A first meeting with a real estate agent is your chance to decide whether that person understands your situation and can handle the work ahead. To make that decision, you need to give the agent enough context to respond with concrete advice, not generalities. The items you bring will also help you compare one agent against another on the same facts, which is the only fair way to choose. This page covers what to pack and why each item matters.
Proof of your financial position
If you are buying, bring a pre-approval letter from your lender or mortgage broker. A pre-approval shows the maximum loan amount you qualify for and the interest rate you have locked in. Without it, an agent cannot know your realistic price range, and any advice they give about neighbourhoods or offer strategies will be guesswork. If you have not yet been pre-approved, the first meeting is the time to ask the agent whether they can recommend a lender, but do not expect the agent to estimate your budget without documentation.
If you are selling, bring a recent property tax assessment and a copy of your current mortgage statement (if you are comfortable sharing the balance). The agent does not need your personal rate, but knowing the outstanding amount helps them calculate your net proceeds after closing costs. Also bring any receipts for major renovations or improvements you have made in the last five years. These documents allow the agent to give a more accurate pricing opinion and to suggest which upgrades might add value before you list.
A list of your must-haves and deal-breakers
Write down the non-negotiable features of your next home before the meeting. For buyers, that might include minimum number of bedrooms, a single-storey layout, proximity to a specific school, or a maximum commute time to work. For sellers, it might include a desired closing date, a minimum net amount you need from the sale, or a condition that you will not accept a leaseback. Bring this list in writing so the agent can refer to it during the conversation and you can check whether their suggestions align with your priorities.
Also bring a separate list of features you would like but could live without. This helps the agent understand where you are flexible. For example, you might prefer a finished basement but would accept an unfinished one if the location is right. When you interview a second agent, use the same lists so you can compare how each agent prioritised your needs and whether they tried to push you toward compromises you were not ready to make.
Your timeline and any constraints
Write down your ideal moving date and any firm deadlines. If you are renting and your lease ends on a specific date, or if you need to close before the school year starts, the agent needs to know. Also note any constraints such as needing to sell your current home before you can buy, or having a job relocation date that cannot shift. The agent’s strategy for searching or pricing will depend heavily on your timeline, so be precise.
If you have already viewed properties online, bring a short list of addresses or listings you liked and a few you disliked. Explain what appealed to you about each one. This gives the agent a concrete sense of your taste and helps them filter future listings more accurately. It also reveals whether the agent listened to your preferences or tried to steer you toward properties that did not match your stated likes.
Questions you want answered before you sign anything
Prepare a short set of questions that are specific to your situation. For example, if you are a first-time buyer, ask how the agent handles multiple offers and what a typical offer strategy looks like in your price range. If you are selling, ask what marketing materials the agent provides and whether they include professional photography and virtual tours. Write these questions down and bring them so you do not forget during the conversation.
After the meeting, review your notes against the same questions you asked the other agent. The goal is not to find the agent who gave the most confident answer, but the one who gave the most specific and realistic answer based on your documents and timeline. If an agent could not answer a question without first seeing your paperwork, that is a good sign. If they gave a generic answer without asking for your list or pre-approval, that is a warning.
For additional context, review see how London, Ontario agents are scored.
Frequently asked questions
Should I bring a copy of my credit report to the first meeting?
Not usually. A pre-approval letter already tells the agent your financing is in order. Your credit score is between you and your lender. If the agent asks for your credit report before you have signed any agreement, that is a red flag.
What if I don't have a pre-approval yet?
That is fine. Tell the agent you are in the early stages and ask for a referral to a lender they trust. A good agent will give you two or three names and explain what to expect in the pre-approval process. You can then schedule a second meeting once you have the letter.
How many meetings should I attend before deciding?
Plan to meet at least two agents, ideally three, using the same documents and questions each time. After the meetings, compare their responses side by side. The agent who asked the most follow-up questions about your list and timeline is usually the one who will serve you best.