What questions should I ask an agent before hiring?
Want to avoid a costly mistake? Ask these 19 direct questions before hiring a Georgetown real estate agent.
Cut the fluff. Hire the right agent.
Selling a home in Georgetown, ON, is different from selling in Toronto or Brampton. Buyers here are often commuters, families drawn to Halton Hills schools, and buyers who value lot size and heritage character. That means the agent you pick has to know local streets, commuter patterns, school zones, market timing and how to market to buyers who will travel for the right property.
This post gives you a hard-hitting, usable checklist of the exact questions to ask every agent before you sign. Ask these, get direct answers, and you’ll avoid common seller mistakes that cost time and money.
Why these questions matter for Georgetown sellers
- Local demand is specific: detached homes with yards sell fast in desirable school zones.
- Commuter buyers watch train and highway times (Kitchener Line/401 access). Agents must use that in marketing.
- Heritage homes and older builds need targeted buyers and accurate disclosure.
- Inventory can swing. The right pricing strategy matters now.
If your agent can’t answer the specific local questions below, they’re not the agent you want.
Core categories to cover
Divide your interview into these categories so you don’t miss anything:
- Experience & track record in Georgetown and Halton Hills
- Pricing strategy and local market data
- Marketing plan specific to Georgetown buyers
- Fees, contract terms, and net proceeds
- Communication, timeline, and seller responsibilities
- Negotiation skills and handling multiple offers
- After-sale logistics and closing support
Below are direct questions—plus what a strong answer sounds like for a Georgetown seller.
Experience & Track Record
- How many homes have you sold in Georgetown and Halton Hills in the last 12 months?
- Good answer: specific number + recent comparable examples.
- Can you show recent sold listings (not just active ones) in my neighbourhood?
- Good answer: CMA with 3–6 true comparables within same school zone.
- Do you have experience selling heritage homes, larger lots, or homes near the Credit River?
- Good answer: examples and strategy adjustments (heritage features, disclosure issues).
Why it matters: Local experience equals accurate pricing and fewer surprises at inspection and closing.
Pricing & Market Strategy
- What price would you recommend and why? Show your math.
- Good answer: CMA, adjustments for upgrades, days-on-market expectations.
- What’s your recommended list price strategy (price high, price low, price into multiple offers)?
- Good answer: data-driven plan tied to recent DOM trends and buyer demand in Georgetown.
- How will you estimate my seller net proceeds? Can you provide a seller net sheet?
- Good answer: detailed net sheet including commission, closing costs, adjustments, and possible taxes.
Why it matters: Pricing errors cost thousands. If the agent can’t show the math, don’t hire them.
Marketing & Showing Plan
- What marketing will you do specifically for Georgetown buyers and Toronto commuters?
- Good answer: targeted digital ads, MLS optimization, social media, email to local buyer databases, and highlight commuter routes (Kitchener line timings).
- Do you use professional photography, drone shots, virtual tours, and floor plans?
- Good answer: yes — examples for similar homes.
- Will you use targeted open houses and broker previews? When and how?
- Good answer: scheduled previews for local agents, weekend open houses for families, and virtual showings for out-of-town buyers.
Why it matters: The right exposure and messaging gets higher offers from motivated buyers.
Fees, Contract & Obligations
- What is your commission and what services are included?
- Good answer: clear commission structure and itemized list of services; flexibility may be negotiable.
- How long is the listing agreement and what are the terms for cancellation?
- Good answer: reasonable term (e.g., 30–120 days) with a clear cancellation clause.
- Are there any additional fees (staging, advertising, contractor referrals)?
- Good answer: all extras disclosed upfront.
Why it matters: You must know net proceeds and exposure before committing.
Communication & Process
- How will you keep me updated and how often?
- Good answer: weekly written updates plus immediate notice on any offers; choose preferred method (text, email, call).
- Who handles showings and how are they scheduled?
- Good answer: clear showing protocol with lockbox or agent access, plus same-day feedback reporting.
- What is your average time from listing to accepted offer in my price range?
- Good answer: a realistic range backed by recent local data; beware vague answers.
Why it matters: Clear expectation on communication and timing prevents frustration.
Negotiation & Offers
- How do you handle multiple-offer situations and bid tactics?
