If you’re searching realtors Montreal (or typing “realtors Montreal near me” into Google), you’re usually not looking for “a name.” You’re looking for certainty.
You want to feel confident that:
- you won’t miss something important,
- you won’t be pressured into a decision you can’t defend later,
- and you’ll have a clear plan—especially when the timeline tightens.
In 2026, buyers and sellers have more information than ever, but the emotional friction hasn’t changed: the stakes are high, the decisions are layered, and small misunderstandings can become expensive problems.
I’m Lucas Xie, a Montréal real estate broker. This article is designed to help you interview and compare realtors Montreal in a practical, structured way—whether you’re buying or selling in Downtown/Ville-Marie, Griffintown, Old Montréal, Plateau, Mile End, Rosemont, NDG, Westmount, Verdun, Pointe-Claire/West Island, Laval, or Brossard/South Shore.
How to use this checklist (fast and effective)
- Interview 2–3 realtors Montreal (not 8).
- Ask the same 10 questions each time.
- Score each answer (1–5) immediately after the call.
- Choose the person who makes you feel clear, calm, and in control—not rushed.
If you’re searching “realtors Montreal near me,” treat proximity as a bonus—not the decision criteria. The right fit is about process, communication, and judgment.
The 10 Questions (with strong-answer signals, red flags, and follow-ups)
1) “Which neighborhoods and property types do you work in most?”
Why it matters: Montréal is a collection of micro-markets. A condo in Griffintown, a plex in Rosemont, and a single-family in Brossard can each demand a different playbook.
What a strong answer sounds like:
- Names specific areas (e.g., Ville-Marie, Plateau, Verdun, West Island, Laval, South Shore) and property types (condos, plex, single-family) with practical context.
- Explains trade-offs, not hype.
Red flags:
- “I work everywhere” with no substance.
- Vague neighborhood comments that could apply to any city.
Follow-up question:
- “What do clients usually misunderstand about buying/selling in my target area?”
Score (1–5): ___
2) “How do you run the first 7–10 days with a new client?”
Why it matters: The beginning sets the tone. A messy start becomes confusion later; a structured start reduces anxiety.
What a strong answer sounds like (buyers):
- Clarifies budget comfort, must-haves, deal-breakers, and timeline.
- Sets up a clean search + shortlist routine.
What a strong answer sounds like (sellers):
- Establishes the prep plan, listing timeline, and decision checkpoints.
- Explains how they’ll guide pricing and positioning without overpromising.
Red flags:
- Jumps straight to showings/listing photos without understanding your priorities.
- No mention of decision criteria.
Follow-up question:
- “What do you need from me in week one to make this run smoothly?”
Score (1–5): ___
3) “What does your communication cadence look like—when things are calm and when things get busy?”
Why it matters: People rarely complain about real estate because it’s “hard.” They complain because they feel uninformed.
What a strong answer sounds like:
- Sets expectations for response times and update frequency.
- Has a plan for busy periods (weekends, offer deadlines, multiple showings).
- Can support bilingual and relocation communication needs.
Red flags:
- “I’m always available” (often translates into inconsistency).
- Avoids specifics or can’t describe a routine.
Follow-up question:
- “If I message you at 7 pm on a weekday, what’s a realistic response window?”
Score (1–5): ___
4) “Walk me through your step-by-step process from today to closing—what are the key decision points?”
Why it matters: A professional process turns a stressful transaction into a navigable sequence.
Strong signals (buyers):
- A clear flow: search → shortlisting → visits → offer decision → coordination → closing steps.
- Explains how decisions are made, not just what paperwork exists.
Strong signals (sellers):
- A clear flow: prep plan → pricing/positioning → go-live → showing strategy → negotiation → closing steps.
- Mentions how feedback is used (without constantly chasing the market).
Red flags:
- Can’t clearly explain the path.
- Everything sounds improvised.
Follow-up question:
- “Where do buyers/sellers lose the most time in your experience—and how do you prevent that?”
Score (1–5): ___
5) “How do you help clients make pricing decisions without guessing?”
Why it matters: Pricing is where emotion and math collide. In 2026, buyers and sellers want clarity, not noise.
What a strong answer sounds like:
- Explains how they evaluate comparables and context (high-level).
- Helps buyers avoid “emotional overpay.”
- Helps sellers avoid “wish pricing” and also avoid panic price-chasing.
Red flags:
- Guarantees (“I’ll get you X” / “This will sell instantly”).
- Overconfident claims without a method.
Follow-up question:
- “How do you explain price range and market reality to clients who feel anxious?”
Score (1–5): ___
6) “Describe your negotiation style. What does ‘strong negotiating’ mean in real terms?”
Why it matters: Negotiation discipline is less about intensity and more about strategy, timing, and calm execution.
