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- Sale success rate: what percent of listings closed vs withdrawn?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 tony@sousasells.ca 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.
