Questions to Ask a Realtor, Lawyer or Contractor

When you sell a long-held home or plan a move, you will probably hire several professionals in a short time: a real estate agent, a lawyer, perhaps a contractor, movers and a financial advisor. Most are honest and skilled. But because you are trusting them with your home, your money and your future, it is worth taking a little time to choose well.

This page gives you simple, practical questions to ask each one. Print it, bring it to meetings, and don’t be shy about writing down the answers. A good professional will welcome your questions.

Why asking questions matters

Many older homeowners feel awkward “interviewing” professionals, especially if they were recommended by a friend or seem very friendly. But asking questions is not rude; it is how you protect yourself. The answers tell you whether someone is qualified, how they work, what they will charge, and whether you feel comfortable with them.

Pay attention not just to what they say, but to how they say it. Do they explain things patiently and in plain language? Do they speak to you directly, or only to your son or daughter? Do they rush you? A professional who is impatient with questions now is unlikely to become more patient later.

Bring a second set of ears. It helps to have a trusted family member or friend with you at important meetings, to take notes and remember details. But for legal decisions, a lawyer may want to speak with you alone for part of the meeting. That is a good sign, not a bad one.

A real estate agent

Are you registered with RECO? (You can check at reco.on.ca.)
How many homes have you sold for older clients or estates?
How will you price my home, and can I see the recent sales you used?
What exactly do you do to market the home, and what does it cost?
What is your commission, and what does it include? Is any of it negotiable?
How long is the listing agreement, and what happens if I want to end it?
Can the timing of the sale fit around my next move?
How will you keep my family informed, including those who live far away?
Can you recommend lawyers, movers or stagers, and do you receive anything for referrals?

A real estate or estates lawyer

What is your fee, and what’s included? What extra costs (disbursements) should I expect?
Will you meet with me alone, without my family present?
How long will it take?
Who in your office will I deal with day to day?
Can you review my Powers of Attorney and will at the same time?
If I am buying as well as selling, what happens if the dates don’t line up?
For an estate: will a Certificate of Appointment of Estate Trustee (probate) be needed, and what will the Estate Administration Tax likely be?

See Legal & Estate for more on these topics.

A contractor

Can I have a written quote and a written contract?
Are you insured, and will you get the permits?
Can I speak with two recent customers?
How much deposit do you need? (Avoid large deposits up front.)
When will you start and finish, and who will be on site?
How will changes to the work and price be handled? (Insist they are in writing.)
What warranty do you give on the work?
Can you provide receipts I can use for tax credits? See Accessibility and Renovation Tax Credits.

A financial advisor or accountant

What are your qualifications, and who regulates you?
How are you paid: a flat fee, an hourly rate, or commission on products you sell?
How will selling my home affect my income, taxes and benefits? See Sale Proceeds, Taxes and Benefits.
What are the risks of what you are recommending, and what are the alternatives?
Can I take the paperwork home to read before I sign?

Movers and senior move managers

Can I have a written estimate after you visit the home in person?
Is the price fixed, or by the hour? What could make it go up?
Are you insured, and what happens if something is broken or lost?
Have you helped older adults move into condos or retirement residences before?
Can you help with sorting, donations and setting up the new home?

For more on movers and estate sales, see Movers, Estate Sales and Donations.

A retirement residence

Is the home licensed by the Retirement Homes Regulatory Authority? (You can check at rhra.ca.)
What exactly is included in the monthly fee, and what costs extra?
How often do fees go up, and by how much in recent years?
What care is available, and what happens if my needs increase?
Can I stay for a trial period or a meal before deciding?

Red flags

Pressure to sign today, or “this price is only good now”
Reluctance to put things in writing
Requests for large cash deposits
Talking only to your family, not to you
Discouraging you from getting a second opinion or talking to a lawyer
Vague answers about fees

If something doesn’t feel right, trust your instincts and walk away. See Title Fraud and Unsolicited Offers.

Frequently asked questions

How many professionals should I interview?

For important choices, such as your agent and lawyer, speaking to two or three is a good idea. It helps you compare not just prices, but how comfortable you feel.

Is it rude to ask about fees?

Not at all. Clear, upfront answers about fees are a sign of a good professional.

Can my children attend meetings with me?

Yes, and it often helps. Just remember the decision is yours, and a lawyer may ask to speak with you privately to confirm that.

How Irina can help

Irina welcomes every question on this list, and is happy to answer them in a relaxed, no-pressure conversation, in English or Russian. She can also suggest lawyers, move managers and other professionals she has worked with, so you have a starting point for your own interviews. Contact her whenever you are ready.

Official resources