Frequently Asked Questions

Each property is different and may or may not benefit from things such as staging or painting or renovations, so there can be quite a range. 

Typically, a total rate of 3% to 5% (+HST) of the selling price should be expected, depending on  the scenario and your preferences. This fee would also include many of the typical services required to properly showcase and market the listing as well as the fees that are paid to a cooperating brokerage that represents the buyer. 

Most sellers prefer no surprises and no added-on fees or up front costs, so we would come to a win-win agreement that would be detailed in the listing agreement before anything begins.

Depending on your preference, our first meeting could be held virtually, however it's often most efficient to meet in-person at the property. At this time, during the initial walk-through, we can discuss the best options for making your property shine its brightest while you help me understand your goals and what's best and most important for you. In 14+ years I have had the pleasure of guiding sellers in most every scenario, be it emotional, tragic or celebratory.

The more you're able to tell me, the more I will be able to guide you. Most first meetings last about an hour. There's no set structure, but most will begin with the homeowner offering a tour through the property.

It's helpful to be prepared to discuss budgets, timelines and your ultimate goals. There are many variables that can change each week that you may not have considered, so this will help ensure any plan I recommend is the right one for you.

Of course, there can be a lot of fears when you are unfamiliar with the process, so don't be shy if you have a long list of questions to ask me. It's always best to talk through everything openly. Be assured that it is a confidential conversation.

Whatever needs to be done. Truly. 

Some properties need almost nothing. Others may need full staging, landscaping touch-ups and a new roof. There are many variables for me to assess and advise you on. And as a bonus to you, I love to organize and project-manage it all. (Most sellers love that part of it).

As a television marketer with TVO and CTV for 20+ years, making your property shine for the camera and an audience of buyers comes second nature to me. My technical and creative marketing skills will also set your property apart when it comes to online and social media mass marketing.

And of course, services like cleaning, painting, staging, storage, photography, videographers, drone expertise, renovations, flooring, roofing, landscaping, real estate lawyers and  pre-listing home inspections can all be part of the package.

Condo sellers can also expect me to look after the Status Certificate and liaise with the building concierge and management for a smooth listing process.

Guiding and educating first-time buyers is always special and wonderfully rewarding for me personally. 

It's an exciting time that can be overwhelming for many inexperienced buyers, especially in a market that's as pricey and competitive as Toronto and all of Southern Ontario. (I remember how scary it was when I was looking to buy my first property too!) 

The best thing to do is meet over a coffee or over Zoom and talk about your situation and what you're looking for. There are a lot of things for me to make sure you understand, but know that it will be a gradual process. Before you know it, we'll be touring potential properties which may only last a few days or a few weeks or even a few months. When it comes time to making an offer, I will ensure you are confident with the process and prepared for the outcome. I’ve seen just about everything occur, so please know I’ll have your back.

At some point, it is mandatory for all buyers to sign a "Buyer Representation Agreement" with the brokerage that will be working for you and representing you. But before that, I feel it is most important that you and I ensure that we will want to work together. We'll likely develop a close and trusting relationship over the course of  weeks and months, so it will need to be mutually enjoyable and comfortable. My goal is to help you make educated decisions that will guide you to the perfect property that will be one of your biggest investments. The home ownership journey will include many legal documents to protect all of us, including a contract between you and my brokerage. I'll walk through all of it with you, at your own pace, when the appropriate time comes.

For more than a decade, I co-created and built a highly reputable real estate company called "The Weir Team" under the brokerages of Royal Lepage Johnston & Daniel, Keller Williams Advantage, and finally as its own brokerage. My services and offerings to you are still exactly the same today, but now my brokerage is called Hanton Real Estate. However, because of how Google works, many historical Google reviews for me personally are still found under my old company. So, simply Google: "Scott Hanton The Weir Team", or you can read most of those same reviews here, on my current website.

One of the many things that were confirmed by the pandemic, is that we don't need to be tied to a specific bricks-and-mortar office anymore. Most clients prefer to meet elsewhere, and having one office in one location that all clients and associates must travel to and meet at, is ultimately very limiting, especially while servicing my clients anywhere from Burlington to Oakville to Etobicoke to Georgetown to Orangeville to Blue Mountains and all across Toronto and Durham Region. Ultimately, you could say that Hanton Real Estate is "cloud-based" and serves all of the Greater Toronto Area and beyond. I also have a trusted network of realtors in case you require expertise beyond my usual reach and experience.

In short, the title Broker of Record simply means that I am qualified to be fully responsible for the brokerage called Hanton Real Estate Inc, which is the highest level a realtor can achieve.

In contrast, you will see many realtors with the title "Salesperson" or "Sales Representative"  next to their name. That indicates they have the lowest level of educational hierarchy in organized real estate in Ontario.

Absolutely not. While this occurs on most teams (and the real estate industry shockingly coaches realtors that this is a good practice), I've seen first-hand how this is a truly terrible way to serve clients. While I have a full and trusted network of experienced realtors and associates to lean on, if needed, I will typically be your guide from start to finish and beyond. 

Of course, I can't be everywhere at once, so there may be times when I may need a  wonderful and well-trusted associate to meet you at a showing, on my behalf, for example. Especially in a "hot" market when you need to get to a property immediately. Other than that sort of scenario, you should expect me to be at your service 95%-100%  of the time.

Sadly, the real estate industry is burdened with a tremendous number of shady figures and realtors who's only real value is to lure new clients with a cash incentive. This is not the kind of arrangement you want with someone who's sole mission is to look out for your best interests and future financial health. That is not how to build trust or accountability. Would you ask your dentist or doctor for part of their salary in exchange for you sitting in their chair? Would you want the kind of dentist or doctor who would bribe you with cash to look after something so important to you? Of course not.

While special thank you gifts are often a natural heartfelt offering at the end of many successful real estate journeys, making gift demands to people at the start of an important relationship is not how to ensure success -- and certainly not how to  develop mutual respect.

As of 2022, there are more than 100,000 registered real estate agents in the province of Ontario. This is not a good thing. This is an absolute embarrassment for countless reasons. The horror stories that you hear about and read about are usually true. The stories you don't know about would shock you. 

The greed, shady tactics and incompetence that I encounter and must navigate on a regular basis among my fellow registrants is the most difficult part of what I do.  Part of my mission is to shield you from that negativity and nonsense while guiding you on your journey. Not my journey. Your journey.

As any of my past clients could tell you, I am a big believer in being of expert and excellent service at every moment. Each encounter with me should be a smooth, stress-free and valuable one for you. 

There is nothing worse that being on the receiving end of lousy, sub-par, indifferent service. Whether at the bank or restaurant, on an airplane or at your doctor's office, there is no excuse for poor or even mediocre service. I live by that everyday, and I know that 14 years of repeat clients and gush-worthy online reviews from everyone I've helped is testament to the value that I bring to you.

In the mid 2000s I purchased my first property: a 40th floor pre-construction condo at Yonge and Bloor. The pride, excitement and joy I felt while going up the elevator the first time and walking into that amazing investment delivered a tremendous natural high that I want all of my clients to feel. 

Whether it's guiding you to your perfect home and watching your face light up when you first walk through the door... or delivering 10 incredible, competing offers to you when you're selling your house or condo, it's my goal to make your experience memorable, rewarding and one that you want to tell everyone about.

I hope to have the privilege of making it all happen for you too.