10 Things You Didn’t Know about Your REALTOR®

Realtors blend human expertise with digital tools to help clients cut through the noise and make confident decisions from start to finish.

By Kristin Doucet | 8 minute read

Many homeowners don’t realize how much their Realtor does for them. Here are 10 things you likely didn’t know they did.

Most Canadians work with a Realtor at some point, yet few fully understand what these professionals actually do behind the scenes. In an era when homebuyers can browse listings, compare sold listings and even take a virtual home tour from their phones, Realtors play an essential role in helping buyers and sellers interpret complex information, devise pricing strategies, navigate local market nuances, and more.

Realtors support their clients backed by data-driven insights, local expertise and deep market knowledge, however, many homeowners don’t realize just how much their Realtor actually does to protect their time, money and peace of mind.

1. Digital tools make estimates fast, but a Realtor adds nuance

Online home value estimators, like Wahi’s home value estimate tool, can produce accurate preliminary estimates quickly by using years of sold data and algorithmic adjustments. These tools create a great starting point and allow you to track your property’s value as it fluctuates over time. But those automated numbers don’t take into account things like current buyer sentiment or the character of a neighbourhood, which is where a Realtor’s local knowledge and market expertise complete the picture.

2. A Realtor’s job isn’t just to list a home; it’s to price strategically

Setting the right list price involves strategic analysis. An online home value estimate is only part of the picture, working with a Relator to curate an effective selling strategy is the other part.  A professional Realtor will perform a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA), which is a side-by-side look at recent sales of similar homes in the neighbourhood, then layer on adjustments for condition, upgrades and timing (spring vs. winter market) and other local characteristics (for example, laneway suites, proximity to transit or schools). This is where local relationships and knowledge about what buyers on that street really care about make a measurable difference.

3. A CMA prepared by a Realtor is more than a spreadsheet; it’s a negotiation tool

When a Realtor prepares a CMA, they’re not just estimating value; they’re building bargaining power. A well-crafted CMA shows comparable sold prices, pending sales, and active listings, and uses those data points to justify a list price that attracts buyers while protecting the seller’s bottom line. In bidding wars or slow markets, the right CMA prepared by a Realtor can help guide pricing or inform a strategy that results in the best possible sale price.

4. A Realtor’s local networks cut time and cost for clients

Local Realtor networks (i.e., home inspectors, contractors, mortgage brokers, appraisers, etc.) can help speed up a transaction and prevent costly surprises. Access to vetted professionals and market intel can mean faster closings and a smoother homebuying or selling process.

5. A Realtor is bound by provincial legislation and subject to professional rules

Realtors must be licensed under provincial legislation and are subject to a combination of legal, ethical, and industry-specific rules that govern how they conduct business, interact with clients, and maintain professional standards. An agent must work under a licensed brokerage and cannot operate independently without it.

6. Not all Real Estate Agents are Realtors 

While all Realtors are real estate agents, not all agents are Realtors. A REALTOR® is a member of the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) and must adhere to a strict code of ethics. This membership provides access to exclusive listings on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) and requires ongoing ethics training. Realtors are distinguished by the trademarked REALTOR® symbol on their business cards and marketing materials.

In addition, the term “Broker” is used differently in provinces across Canada. All real estate brokers will have completed additional educational and licensing requirements. However, in some provinces, it identifies the agent who runs the brokerage and is ultimately responsible for ensuring compliance with legal standards and managing the business aspects of real estate transactions. Agents typically work under the supervision of a broker.

7. Realtors are paid a commission by their brokerage

Many homebuyers don’t understand how Realtors are paid. In Canada, the seller typically pays the commission to the listing brokerage, and that’s split between the listing brokerage and the buyer’s brokerage. The agents receive a portion of that amount based on their agreement with their brokerage.

Commission rates aren’t fixed by law; they’re agreed between the client and the agent and the agent and their brokerage. Typically, total fees often fall between roughly 3.5% and 5% (and can vary by market and province). That means fees are negotiable and can reflect the level of service and marketing a seller wants.

8. A Realtor can translate data into decisions

Home valuations, market trends, how quickly homes are selling, and local market trends are all data points Realtors translate into a concrete strategy: when to list, what improvements to make, how to stage, and whether to accept a conditional offer. Digital real estate platforms like Wahi amplify those insights with real-time data and advanced tools, but the Realtor’s experience and expertise are what ultimately turn numbers into a recommended action plan.

9. The best Realtor uses both digital and traditional marketing

The best Realtors combine cutting-edge digital tools with proven traditional methods to ensure every property gets maximum exposure and appeals to the right buyers. They combine real-time market data with professional listing execution (think professional photography, well-written listing details and video tours), timing strategies, and buyer targeting to ensure the property is seen by the right people at the right time. Platforms like Wahi provide Realtors with valuable insights about the local market, comparable sales, and buyer behaviour patterns so they can craft effective and targeted marketing strategies.

10. Not all Realtors are created equal

Choosing the wrong agent can cost time and money. When choosing a Realtor, there are some important questions to ask to ensure they are the right fit. These questions can vary depending on whether you’re a buyer or seller. 

Look for results (sold-price vs list-price history) and a proven track record in your area and for your property type. Platforms that match sellers to vetted, data-savvy agents, like Wahi Select Realtors, aim to remove the guesswork by pairing clients with full-service professionals who can help buyers and sellers interpret complex information, navigate market nuances, and make confident and informed decisions from start to finish.

Connect with a Realtor today.