"Are you a full-time Realtor?" is one of the smartest questions you can ask an agent, and one a lot of people forget.

Why it matters. Real estate moves fast in the GTA and Halton. Offers arrive at night, showings get booked on short notice, and deals can hinge on a quick response. An agent juggling another job may not be there when it counts.

Market knowledge comes from volume. Agents working the market every day see new listings, sold prices and buyer behaviour as they happen. That's what lets them price accurately and negotiate with confidence.

Better questions than "full-time or part-time":

• How many deals did you close in the last year?

• Will I work with you directly or with an assistant or team member?

• How quickly do you usually respond?

• Who covers for you if you're unavailable?

A fair note. Part-time doesn't automatically mean bad, and full-time doesn't guarantee good. You're really looking for availability, current market knowledge and a track record.

Have a question before you hire? Ask Steve. I've been a Realtor since 2014, serving Milton, Halton and the GTA with Sutton Group Realty Systems Inc., Brokerage. 416-791-3665 or info@asksteve.ca.

There's no set rate. In Ontario, real estate commission is fully negotiable between you and the brokerage, so anyone quoting you a "standard" fee is giving you a starting point, not a rule.

How it usually works. When you sell, commission is typically a percentage of the sale price, or sometimes a flat fee, written into your listing agreement. It's often split between your brokerage and the buyer's brokerage. HST is charged on top.

Buyers sign agreements too. Since December 2023, buyers in Ontario must sign a written agreement with their brokerage before receiving services. It spells out how the buyer's agent gets paid: from the seller's offered commission, by the buyer directly, or a mix. Read it carefully before signing.

What you're paying for. Pricing strategy, professional photos and marketing, MLS® exposure, showings, negotiation and managing the deal to closing. Compare what's included, not just the percentage.

Questions to ask before you sign:

• What's the total fee, and how is it split with the buyer's agent?

• What's included in the marketing?

• Are there any other costs?

• How long is the agreement, and can I cancel it?

Cheaper isn't always cheaper. A lower fee that leads to a lower sale price or more time on market can cost you more. Focus on what you net at the end.

Want a straight answer on fees? Ask Steve. I'll lay out my fees and exactly what's included, in writing, before you commit. 416-791-3665 or info@asksteve.ca.

No, you don't. In Ontario, you're legally allowed to sell your own home. For Sale By Owner (FSBO) is a fair option to consider, and I'd rather give you an honest answer than a sales pitch.

What you'd be taking on. Pricing, photos, marketing, showings, screening buyers, negotiating offers and managing conditions like financing and inspection. You'll still need a real estate lawyer to close.

When FSBO can work. If you already have a buyer, like a family member, neighbour or tenant, selling privately with a good lawyer can make sense.

Where it gets risky.

• Pricing. Too high and your home sits, often leading to a lower final price. Too low and you can lose more than the commission you saved.

• Exposure. Most buyers work with an agent and search the MLS®. Without it, you reach far fewer of them.

• Paperwork. Deposits, conditions and closing dates carry legal weight. One poorly written clause can be expensive.

• Buyer agent fees. Many buyers' agents still expect to be paid, so FSBO sellers often end up negotiating that fee anyway.

The middle ground. Commission in Ontario is negotiable. Ask agents exactly what's included, and have them show you how their pricing and marketing will net you more than they cost.

Not sure which way to go? Ask Steve. I'll give you a free, no-obligation market evaluation so you can decide with real numbers. 416-791-3665 or info@asksteve.ca.

When you search "best real estate agent near me," Google shows you who's close by. But being nearby and actually knowing your market aren't the same thing.

Why local knowledge matters. A good local agent knows what isn't in the listing: which streets back onto future development, how school boundaries drive demand, what the commute to the 401 or the GO train really looks like, and which communities have held their value best.

Pricing is where it pays off. Online estimates can't see the renovated kitchen, the ravine lot or the busy road behind the fence. An agent who works your area every day prices against the right comparables, not just the closest ones.

How to test an agent's local knowledge. Ask them to walk you through three recent sales near your home without looking them up. Ask where they live and work, and look at where their past listings actually were.

Read reviews carefully. Look for specifics like sold over asking, won in a multiple-offer situation, or handled a difficult closing, rather than generic praise.

Based in Milton, serving Halton and the GTA. If you want an agent who knows the neighbourhoods, ask me anything at 416-791-3665 or info@asksteve.ca. Steve Bulatovic, Sutton Group Realty Systems Inc., Brokerage.

This is one of the questions I get asked most. There are thousands of licensed agents across the GTA and Halton, and most of them will tell you they're the best. Here's how I'd pick one if I were in your shoes.

Look for experience where you're buying or selling. Real estate is hyper-local. A townhouse in Milton, a semi in Oakville and a condo in Mississauga all sell differently. Ask any agent how many homes they've recently sold in your area and how those sales compared to asking price.

Verify their registration. Every agent in Ontario must be registered with RECO, the Real Estate Council of Ontario. RECO's public register lets you confirm an agent is registered, see their brokerage and check for any disciplinary history.

Interview two or three agents. Ask how they'd price your home and why, how they'll market it (or find you the right one), who you'll deal with day to day, and what their fee is and what it covers.

Notice how they communicate. How an agent handles your first call is usually how they'll handle your deal.

Watch for red flags. Be wary of a list price far above everyone else's just to win your business, pressure to sign on the spot, or numbers they can't explain.

Got a question about hiring an agent? Ask Steve. I've been a Realtor since 2014 with Sutton Group Realty Systems Inc., Brokerage. Call or text 416-791-3665 or email info@asksteve.ca.