1. Look around. Speak with at least 3 real estate agents.

2. It is essential for your real estate agent to excel at negotiating.

3. Your agent must have excellent customer care. Buying/selling homes can be stressful.

4.Make sure you are confident and comfortable when communicating with your agent. Your home is very personal.

5.Find out where your home will be advertised. What resources does the Realtor have available to market your home. Will they be promoting it online?

6.Find an agent who is well versed in the area you will be buying or selling in.

7.Attend different Open houses around Ottawa and observe how the different agents handle them. Take note of what you like or dislike.

8.Get referrals from others and find out what their Realtor's strengths and weaknesses were.

9.Ask the real estate agent for references and call them.

10. Make sure they understand the current Ottawa real estate market so they can get you the best price either buying or selling your home.