Thomas Lymburner
How to choose a real estate agent in Gatineau
To choose a real estate agent, first verify their licence on the OACIQ public register. Then ask every broker you meet the same questions: recent experience in your area, comparative market analysis, marketing, remuneration, contract length, communication, languages and recent client reviews.
Brokerage contract: term, cancellation and the 3-day cooling-off right
General information, not legal advice.
Start with the licence
Anyone can verify a broker's licence on the OACIQ public register. It is the first check to make, even before a meeting.
Compare remuneration
In Quebec, a broker's remuneration is not set by law: it is negotiated and written in the brokerage contract. Ask what it covers before signing.
10 questions to ask any broker
- Is your licence listed on the OACIQ public register?
- What is your recent experience in my area?
- Will you prepare a comparative market analysis?
- What is your marketing plan?
- What is your remuneration and what does it cover?
- How long is the contract and how can it be ended?
- How will you communicate with me and how available are you?
- Which languages do you work in?
- Can you show me recent client reviews?
- How do you handle situations where you act for both parties?
OACIQ public register
Verify any broker's licence on the OACIQ public register. registre.oaciq.com
Sources
- OACIQ, public register of licence holders. Viewed October 22, 2026.
- OACIQ, "How to compensate my residential real estate broker?". Viewed October 22, 2026.
FAQ: choosing a broker
Anyone can verify a broker's licence on the OACIQ public register at registre.oaciq.com.
Ask about their licence, recent experience in your area, comparative market analysis, marketing plan, remuneration, contract length, communication, languages, recent reviews and how they act if they represent both parties.
Yes. In Quebec, it is not set by law: it is negotiated and written in the brokerage contract.
How a buyer's broker is paid is set out in writing in the brokerage contract.
General information, not legal advice.