Realtor recommendations in Ottawa
 

Hi! So excited to have joined the forum after a fair bit of lurking as we're finally, finally moving in spring 2022 from London (UK) to Ottawa - we have had the answer to so many of our early questions from these threads - thank you!

Can anyone recommend a realtor in Ottawa? Would be ideal to have someone who's dealt with expats before so that they are used to what I'm sure will seem like daft questions to a Canadian (my husband is Canadian, but moved to the UK in his teens, so all his adult-Canadian knowledge is limited!)

Re: Realtor recommendations in Ottawa
 

I don't think anyone would be brave enough to recommend a real estate agent, especially in Canada. Considering the high commissions they charge the seller (compared to the UK), they all have a degree of self-interest and I am being polite at that. I would just try and go with a reputable company and do your own research. If you are a buyer, there is enough information on the net to help you find what you want before you go to an agent. Otherwise, it is really not that much different to buying a house in the UK. I am sure people on this forum will advise you on locations if you ask. Distances in Canada can be an issue so you need to take this into consideration.

Re: Realtor recommendations in Ottawa
 

Yes, you absolutely need one but you have to remember that the agent's interest, even a "buyer's agent" is not the same as your interest. They'd like to put you into a suitable home but need you to buy something, anything.