To choose a real estate agent, start by checking their licence with the OACIQ, then assess their recent transactions in your neighbourhood, their client reviews, their marketing strategy and the terms of their brokerage contract. With more than 17,000 active real estate brokers in Quebec, about 6,000 of them in the Montreal area, sorting through them can feel impossible: these 7 concrete criteria let you do it in a few hours.
Whether you want to sell your property or buy one, here is how to separate the real professionals from the sellers of promises.
1. The OACIQ licence: the deal-breaker when choosing a real estate agent
In Quebec, every real estate broker must hold a valid licence from the Organisme d’autoréglementation du courtage immobilier du Québec (OACIQ). Checking is free and takes two minutes: the public register shows the field of practice (residential or commercial), the training completed and any disciplinary decisions.
It is the only deal-breaker on this list. A clean file confirms that the broker passed the certification exam and that their background was verified. Without a valid licence, the conversation ends there.
2. Neighbourhood knowledge: the real test of a real estate agent
A broker who “covers all of Montreal” does not necessarily know your street. Prices, days on market and buyer profiles vary enormously from one sector to the next: a condo sells differently on the Plateau Mont-Royal than in Mile End, even though they are next door to each other.
Ask the question directly: how many transactions has the broker closed in your sector over the last 12 months? Do they know the particularities of the local buildings, the price trend, the dynamics of the local market? A broker who is truly established in the area answers with precise numbers, not generalities.
3. A real estate agent’s experience is measured in transactions, not promises
Years in the business count, but the volume and recency of transactions count more. An active broker sees the comparables in real time and knows what is actually being negotiated on the market.
Be especially wary of unrealistic promises: a broker who guarantees a sale price well above the comparables is telling you what you want to hear, not what the market will say.
A good professional presents realistic price ranges, backed by recent data from the sector, and explains their reasoning. That transparency is what protects your market value, not flattering numbers.
4. The marketing strategy: the signature of a good real estate agent
Posting the property on Centris and planting a sign, everyone does that. Ask concretely what else is included: professional photos, video, home staging, targeted advertising, social media, a network of qualified buyers. Every property deserves a tailored strategy; an identical approach for every client is a red flag.
The starting point of any good marketing plan remains a rigorous evaluation of market value. If you are thinking of selling your house in Montreal, compare the depth of the evaluations the brokers present to you: it is an excellent test of how serious they are.
5. The brokerage contract: commission, term, exclusivity
The brokerage contract governs the whole relationship. Four points deserve your attention before you sign:
- Remuneration: the commission is not regulated by the OACIQ and is negotiable; it generally ranges between 3.5% and 5% in Quebec.
- Term: often around six months, also negotiable, and shorter when the market is active.
- Exclusivity: an exclusive mandate motivates the broker to invest in your file; make sure you understand what it involves.
- Protections: some brokers offer protection programs for sellers and buyers that remain valid even after the transaction.
A transparent broker goes over every clause with you, without pressure. If the answers stay vague on the commission or the term, keep looking.
6. The buyer’s broker: why you should choose your own real estate agent
Many buyers do not know this: since 2022, double representation has been prohibited in Quebec. A broker who represents the seller can no longer represent the buyer in the same transaction. Hiring your own buyer’s broker, whose remuneration is generally paid by the seller, guarantees you advice that serves your interests alone.
Your buyer’s broker gives you access to new listings, analyzes the comparables before every offer and leads the negotiation, whether you are browsing the houses for sale in Montreal or looking for a first condo. Think about validating your budget beforehand as well: a mortgage pre-approval through our specialized mortgage and financing partners and a calculation of the welcome tax will spare you unpleasant surprises.
7. The interview: 5 questions to ask a real estate agent
Meet two or three brokers before choosing: you are the one doing the hiring. Here are the questions that reveal the most:
- How many transactions have you closed in my neighbourhood this year?
- What is your evaluation of my property, and which comparables is it based on?
- What marketing strategy do you propose, concretely?
- What is your commission rate, and what does it include?
- Who will be my day-to-day contact, and how quickly do you respond?
The right question is not “how much?” but “why that price?”: a real professional justifies every number.
Beyond the answers, watch for punctuality, preparation and listening. You will be working with this person for weeks: trust and communication weigh as much as technical skills.
Frequently asked questions: choosing a real estate agent
How do I check whether a real estate broker has a valid licence?
Consult the OACIQ public register for free. You will see whether the licence is valid, the broker’s field of practice (residential or commercial), their training and any disciplinary decision on their file. This check should always be your first reflex.
What is a real estate broker’s commission in Quebec?
The commission generally ranges between 3.5% and 5% of the sale price, and it is negotiable since the OACIQ does not regulate remuneration. Compare what is included in the proposed rate: photos, marketing, support. The lowest rate is not always the best value.
How many real estate agents should I meet before choosing?
Two or three brokers make a good sample. You can compare their evaluations of your property, their marketing strategies and their communication style, then choose the one who inspires the most confidence with arguments backed by data.
Is the buyer’s broker free?
In most residential transactions in Quebec, the buyer’s broker is paid by the seller through the agreed commission. The buyer therefore benefits from complete professional support without paying for the service.
Can a broker represent the seller and the buyer at the same time?
No. Since 2022, double representation has been prohibited in Quebec for residential transactions. A broker bound to the seller must refer the buyer to their own representative, which guarantees each party impartial advice. The buyer can still visit and make a promise to purchase, but will have to sign a document stating that the broker does not represent them.
What is the difference between a broker and a real estate agency?
The real estate broker is the licensed professional who guides you through the transaction; the agency is the business that oversees them and supervises their operations. You sign the brokerage contract with the agency, but it is the skill of the broker, and of their team, that makes the difference day to day.
Ready to find the right real estate agent for your project?
Put us to the test: tell us about your project and get a clear answer within 48 h.
