How do I check an agent’s past performance?

How do I check an agent’s past performance?

Want to know if an agent actually delivers — or just talks a good game?

Why this matters

Choosing the wrong real estate agent costs time and money. You need facts, not promises. Below is a fast, battle-tested method to check an agent’s past performance so you can hire with confidence.

Quick checklist: 6 steps to verify an agent’s past performance

• Ask for their sold-listing report (12 months)

• Demand actual sold addresses, sale prices and dates. Real performance lives in sold deals, not marketing blurbs.

• Check MLS and public records

• Cross-check each address on the MLS/Multiple Listing Service or public property records. Confirm sale price and closing date.

• Measure the right metrics

• List-to-sale price ratio: aim for 95%+ for sellers. Lower means price-cutting or overpricing.
• Average days on market (DOM): compare the agent’s DOM to neighborhood average. Faster is better.
• Sale success rate: what percent of listings closed vs withdrawn? High withdrawal or relist rates are red flags.

• Read independent reviews and references

• Google Business, Realtor.ca, Zillow and local board reviews matter. Ask the agent for two recent client references and call them.

• Evaluate marketing and presentation

• Look at the listing photos, floor plans, staging, and marketing channels. High-quality marketing correlates with better sale prices and faster sales.

• Cross-check with local market data

• Pull recent comparable sales (comps). An agent who consistently hits or beats comps is doing real work.

What to watch for (red flags)

• Vague answers or no sold-listing data.
• List-to-sale ratios consistently below neighborhood norms.
• High number of price reductions, withdrawals or relists.
• No verifiable client references.

My proven evaluation method (how I vet agents for clients)

I run a 10-minute audit that looks at the same data above, then I present a scored report: price accuracy, speed to sale, marketing quality, and client satisfaction. I compare an agent’s metrics to the local market and explain exactly where they underperform.

If you want an objective verdict, I will audit any agent’s track record and give you a clear yes/no — plus the data that supports it.

Fast action you can take right now

• Request a sold-listing report from the agent.
• Compare their list-to-sale ratio and DOM to local averages.
• Call two past clients and ask: did the agent meet their timeframe and price expectations?

Ready to skip the guesswork? I’m Tony Sousa — a local Realtor who audits agents and helps buyers and sellers hire the right pro. Email me at [email protected] or call 416-477-2620. Get a free 15-minute agent performance audit and a clear report you can use in your decision.

Visit https://www.sousasells.ca for examples of audits and local market stats.

Act now. Hire based on data, not charm.