If you’re like most people, you probably start your home search by scrolling through listings on sites like Realtor.ca or Trreb.ca. That’s totally normal—who doesn’t love browsing beautiful homes online? But here’s a little insider tip: the very first step to buying a home should actually be connecting with a Realtor® who can represent you.

Let’s be honest—searching for properties on your own can eat up hours of your time. A good Realtor® can set you up with an automatic MLS® (Multiple Listing Service) search, so you’ll get daily (or as often as you like) emails with new listings and price drops that fit your wish list. It’s a huge time saver, and in a fast-paced market like Toronto, getting early access to new listings can make all the difference.

So, how do you choose the right Realtor®? Ideally, you’ll reach out to our team at 647-888-9999 or LeiVillarRE(at)gmail(dot)com—we’d love to meet for coffee and see if we’re a good fit! But whoever you choose, remember: not every Realtor® is right for every person. You want someone who knows their stuff, but also someone you genuinely enjoy spending time with, since you’ll be working closely together.

Here are a few tips for picking your Realtor®:

• Notice how quickly they respond to your first call or email. If it takes more than 24 hours, that’s a red flag—real estate moves fast, and you need someone who’s on top of things.

• Don’t be shy about asking specific questions. Interview your Realtor to make sure they have the experience and market knowledge you need.

• Expect to sign a buyer representation agreement before sharing any confidential info. This agreement protects your privacy and ensures your Realtor is working in your best interest.

If you have any questions or just want to talk about your home search, feel free to reach out. I’m always happy to meet for coffee and help you figure out your next steps—no pressure, just a friendly conversation.

If you haven’t worked with a real estate agent before to buy a house, read this first.