If you’re buying in Greater Montréal, signing a representation agreement can feel like the moment things “get real.”

And it should—because it’s not just paperwork. It’s a commitment to a working relationship at the exact time you need the most clarity.

Most buyers don’t fear signing because they dislike structure. They fear signing because they worry about two things:

• Getting locked in with the wrong person
• Losing control when decisions move fast

If you’re googling real estate broker Montreal (or narrowing down a Downtown Montreal real estate broker), this checklist is designed to give you calm confidence before you sign anything.

I’m Lucas Xie, a Montréal real estate broker. My approach is negotiation discipline, calm communication, bilingual support, and a relocation-friendly process. This article is general information—not legal advice—and is written to help buyers evaluate Montreal realtors and brokers by process quality, not hype.

We’ll keep it locally grounded across: Downtown/Ville-Marie, Griffintown, Old Montréal, Plateau, Mile End, Rosemont, NDG, Westmount, Verdun, Pointe-Claire / West Island, Laval, and Brossard / South Shore.

What a representation agreement is (in plain English)

A buyer representation agreement is a formal way to define:

• who represents you
• what services you can expect
• how communication and responsibilities work
• how compensation is handled (at a high level)

A good agreement doesn’t reduce your power. It reduces confusion—if you ask the right questions first.

The 15 Questions to Ask Before You Sign (Fast Checklist)

Use these questions in a 15–20 minute call with any real estate broker Montreal you’re considering. Ask the same questions to 2–3 brokers, then compare answers.

For each, I’ve included:

• What a strong answer sounds like
• Red flags
• Score (1–5)

1) “Are you representing me as a buyer—and what does that include in practice?”

Strong answer: Clear scope: consultation, search structure, touring strategy, offer coordination, negotiation approach, communication cadence.
Red flags: Vague “full service” with no specifics.
Score (1–5): ___

2) “What areas do you work in most—and how comfortable are you with my target neighborhoods?”

Mention your list: Downtown/Ville-Marie, Griffintown, Old Montréal, Plateau, Mile End, Rosemont, NDG, Westmount, Verdun, West Island, Laval, South Shore.

Strong answer: Specific trade-offs across areas, especially if you’re targeting downtown.
Red flags: “I work everywhere” without concrete insight.
Score: ___

3) “If I’m buying downtown, what changes in your approach?”

(Your secondary keyword intent: Downtown Montreal real estate broker.)

Strong answer: Talks about pacing, building differences, lifestyle fit, and organized review timing—without hype.
Red flags: Treats downtown condos like interchangeable products.
Score: ___

4) “Walk me through your process from today to notary day—what are the key decision points?”

Strong answer: A step-by-step flow with clarity on timing and buyer decisions.
Red flags: Improvisation; can’t explain milestones.
Score: ___

5) “How do you keep me from wasting time on listings that don’t fit?”

Strong answer: Mentions filters, decision criteria, shortlists, and debrief routines.
Red flags: Only offers to “send listings.”
Score: ___

6) “What’s your communication standard—response times, update cadence, and how you handle busy periods?”

Strong answer: Sets realistic expectations and a consistent cadence.
Red flags: “Always available” with no structure; slow response history.
Score: ___

7) “Who will I work with day-to-day: you, a team, or an assistant model?”

Strong answer: Clear roles and backup coverage plan.
Red flags: You can’t tell who does what.
Score: ___

8) “What’s your approach to negotiation—how do you stay disciplined without pressuring clients?”

Strong answer: Calm frameworks and decision support, no bravado, no guarantees.
Red flags: Aggressive posturing; pressure tactics.
Score: ___

9) “How do you help buyers make pricing decisions without guessing?”

Strong answer: Explains how they provide context at a high level and prevent emotional decisions.
Red flags: Promises outcomes or “always win” language.
Score: ___

10) “How do you handle verification when something is unclear or conflicting?”

Strong answer: A verification mindset; confirms facts before stating them.
Red flags: Overconfidence; dismisses buyer questions.
Score: ___

11) “What are my responsibilities as a buyer in this process?”

Strong answer: Clear expectations: responsiveness, providing documents, decision timing, communication.
Red flags: Makes it sound like you do nothing (unrealistic).
Score: ___

12) “What are your responsibilities—and how do you document what’s happening?”

Strong answer: Mentions written summaries, key deadlines, and organized follow-ups.
Red flags: Everything is verbal, nothing is tracked.
Score: ___

13) “How long is the agreement for, and what is the geographic scope?”

Strong answer: Explains duration and territory in plain language and how it matches your plan.
Red flags: Avoids the topic; pushes you to sign without explanation.
Score: ___

14) “If my situation changes, how do we handle adjustments?”

Strong answer: Explains how changes are handled professionally (timeline shifts, neighborhood shifts, budget shifts).
Red flags: “Don’t worry about it” with no clarity.
Score: ___

15) “How is compensation handled—and what should I clarify upfront?”

(You approved a neutral section, no rate talk.)

Strong answer: Explains compensation structure at a high level, what the buyer should understand, and encourages clarity before proceeding.
Red flags: Evasive answers or pressure to skip the discussion.
Score: ___

The “Calm Test” (a simple way to decide)

When comparing Montreal realtors and any real estate broker Montreal, choose the one who makes you feel:

• clear (you understand the process)
• steady (no pressure, no drama)
• supported (consistent communication)
• in control (your decisions are respected)

If you end the call feeling rushed or confused, don’t sign yet.

Red Flags Before Signing (quick list)

Be cautious if:

• you can’t get straight answers about scope, duration, or territory
• the broker uses urgency as a substitute for clarity
• the process sounds like “we’ll figure it out later”
• communication expectations are vague
• you feel “sold,” not advised

Professional confidence is calm and specific. That’s what strong Montreal realtors feel like in 2026.

FAQ

1) Do I have to sign a representation agreement to work with a broker?

Practices can vary. The key is understanding what you’re signing and why. This article is a guide to the questions that protect you before any commitment.

2) How many brokers should I interview before signing?

Usually 2–3. Interviewing too many creates decision fatigue; interviewing only one removes comparison.

3) If I’m buying downtown, should I look for a Downtown Montreal real estate broker specifically?

If you’re targeting Downtown/Ville-Marie, Griffintown, or Old Montréal, it helps to work with someone who can explain building and neighborhood trade-offs clearly and manage a tight timeline calmly.

4) What’s the biggest mistake buyers make before signing?

Signing without understanding communication expectations, scope of service, and how decisions will be handled under pressure.

5) Should I discuss compensation before signing even if we don’t talk about rates?

Yes—at a high level. You should understand how it’s handled and what you’re agreeing to, without relying on assumptions.

Buyer’s Agent Montreal: https://lucasxie.com/buyers/

Disclaimer

This content is general information only and is not legal, tax, or financial advice. Real estate rules and practices and contract terms can vary by property and circumstances. Consult qualified professionals for guidance specific to your situation.