By Frank Rosso ABR, SRS, Your Local Trusted Peterborough and Kawarthas Realtor
Hiring the right real estate professional is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make when buying or selling a home in Peterborough or the Kawarthas. when buying or selling a home in Peterborough or the Kawarthas. Your home is likely your biggest financial investment, so you want someone who protects your equity, communicates clearly, and understands your local market inside and out.
A lot of people assume all real estate agents are the same- but they’re not. Choosing the wrong one can cost you time, money, and peace of mind. The good news is that asking the right questions can help you avoid that mistake.
Below are the 20 most important questions to ask before you sign anything.
Helpful Resources for Buyers and Sellers
To help you make more confident decisions, here are a few trusted tools many buyers and sellers use:
• Ontario Land Registry and Title Search (OnLand):
https://www.onland.ca/ui/
• CMHC Housing Market Trends and Affordability Data:
https://www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca
• Peterborough Home Listings:
https://peterboroughagent.com
These resources are reliable and help you check tax estimates, ownership history, local housing trends, and affordability.
20 Key Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Realtor
1. Do you have personal marketing materials I can review?
Good agents present themselves professionally. Look at their brochures, listing presentations, social media presence, and website. If their own marketing looks sloppy, that may reflect how they’ll market your home too.
2. Are you a full-time real estate professional?
Real estate moves fast. You want someone who works full-time in the business and knows the Peterborough and Kawarthas market on a daily basis.
3. How long have you been working in my neighbourhood?
Local experience matters. A neighbourhood expert understands prices, turnover, buyer behaviour, and what makes your area unique.
4. How many homes have you listed in the past year?
This tells you how active they are and whether they have a track record of attracting sellers.
5. How many homes have you sold in the past year?
Listing a home is one thing. Selling it is another. You want someone who closes deals, negotiates well, and gets results.
6. What is your average days on market compared to the neighborhood average?
If it’s much lower, ask why. Some agents underprice homes just to sell quickly.
7. What professional memberships do you hold?
At minimum, they should be a licensed Realtor and part of a real estate board and MLS system.
8. Do you have support staff?
An organized team often means better service. Just make sure you still get direct communication with your agent.
9. Will you ask me questions too?
A good Realtor wants to understand your goals, concerns, timeline, and needs. If they do not ask questions, that is a red flag.
10. How will you market my home?
Look for a custom plan that includes professional photos, drone photography, video tours, social media marketing, targeted advertising, and syndication to major listing platforms.
11. Will you create a professional feature sheet or brochure?
Quality marketing attracts quality buyers. A strong brochure helps showcase your home’s best features.
12. What is your position on open houses?
Ask whether they recommend public or by appointment. There should be a strategy behind it, not a one-size-fits-all approach.
13. How will you advertise my home online?
Online exposure matters more than ever. Look for:
- MLS
- Realtor.ca
- YouTube
- Google Business
- Facebook and Instagram advertising
- PeterboroughAgent.com
14. How will other agents be informed about my listing?
Top agents network with other agents who may already have qualified buyers looking for a home like yours.
15. Will you help me stage my home?
Staging can make a huge difference. Your agent should offer advice or connect you with a stager who can maximize your home’s value.
16. How will you keep me informed?
Some clients want daily updates. Some prefer weekly check-ins. Make sure your agent communicates in a way that works for you.
17. How do you determine the listing price?
Your agent should provide a comparative market analysis, explain market trends, and justify their pricing recommendation with data.
18. Do you have trusted professionals you can refer me to?
A strong agent has reliable contacts for:
mortgage brokers, inspectors, lawyers, contractors, moving services, cleaners, and more.
19. Can you provide references from past clients?
This is one of the easiest ways to verify an agent’s reputation. Speak to real people they have helped.
20. Am I comfortable with this person?
Trust your gut. You should feel comfortable, heard, and supported. You are hiring someone to handle one of your biggest investments. Choose someone who listens, respects you, and genuinely cares about your outcome.
Additional resources
- Finding the Best Realtor in Peterborough: A Complete Guide
- A Peterborough Agent's Guide to the 5 Most Overlooked Home Checks
- Top 10 Home Upgrades That Increase Your Home’s Value in Peterborough and the Kawarthas
- The Difference Between List Price and Market Value What Home Buyers and Sellers Really Need to Know
My Final Thoughts
Real estate doesn’t have to be stressful when you have the right person on your side, and help you reach your goals faster. Whether you are buying your first home, upgrading, downsizing, or relocating to Peterborough or the Kawarthas, asking the right questions helps you make a smart and confident choice.
No pressure-just honest advice when you need it.
About Frank Russo
With over 38 years of experience, Frank Russo has helped generations of buyers and sellers navigate the Peterborough and Kawarthas real estate market with confidence. He specializes in residential homes and beach cottages and holds both ABR and SRS designations.
Clients know Frank for his honesty, strong local insight, and straightforward approach. His consistent 5-star reviews on Rate-My-Agent.com reflect the trust and long-term relationships he builds with the people he works with.
Whether you’re actively planning a move or just exploring your options, Frank is always available for a conversation.
Call or text: 705-933-9688
Questions or ready to begin? Visit the Contact Us page to connect anytime.
Local knowledge. Trusted advice. Proven results.