How to Choose the Right Real Estate Agent in Durham Region
Monday Sep 21st, 2026
How to Choose the Right Real Estate Agent in Durham Region
Choosing a real estate agent is an important decision when selling your home.
Most homeowners naturally want to know what their property is worth and how much commission they will pay.
Those are important questions.
But they aren't the only questions you should ask.
Here are some things Durham Region homeowners should consider before choosing an agent.
1. Does the Agent Understand Your Local Market?
Real estate is highly local.
Someone selling a home in Oshawa should understand how buyers are reacting to properties in that part of Oshawa — not simply what's happening across the entire Greater Toronto Area.
The same applies to Whitby, Ajax, Pickering and Clarington.
You should ask your agent to show you:
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Recent comparable sales
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Current competing listings
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Properties that failed to sell
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Average selling times for similar homes
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Differences between neighbourhoods
A good pricing strategy should be based on evidence rather than simply choosing the highest suggested listing price.
2. How Will Your Home Be Marketed?
Putting a home on MLS® is important, but sellers should understand what else their agent plans to do.
Ask about:
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Professional photography
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Video
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Social media advertising
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Online marketing
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Open houses
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Property descriptions
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Database marketing
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Follow-up with interested buyers
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Communication with other agents
The goal isn't simply to have people see your listing.
The goal is to create enough interest that qualified buyers decide they need to see the property.
3. How Much Experience Does the Agent Have?
Real estate transactions don't always go according to plan.
Home inspections, financing issues, appraisal problems, closing dates and negotiations can all create complications.
Experience can become particularly valuable when something unexpected happens during the transaction.
Ask an agent how long they have been selling real estate and how they handle difficult negotiations.
4. Understand the Commission
Sellers should understand exactly what they are paying.
Ask:
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What is the listing brokerage commission?
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What amount is being offered to the cooperating brokerage?
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Are there additional fees?
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Is professional photography included?
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Is marketing included?
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What happens if I also buy my next home through you?
Paying a higher commission doesn't automatically mean receiving better service.
Conversely, choosing an agent solely because they offer the lowest fee isn't always the best strategy either.
Compare the cost, service and marketing plan together.
5. Ask How the Agent Will Negotiate for You
Getting an offer isn't the end of the job.
The price, deposit, conditions, inclusions, exclusions and closing date can all affect the quality of an offer.
An experienced agent should be able to explain each part of an offer and help you understand your available options.
6. Communication Matters
Ask who you will actually deal with after signing the listing agreement.
Will you communicate directly with your agent?
How frequently will you receive updates?
Will you receive feedback after showings?
How quickly will questions be answered?
You shouldn't have to wonder what's happening with one of your largest financial assets.
Interview Your Realtor Before You Hire Them
Selling a home is a major financial transaction.
Take the time to compare agents based on their experience, local knowledge, marketing strategy, communication and fees.
If you're thinking about selling a home in Oshawa, Whitby, Ajax, Pickering, Clarington or elsewhere in Durham Region, I'd be happy to show you how I market homes and explain my commission options.
Michael Gallant Team
Century 21 Wenda Allen Realty
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