Working with a Real Estate Agent: Seller's Guide

Your real estate agent is your partner in selling your home. Choosing the right one and working effectively together can significantly impact your sale outcome.

What to Look For

• Local market expertise — knows your neighborhood
• Track record — recent sales in your area and price range
• Marketing strategy — professional photography, online presence
• Communication style — responsive and proactive
• Professional designations — Accredited Seller Agent (ASA), etc.

Questions to Ask

1. How many homes have you sold in this area in the past year?
2. What's your average days-on-market for listings?
3. What's your list-to-sale price ratio?
4. What marketing will you do specifically for my home?
5. How will you communicate with me, and how often?
6. What do you think my home is worth, and why?

Types of Agreements

• Exclusive Right to Sell: Most common; agent earns commission regardless of who finds the buyer
• Exclusive Agency: Agent earns commission unless seller finds buyer independently
• Open Listing: Multiple agents; only the one who sells earns commission

Key Terms to Review

• Commission rate: Typically 4-5% of sale price (split between buyer's and seller's agents)
• Listing duration: Usually 3-6 months
• Cancellation terms: Understand how to end the agreement
• Holdover period: Agent's right to commission after expiration

A good agent will provide:

• Comparative Market Analysis (CMA)
• Recommended price range with justification
• Marketing plan specific to your property
• Timeline for listing and selling
• Costs including commission and expected closing costs

What to Expect

• Professional photography
• MLS listing within 24-48 hours
• Virtual tours or video
• Open houses (if appropriate)
• Social media promotion
• Print materials (signage, flyers)
• Feedback from showings

Your Responsibilities

• Keep the home clean and staged
• Be flexible with showing times
• Leave during showings
• Secure valuables and pets

Your Agent's Responsibilities

• Screen and qualify buyers
• Accompany showings (or use lockbox)
• Provide feedback after each showing
• Track showing activity

Your agent should:

• Present all offers promptly
• Explain terms and conditions
• Advise on counter-offer strategy
• Negotiate on your behalf
• Manage paperwork

Ontario

• Typically 5% total (split between agents)
• HST applies to commission

British Columbia

• Typically 5-7% on first $100K, 2-3% on remainder
• GST applies

Alberta

• Typically 7% on first $100K, 3% on remainder
• GST applies

A good agent is worth their commission. Take time to interview multiple agents, check references, and choose someone you trust. For financial planning, use our Calculators. The AI Advisor can answer questions about selling strategy.

This guide is for educational purposes only.