Red Flags When Picking a Realtor in Kitchener-Waterloo (and What to Do If You Picked the Wrong One)

8 Red Flags to Watch For

• Pushy, salesy behaviour. A good agent gives you room to interview others. Pressure to sign on the spot is a warning.
• Rushing you. Speed matters when the right home comes up, but you shouldn’t feel hurried into the agreement itself.
• No real advice. Your agent should teach you how the market and the process work, not recite a sales script.
• Vague answers. Ask about recent sales, days on market and next steps. You want specific numbers, not general reassurance.
• Promises that sound too good. An agent who suggests a list price far above recent sales may just be trying to win your listing.
• Hard to reach. If they’re slow to reply before you sign, it won’t get better after.
• Poor communication. Real estate is a people business. Unclear updates cause missed deadlines and stress.
• A cheap fee with no details. Lower fees can work, but make sure you know exactly which services are included.

And trust your gut. You’ll make big decisions with this person, so if something feels off early, it probably is.

How to Check an Agent Before You Sign

• Look them up on RECO’s public register. It shows whether they’re registered and any disciplinary action. RECO also recommends interviewing at least three agents.
• Read reviews and call references. Ask for past clients you can actually speak to.
• Ask what you’ll pay. RECO says the amount is set between you and the brokerage and isn’t fixed or approved by RECO. See what commission typically costs in KW.
• Read the agreement. It must list the services you’ll get, what you’ll pay, and the expiry date prominently on the first page.

For a full step-by-step, see our real estate FAQ.

Can You Fire Your Real Estate Agent?

Sometimes, yes, but it depends on what you signed. Under Ontario’s Trust in Real Estate Services Act (TRESA), buyers and sellers sign a representation agreement with a brokerage, not with the individual agent. Here’s how to approach it:

• Read your agreement first. Look for the expiry date, the termination provisions and any holdover clause. A holdover clause can mean you still owe a fee if you buy or sell a property you were introduced to during the agreement, even after it ends. RECO requires agents to explain holdover clauses before you sign.
• Talk to the brokerage. Since the contract is with the brokerage, the broker of record or manager is the person to call. Many brokerages will assign you a different agent or agree to end the agreement.
• Check who represents you. Since December 1, 2023, agreements say whether you have brokerage representation or a designated representative. That affects whether switching agents inside the same brokerage is an option.
• Get it in writing. If the brokerage agrees to release you, ask for a written release before you work with someone new, so you don’t end up owing two commissions.
• Raise serious concerns with RECO. If you believe an agent broke the rules, RECO accepts complaints.

This is general information, not legal advice. Every agreement is different, so if you’re unsure, have a real estate lawyer read your contract before you act.

Starting Over With the Right Agent

Once you’re free to move on, interview a few agents and ask the hard questions from the start. I’m always happy to have that first conversation, walk you through recent sales in your area, and explain exactly what I do and what it costs before you sign anything. See how I work with buyers and sellers.