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.