When you are selling or buying a home in London, Ontario, choosing a real estate agent is the single most important decision you will make in the transaction. The best way to pick the right professional for your situation is to interview two agents using the same set of criteria. This guide explains how to prepare, what questions to ask, and how to evaluate their answers fairly—without relying on promises or statistics that are hard to verify.
Step one: Create a standard interview framework
Before you schedule any meetings, decide on the property scenario you will use in both interviews. If you are a seller, pick your current home. If you are a buyer, pick a specific type of property (for example, a three-bedroom detached house in a particular neighbourhood). Then write down three to five categories of questions: communication style, availability, market knowledge, fees, and client process. Keep the same wording for every question so the answers are directly comparable.
Bring a notebook or a simple spreadsheet with a column for each agent. Write down the questions in advance, and leave space to record their exact responses. Do not ask different questions of each agent—this defeats the purpose of a parallel comparison. If an agent asks you what you expect, just say you are gathering information to make a thoughtful decision, and return to your prepared questions.
Step two: Ask the same questions about process, not promises
Focus on how each agent will work with you, not on what they claim they can achieve. For sellers, ask: 'Walk me through your typical process from the day I sign until the house closes. Who do I communicate with, and how often? What happens if we get no offers in the first two weeks?' For buyers, ask: 'How do you find homes before they hit the public market? What is your preferred way to share listings with me, and how quickly do you respond to a new property that matches my criteria?'
These process questions reveal the agent's actual workflow and reveal whether they have a clear plan. Avoid vague questions like 'Are you good at negotiating?' Instead, ask for a specific example: 'Tell me about a recent situation where you had to negotiate a price or a repair. What steps did you take, and what was the outcome?' If an agent cannot give a concrete example without hesitation, that is a useful signal.
Step three: Compare the answers side by side using real-world signals
After both interviews, review your notes with a simple yes/no or 1–5 scale for each criterion. For instance: Did each agent explain their communication plan clearly? Did they give you a specific timeline for each step? Were they willing to put their process in writing (even a simple email summary)? Did they ask you questions about your needs, or did they just pitch their services? The agent who listened more than they talked and who gave specific, verifiable answers is the one to prioritize.
Be wary of answers that sound like generic scripts or that include promises you cannot verify, such as 'I always get top dollar for my clients' or 'I have a special strategy that works better than others.' Instead, trust process-based signals: Did they provide a clear next step? Did they explain how they handle competing offers? Did they mention a specific backup plan for a common problem like a financing delay? A reliable agent will treat your interview as a professional consultation, not a sales pitch.
For additional context, review an independent London, Ontario real estate agent comparison.
Frequently asked questions
How do I set up a fair comparison between two agents?
Pick one property and one scenario—selling your current home or buying a specific type of property. Write down three to five concrete questions covering communication, availability, and process. Ask each agent the exact same questions, in the same order, and note their answers in a simple table so you can compare side by side.
What should I look for beyond listing price and commission?
Focus on how they handle deadlines, respond to written questions, and explain their typical timeline. Ask for a sample of recent client feedback (anonymous) and how they handle common issues like multiple offers or a delayed closing. Consistency in their answers and a clear, transparent process are the strongest indicators.
Should I inform each agent that I am interviewing another professional?
Yes. After the second interview, take a day to review your notes. If one agent gave unclear answers or seemed rushed, that’s a red flag. Trust your gut about who you felt more comfortable being honest with—that person will be easier to work with during stressful negotiations.