Questions You Should Be Asking Your Real Estate Agent

The 2026 Ontario real estate landscape has moved far beyond the traditional playbook. With more homes for sale and new legal rules, the standard questions about commission are no longer enough. To ensure the best deal, you will want to ask your agent questions that cover the latest provincial laws and market trends.

Here are the essential questions you should ask to make sure your agent is a true expert.

How do you handle the new transparency rules for bidding wars?

Ontario now has rules under the Trust in Real Estate Services Act (TRESA) that allow sellers to show the details of competing offers. In the past, all bids were blind, meaning you had no idea what other people were offering.

Now, a seller can choose to open up the process. You will want to ask your agent how they will use this to your advantage. If you are selling, will showing the bids help drive the price higher? If you are buying, how will they use that information to make sure you don’t overpay by a single dollar?

What is your plan for the high number of condos on the market?

Currently, cities like Toronto and Ottawa have a large amount of condo inventory. This shift in the market means buyers have power.

If you are selling a condo, ask your agent exactly how they will make your unit stand out. A simple listing on a website isn’t enough when there are hundreds of similar units for sale. If you are buying, ask them how they plan to negotiate a lower price based on the timeframe the property has been sitting on the market.

Can you explain the land transfer taxes for my specific city?

In Ontario, you have to pay a tax when you buy a home. However, if you buy a home in Toronto, you have to pay two taxes: one to the province and one to the city.

This extra tax can add thousands of dollars to your closing costs. Your agent should be able to give you a clear breakdown of these costs before you ever make an offer. If they can’t explain the tax difference between buying in Mississauga versus buying in Toronto, they might not be the right expert for you.

How do you deal with sellers who don’t have an agent?

An increasing number of people in Ontario are trying to sell their homes themselves to save money. This legal designation is known as a self-represented party

and can be risky for you as a homebuyer. You need to know that your agent knows the legal steps to protect you when the person on the other side doesn’t have professional help. Ask your agent how they will ensure the correct completion of paperwork so you don’t inherit the seller’s legal mistakes.

Will you check the property for hidden equipment liens?

Many Ontario homes have “rental” equipment like water heaters or furnaces. Sometimes, the companies that own this equipment put a legal claim (called a lien) on the house.

Ask your agent if they will check for these Notice of Security Interests during the search. You don’t want to move into your new home only to discover you owe $10,000 for a furnace the previous owner didn’t pay for.

Are you a full-time agent in this neighbourhood?

The market in 2026 moves fast. An agent who only works part-time might miss a new house that hits the market on a Tuesday morning.

Ask your agent if they live or work specifically in the area you are interested in. A local expert will know about pocket listings—houses that are for sale but aren’t on the big websites yet. They will also know which streets are quiet and which ones have upcoming construction projects.

What should I know about HST on new homes?

If you are buying a brand-new home or a pre-construction condo, the taxes are different. You have to deal with the Harmonized Sales Tax (HST).

Ask your agent if the price you see includes the HST and if you qualify for a rebate. There are also “hidden” costs from builders to consider, such as fees for hooking up water or building local parks. A good agent will be able to cap these costs so they don’t grow into a massive bill on your moving day.

Important terms to know

Before you sign anything, make sure your agent explains these three things to you:

The RECO Information Guide is a document explaining your rights. The law requires your agent to give this to you at the very beginning.

The Status Certificate informs you if a condo building is in good financial shape. Your agent must guarantee that your lawyer looks at this before the deal is final.

The Principal Residence Exemption is what allows you to sell your main home without paying taxes on the profit. Your agent should understand the basics of this so you can plan your move wisely.

Asking these questions helps you find an agent who is a professional advisor, not just a salesperson. Finding such an agent ensures your move is smooth, legal, and fits your budget.