What a strong answer sounds like:
- Talks about preparation, positioning, and decision frameworks.
- Stays realistic and avoids dramatic promises.
- Aligns with your risk tolerance (firm but professional).
Red flags:
- Bravado, theatrics, or “I always win.”
- Pressure tactics toward you (“You have to do this or you’ll lose”).
Follow-up question:
- “Can you give an example of a time you advised a client not to push harder?”
Score (1–5): ___
7) “Who will I be working with day-to-day— you personally, a team, or an assistant model?”
Why it matters: Some clients prefer one point of contact. Others like teams. What matters is transparency.
What a strong answer sounds like:
- Clear roles: who schedules, who advises, who negotiates, who communicates updates.
- A plan for coverage when they’re unavailable.
Red flags:
- You can’t tell who does what.
- You’re sold by one person but managed by someone else without explanation.
Follow-up question:
- “If something time-sensitive happens and you’re unavailable, what’s the backup plan?”
Score (1–5): ___
8) “How do you handle verification when something is unclear or conflicting?”
Why it matters: Good realtors Montreal are careful with facts. In a high-stakes transaction, “assumptions” are liabilities.
What a strong answer sounds like:
- A verification mindset: confirm information before stating it as fact.
- Explains how they document decisions and next steps so nothing slips.
Red flags:
- Overconfidence with no verification habit.
- Dismissive attitude toward your questions.
Follow-up question:
- “When a listing detail seems inconsistent, what’s your process to confirm?”
Score (1–5): ___
9) “If I’m relocating or bilingual, how do you support that smoothly?”
Why it matters: Relocation adds uncertainty. Bilingual support reduces friction in Montréal.
What a strong answer sounds like:
- Offers clear communication routines (English/French as needed).
- Remote-friendly workflows for planning, tours (when feasible), and decision timing.
- Keeps you calm with structure, not pressure.
Red flags:
- Treats relocation as “just send listings.”
- Doesn’t have a plan for time zones, availability, or remote decision-making.
Follow-up question:
- “What do you do to help relocation clients choose neighborhoods confidently?”
Score (1–5): ___
10) “How will we measure progress—and what will you do if we’re stuck?”
Why it matters: Buyers get stuck when criteria are unclear. Sellers get stuck when positioning is off. The right realtor has a method to diagnose and adjust.
What a strong answer sounds like (buyers):
- A weekly review approach: what you liked, what’s changing, what trade-offs you’re willing to accept.
- Specific adjustments to search strategy based on evidence.
What a strong answer sounds like (sellers):
- A plan to interpret market feedback (showing volume, buyer questions) and adjust logically.
- Keeps the process calm and data-informed.
Red flags:
- “Just wait” with no strategy.
- Constantly changing direction without explaining why.
Follow-up question:
- “What would you change first if we aren’t seeing traction after 2–3 weeks?”
Score (1–5): ___
A simple decision rule (so you don’t overthink it)
When comparing realtors Montreal, choose the person who consistently delivers:
- clarity (you know the next step),
- calm communication (you feel steady, not spun up),
- a repeatable process (not improvisation),
- negotiation discipline (strategy, not drama),
- and local fluency in your target areas.
If you finish the call feeling pressured, confused, or “talked at,” keep interviewing.
FAQ
1) How many realtors Montreal should I interview?
Two or three is ideal. It’s enough to compare styles and processes without creating decision fatigue.
2) If I searched “realtors Montreal near me,” should I pick the closest one?
Not necessarily. Proximity is less important than neighborhood fluency, responsiveness, and a clear process—especially if you’re buying or selling in specific pockets like Griffintown, NDG, or the West Island.
3) Should buyers and sellers ask different questions?
The foundation is the same (process, communication, negotiation discipline). Then buyers should emphasize search/touring/decision support, and sellers should emphasize preparation, positioning, and feedback interpretation.
4) What’s the biggest red flag when interviewing realtors Montreal?
Overpromising or pressuring. Professional confidence is calm and specific. Hype is vague and urgent.
5) Can a realtor help if I’m relocating to Montréal?
Yes—especially if the realtor has a relocation-friendly workflow and can explain neighborhood trade-offs across Downtown/Ville-Marie, Plateau, Verdun, West Island/Pointe-Claire, Laval, and Brossard/South Shore.
6) Is this article legal, tax, or financial advice?
No. This is general information and a practical interview framework. For advice specific to your situation, consult qualified professionals.
Next step
If you’re considering selling and want a clear starting point, you can request a home evaluation here:
Home evaluation
Disclaimer
This content is general information only and is not legal, tax, or financial advice. Real estate rules and practices can vary by property and circumstances. Please consult qualified professionals for guidance specific to your situation.
