Choosing a real estate broker in Quebec is not about signs or a logo. It’s about results, data, and trust. A good broker can help you sell for more, faster, or keep you from overpaying for a property. A bad choice can cost you thousands of dollars. Here are the real criteria to decide, the questions to ask before signing, and the pitfalls to avoid.

Why choosing the right broker changes everything

Two brokers, the same property, two very different results. The difference comes down to three things: pricing accuracy (based on real comparables, not promises), the quality of the marketing, and the ability to negotiate. A broker who inflates your price to get your listing often ends up having you sell for less in the end, because the property sits on the market. The right broker starts with the facts.

The 7 criteria for choosing a good real estate broker

1. Verifiable results

Ask for concrete numbers: number of transactions, average selling times, rankings. A broker or team that performs proves it with data, not slogans.

2. Real client reviews

Google reviews are an excellent indicator. Look at the number of reviews as much as the rating: 5 stars on 4 reviews is not the same as 4.9 on hundreds of reviews. Read a few comments to see how the broker handles clients.

3. A data-driven approach

A good broker sets the price based on real comparable sales and market trends, not the asking prices on Centris. Ask them to explain how they arrive at their value. If they can’t justify it with numbers, be cautious.

4. True local knowledge

Real estate is hyperlocal. In Montreal, the same budget doesn’t buy the same thing from one neighbourhood to another—sometimes from one street to the next. Choose a broker who knows your area in depth, not just the city in general.

5. Transparency

Commission, brokerage contract structure, legal warranty, fees: everything must be clear and in writing from the start. A good broker explains things simply and hides nothing.

6. Communication and availability

You want someone who responds, explains every step, and stays available. Ask how and how often you’ll be kept informed. Silence, in the middle of a transaction, is costly in stress.

7. A valid OACIQ licence

In Quebec, every real estate broker must hold an OACIQ licence (the body that regulates the profession). You can verify a broker’s licence for free on the OACIQ registry. It’s your basic protection.

Questions to ask before signing

• How do you set the price for my property, and with which comparables?
• What are your average selling times in my area?
• What is your marketing strategy, specifically?
• How and how often will I hear from you?
• What is your commission, and what does it include?
• Can I see your reviews and speak with former clients?

Pitfalls to avoid

The most common pitfall: choosing the broker who promises you the highest price. Some inflate the valuation just to secure your listing, then have you lower the price a few weeks later. Another pitfall: choosing solely based on the lowest commission. What matters is the net value you end up with, not just the percentage. Compare the value offered, not just the price.

How David Tardif and Endurance apply these criteria

This is exactly what the Endurance Groupe Immobilier par Tardif approach is built on. The team was ranked #1 in Canada and Quebec (Royal LePage, 2024-2025), with more than 375 Google reviews at 4.9/5. David Tardif, real estate broker (OACIQ), sets value based on real comparables and his own market data, the Tardif Index—not asking prices. And local knowledge is at the heart of the work: every Montreal neighbourhood is analyzed sector by sector. That’s what a facts-based broker looks like.

FAQ

How do you know if a real estate broker is good?

Look for verifiable results (transactions, timelines, rankings), the number and quality of their Google reviews, their ability to justify pricing with real comparables, and their knowledge of your neighbourhood. A good broker proves it with numbers, not promises.

Should you choose the broker who suggests the highest price?

No. It’s even a common trap. Some inflate the valuation to get the listing, then lower the price afterward. Choose the broker who justifies their value with data, not the one who tells you what you want to hear.

How much does a real estate broker cost in Quebec?

Commission has no fixed rate: it is negotiable and agreed in advance in the brokerage contract. What matters is the net value you end up with, not just the percentage. Compare the value offered, not just the price.

Is it important to choose a local broker?

Yes. Real estate is hyperlocal: in Montreal, the same budget doesn’t buy the same thing from one neighbourhood to another. A broker who knows your area in depth reads comparables better and sets a fairer price. That said, keep in mind that some teams like Endurance Groupe Immobilier par Tardif have even more advanced client integration tools to showcase the neighbourhood’s strengths and set the right price thanks to the Tardif Index, ensuring an optimal sale across Greater Montreal.

How do you verify a broker’s OACIQ licence?

You can verify a real estate broker’s licence for free on the OACIQ public registry (oaciq.com). It’s a basic protection in Quebec: only work with a broker who holds a valid licence.

About the author — David Tardif
Residential and commercial real estate broker (OACIQ, licence E2815), David Tardif is the founder of Endurance Groupe Immobilier par Tardif and the creator of the Tardif Index. Team ranked #1 in Canada (Royal LePage 2024-2025) and more than 375 Google reviews at 4.9/5. Learn more about David.