Why the interview matters more than you think
Choosing a real estate broker is one of the most consequential decisions you will make during a property transaction. A good fit can mean a smoother process, clearer communication, and better-informed decisions at every step. A poor fit can cost you time, money, and peace of mind. The interview is your opportunity to screen carefully before signing anything, and knowing what not to accept is just as important as knowing what to look for.
Whether you are preparing to sell your home or searching for your next property in Dorval or across the West Island, the warning signs below can help you walk away early when a broker is not the right match.
Promises that sound too good to be true
One of the clearest red flags is a broker who opens the conversation with bold guarantees: a specific sale price, a firm timeline, or a promise that your offer will be accepted. These claims feel reassuring in the moment, but they are a serious warning sign.
In Quebec, performance guarantees or claims that cannot be substantiated are unsafe and go against OACIQ's requirement for clear, accurate and non-misleading representation. A credible broker will give you a well-reasoned market analysis and explain the factors that influence price and timing. They will not promise outcomes they cannot control.
If a broker tells you exactly what you want to hear without asking meaningful questions first, that is a signal to keep looking.
Vague or evasive answers to direct questions
During an interview, you have every right to ask direct questions and expect clear answers. Watch for these patterns:
- No clear process: A broker who cannot walk you through what happens from the first meeting to the signing at the notary is not well prepared to guide you through it.
- Unclear fees and services: You should understand exactly what is included in the brokerage contract and what it will cost. Vague language around compensation or services is a concern.
- Deflecting questions about experience: A broker who avoids specifics about their recent transactions, their knowledge of the local market, or the types of properties they typically handle may lack the relevant experience you need.
- No references available: A broker with a solid track record should be able to point you to past clients willing to speak on their behalf. Hesitation here is worth noting.
OACIQ's June 17, 2026 guideline requires clear, accurate and non-misleading representation, solicitation, promotion and advertising. That standard of clarity should show up in how a broker communicates with you from the very first conversation.
Poor availability and slow communication during the interview itself
How a broker behaves during the interview is a preview of how they will behave throughout your transaction. If they are difficult to reach, slow to respond to your initial inquiry, or distracted during your meeting, that pattern is unlikely to improve once you have signed a contract.
Ask directly: How will you communicate with me, and how quickly can I expect a response? What happens if you are unavailable and I need to act quickly on an offer or a showing? A broker who cannot give you a clear, confident answer to these questions may not have the capacity or systems in place to serve you well.
Real estate transactions in the West Island can move quickly. You need a broker who is genuinely available and responsive, not one who is overextended or difficult to pin down.
Financing talk that goes beyond their role
A knowledgeable real estate broker can help you understand general concepts around budgeting, purchase costs, and what to expect financially during a transaction. However, a broker who starts making specific claims about what you will qualify for, which mortgage product you should choose, or how your application will be evaluated is stepping outside their professional scope.
A broker should propose financing suited to the information gathered and explain material costs, penalties, compensation and fees, but that standard applies to mortgage brokers, not real estate brokers. If the person interviewing you is blurring that line, it is worth pausing. For financing questions, you should be directed to a qualified mortgage professional or lender, not given confident predictions by someone whose expertise lies elsewhere.
A broker who respects professional boundaries and refers you to the right specialist is demonstrating integrity, not a gap in their knowledge.
A written scope that does not match what was said
Before you sign a brokerage contract, read it carefully. If the written terms do not reflect what was discussed during the interview, that is a significant red flag.
This is a straightforward step that many buyers and sellers skip, and it takes only a few minutes. A broker with nothing to hide will encourage you to do it.
If anything in the contract feels unclear or inconsistent with what you were told, ask for clarification in writing before signing. A trustworthy broker will welcome the question.
Trust your instincts and do your homework
The right real estate broker will answer your questions directly, set realistic expectations, communicate clearly, and respect the boundaries of their professional role. If something feels off during the interview, whether it is an evasive answer, an over-the-top promise, or a contract that does not match the conversation, trust that instinct and keep looking. Frank Loggia, real estate broker at LOGGIA de Sutton Performer Inc, works with buyers and sellers across Dorval and the West Island with a focus on honest guidance and clear communication at every stage. Reach out to start a conversation and see whether it is the right fit for you.
Ready to experience what a straightforward, honest broker interview actually feels like? Reach out to Frank Loggia, your real estate broker at LOGGIA de Sutton Performer Inc, for a no-pressure conversation about buying or selling in Dorval and across the West Island, clear answers, realistic expectations, and guidance that puts your best interests first from the very first call.
Foire aux questions
What questions should I ask a West Island real estate broker during an interview?
Ask about their recent transactions in the area, how they communicate with clients and how quickly you can expect a response, what is included in the brokerage contract, and whether they can provide references from past clients. Also ask them to walk you through the full process from first meeting to signing at the notary, a well-prepared broker should be able to do this clearly and confidently.
Can a real estate broker in Quebec promise me a specific sale price or timeline?
No. In Quebec, performance guarantees or claims that cannot be substantiated are unsafe and go against OACIQ's requirement for clear, accurate and non-misleading representation. A credible broker will provide a reasoned market analysis and explain the factors that influence price and timing, but will not promise outcomes they cannot control.
What should I do if the brokerage contract does not match what the broker told me during the interview?
Do not sign until everything is consistent and clear. Review the contract's duration, the services explicitly included, the commission structure, and any termination conditions. If anything differs from what was discussed verbally, ask for clarification in writing. A trustworthy broker will welcome the question rather than pressure you to sign quickly.
