncomfortable asking your realtor questions. In fact, the right agent will encourage them.
Here are the 10 most important questions I believe every buyer should ask before choosing a realtor.
1. How experienced are you in the Oshawa and Durham Region market?
Real estate is local. What’s happening in Oshawa can look very different from Toronto or other GTA markets. I focus on Oshawa and surrounding Durham communities, which means I closely track pricing, inventory, and neighbourhood trends that directly impact your buying power.
2. Do you have hands-on experience in the neighbourhoods I’m considering?
Each Oshawa neighbourhood—from North Oshawa and Windfields to Central Oshawa and nearby communities—has its own character, pricing patterns, and long-term potential. Local experience helps me guide you beyond the listing photos and into the realities of daily life and resale value.
3. How will you help me compete and win in today’s market?
Markets shift quickly. My role is to help you navigate multiple-offer situations, understand when to be aggressive and when to protect conditions, and make strategic decisions that align with your comfort level, not pressure.
4. What fees will I pay, and how does buyer representation work in Ontario?
Transparency matters. In most Ontario transactions, buyer representation is paid through the listing brokerage, but I make sure you understand exactly how representation agreements work and if there are ever any additional costs—no surprises.
5. Can you recommend trusted local professionals?
Over time, I’ve built relationships with Ontario-licensed mortgage brokers, real estate lawyers, home inspectors, and contractors I trust. Having the right team around you can make the process smoother and far less stressful.
6. How will you help me get mortgage pre-approved?
A strong pre-approval is one of the most important steps in buying a home in Canada. I help coordinate with lenders, explain what documents you’ll need, and make sure you’re fully prepared to act when the right home comes along.
7. What should I know about buying a condo in Oshawa?
Condos come with unique considerations—status certificates, reserve funds, maintenance fees, special assessments, and rules. I walk my clients through these details carefully and help review documents so you understand what you’re buying into long-term.
8. What should I know about buying a freehold home or house?
From roofing and HVAC systems to drainage and potential latent issues, I help buyers understand what to look for—especially with Oshawa’s mix of newer builds and older homes. My goal is to help you make an informed decision, not a rushed one.
9. How do you determine fair pricing and offer strategy?
I rely on recent local sales, current competition, and real-time market data—not guesswork. Together, we build an offer strategy that fits your budget, your goals, and your risk tolerance.
10. How will we communicate throughout the process?
Clear, consistent communication is key. I make sure my clients know exactly what’s happening at every stage—how often we’ll connect, which communication method you prefer, and that I’m accessible when questions come up (because they always do).
A Final Note From Me
If you’re interviewing realtors, I hope this checklist helps you feel more confident and informed. And if you’re still unsure where to start—that’s completely okay too.
My approach is simple: no pressure, no rushed decisions, and no question is ever “too small.” Whether you’re just exploring options or ready to buy, I’m always happy to talk and see if we’re the right fit.
If you feel comfortable, I’d love the opportunity to help you with your home-buying journey in Oshawa and the Durham Region.
👉 Reach out anytime to start a conversation—no obligation, just guidance.