- Good answer: a clear plan that protects your net proceeds, manages escalation clauses, and evaluates buyer strength (financing, pre-approvals).
- How do you screen offers to verify buyer capability (mortgage pre-approval, deposit)?
- Good answer: insist on lender contact, verification of funds, and realistic closing dates.
- Will you advise on counter offers and conditions when emotions run high?
- Good answer: yes — pragmatic negotiation with seller-first focus.
Why it matters: The negotiation phase decides price and conditions; weak negotiation costs money.
After-sale & Closing
- What support do you provide between accepted offer and closing?
- Good answer: coordinate inspections, lawyer referrals, final walk-through scheduling, and any remediation contractors.
Why it matters: Many deals stumble after acceptance. A proactive agent manages the path to closing.
How to evaluate answers — score quickly
Use a simple scoring approach during interviews:
- 0 = No answer or vague
- 1 = Some competence but no local detail
- 2 = Specific local examples and data
If an agent scores less than 1 on more than three key items (pricing, marketing, negotiation), move on.
Red flags: no local comparables, refuses to provide sold examples, no marketing plan, cookie-cutter answers, or secrecy about fees.
Quick Interview Checklist (printable)
- Ask for 3 sold comparables in your neighbourhood
- Request a written marketing plan and sample listing
- Get the listing agreement and read cancellation terms
- Verify commission and itemized fees
- Confirm communication frequency and contact method
- Ask for at least two local client references
Local nuances every Georgetown seller should press on
- Commuter marketing: highlight exact GO train times and driving times to major highways.
- School zones: specify which schools (Halton District School Board) neighbours prefer — use in listings.
- Heritage or older homes: discuss disclosure, potential heritage overlays and typical buyer expectations.
- Seasonal timing: spring and early fall attract more families; plan showings around school calendars.
Don’t hire on charm. Hire on proof.
Agents sell with words. Good words backed by local data and proof of results is what you want. If the listing looks like a boilerplate MLS blurb, that’s a bad sign.
If you want one local Realtor who answers these questions with clear Georgetown examples, data, and a tactical marketing plan, contact Tony Sousa. He works Halton Hills and Georgetown sellers, provides detailed CMAs, and walks you through every step from pricing to closing.
Contact: Tony Sousa — tony@sousasells.ca | 416-477-2620 | https://www.sousasells.ca
FAQ — Common seller questions in Georgetown, ON
Q: How long will my house take to sell in Georgetown?
A: It depends on price band, condition, and neighbourhood. Desirable school zones and commuter-access locations often sell faster. Ask your agent for recent days-on-market for comparable homes in your street and price range.
Q: What commission is normal in Georgetown?
A: Commission rates vary. Ask for a clear breakdown of services. Don’t accept a rate without seeing what you get in return (marketing, photos, staging, negotiation support).
Q: Should I get a pre-listing inspection?
A: A pre-listing inspection can reduce renegotiation later and make buyers more confident, especially for older or heritage homes. If you have known issues, disclose them and price accordingly.
Q: How do I handle showings while I live in the home?
A: Create a showing checklist. Remove personal items, keep pets out, and agree on same-day feedback with your agent. Lockboxes and virtual tours reduce intrusions.
Q: What costs should I expect at closing as a seller in Georgetown?
A: Expect legal fees, any outstanding property taxes or adjustments, mortgage discharge fees, and real estate commission. Your agent should provide a detailed net sheet before listing.
Q: Can I sell FSBO in Georgetown?
A: You can. But you’ll likely get less exposure to buyer agents and miss professional negotiation and staging. Compare net proceeds after listing costs to decide.
Q: What if I get multiple offers — how do I choose the best one?
A: Evaluate more than price: buyer financing, deposit size, inspection conditions, and closing flexibility. Your agent should present a side-by-side comparison.
Q: How do I verify an agent‘s claims about recent sales?
A: Ask for MLS printouts or sold listing links, client references, and permission to contact past clients. Cross-check with the local MLS or your lawyer.
Hire an agent who proves local results, reveals the math, and communicates fast. Use this list in the interview. If you want a local expert who will run the numbers, market hard to commuters and families, and protect your net proceeds, call Tony Sousa today: tony@sousasells.ca | 416-477-2620 | https://www.sousasells.ca
