Whether you’re buying your first home, upgrading to meet your changing needs, or selling a property you’ve cherished for years, one thing is certain: the real estate agent you choose can make all the difference. In a market as dynamic as Ottawa’s, having the right professional by your side can streamline the process, help you navigate surprises with confidence, and ultimately ensure the best possible outcome for your unique goals.

So how do you find the right fit?

It goes beyond picking a familiar name or choosing the first agent who comes up in a Google search. Here’s what to consider when selecting a real estate agent—and why taking the time to choose wisely is one of the best investments you can make.

Choose Local Expertise That Goes Beyond the Basics

Ottawa is a city of neighbourhoods, each with its own rhythm, charm, and pricing trends. A great agent doesn’t just understand the city in general; they’re tuned into the nuances of specific communities. Whether you’re looking in family-friendly Barrhaven, the charming riverside village of Manotick, the growing community of Greely or the up-and-coming pockets of Riverside South, your agent should be able to offer real-time insight into market conditions, average price points, school zones, and more.

At The Wright Team, our agents live and work in the areas we serve. With over 40 years of combined experience in Ottawa and Manotick, we don’t just pull stats. We interpret them through the lens of lifestyle, schools, commuting, and resale value—helping you make confident, informed decisions.

Buying a home for the first time? You may find these blogs helpful!

• Am I Ready to Buy My First Home?
• How to Budget For Your First Year of Homeownership
• What to Know About Buying a New Build Home in Ottawa

Find an Agent Who Communicates on Your Wavelength

Buying or selling a home is rarely a one-and-done conversation. It’s a process that requires regular updates, quick decision-making, and sometimes navigating high-stakes moments. That’s why it’s so important to find someone whose communication style matches yours.

Do you prefer a detailed email recap? Quick texts? A weekly phone call? The right agent is one who adapts to your preferences—and ensures you always feel informed and supported, not overwhelmed or left in the dark.

More than that, the process can get personal. You’ll be discussing finances, timelines, priorities, and potentially even your reasons for moving. Choose someone you trust and feel comfortable speaking openly with.

Look at Experience That Aligns With Your Goals

Experience is important—but not simply as a matter of years in the business. The true measure lies in the scope and relevance of an agent’s recent work. An agent actively engaged with properties similar in price point, style, or location to yours brings invaluable insight, targeted strategies, and a network of relevant contacts to the table.

Take the time to explore their current listings, review past sales, and read client testimonials. Don’t hesitate to request references; hearing directly from past clients offers a meaningful glimpse into how the agent communicates, negotiates, and navigates challenges.

When preparing to sell, ask to review a sample marketing package. In today’s digital-first marketplace, the way your home is presented—through elevated photography, video, staging, and narrative—can significantly influence buyer engagement.

At The Wright Team, we deliver a refined listing experience tailored to each client. Our luxury marketing suite includes professional photography, cinematic video, drone footage, and exposure on international platforms such as Royal LePage Carriage Trade and LuxuryRealEstate.com. It’s a comprehensive, polished approach designed to ensure your home stands out—and sells with confidence.

Searching for tips on selling a home? Check out these other blog posts next!

• What Not to Fix When Selling a House
• How to Price Your Ottawa Home to Sell
• What If My Home Doesn’t Sell?

Leverage the Strength of a Trusted Network

A seasoned real estate agent doesn’t work alone. From mortgage brokers and stagers to photographers, contractors, and lawyers, the best agents bring a trusted network of professionals to the table.

This is especially helpful if you’re new to the area or managing a busy schedule—your agent can coordinate timelines, recommend vetted professionals, and keep the process running smoothly behind the scenes.

At The Wright Team, we offer a concierge-style experience from start to finish, supported by a carefully selected team of local service providers. Whether you’re buying a new build, navigating a relocation, or prepping your home for the market, we have trusted partners who can help make the transition seamless.

Understand Their Strategy

Whether you’re buying or selling, a good agent should have a clear plan tailored to your needs. For sellers, this includes pricing strategy, target buyer profiles, marketing channels, staging tips, and more. For buyers, this means understanding your wish list, budget, and timeline—and bringing you properties that align.

Ask about their strategy upfront. How do they approach competitive offer situations? What happens if your home isn’t getting interest after two weeks on the market? How do they ensure you’re not missing opportunities if you’re buying?

The more detailed and transparent their answers, the more confidence you’ll have in their ability to advocate for you when it matters most.

More Than a Friendly Face: Choose a Trusted Advisor

A confident, engaging personality is valuable—but not at the expense of honesty. The best agents don’t just tell you what you want to hear. They tell you what you need to hear. That means realistic pricing advice, thoughtful feedback on what buyers are seeing, and candid guidance when it comes time to negotiate.

Look for someone who balances warmth with professionalism. Someone who will celebrate your wins—but also help you navigate challenges with composure and clarity. At the end of the day, you want a trusted advisor, not a salesperson.

Choosing a real estate agent is a personal decision—but it doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. Start with a few conversations, ask thoughtful questions, and trust your instincts. The right agent will take the time to understand your goals, communicate clearly, and guide you with care from start to finish.

At The Wright Team, we believe in relationships over transactions. Our commitment is to provide trusted guidance, local expertise, and unwavering support—so you can move forward with confidence, knowing you’ve made the right choice.

Looking for a partner in your next move? We’d be honoured to be part of your journey. Call 613-692-0606 to get in touch, or reach us by email at info@ottawahomes.ca.