Real Estate,
Real Heart
Smooth. Simple. Stress-free. From pricing and prep to presentation and negotiation, we manage every detail with transparency, precision and care—so you feel informed, supported and celebrated during and after your move.
Meet Barbara Best
Barbara Best is a Toronto real estate agent and the founder of The Barbara Best Group at Keller Williams Advantage Realty, Brokerage. She helps sellers and buyers in The Beach, Upper Beach, Leslieville and across Toronto's east end, where she lives, works and knows the streets block by block.
Barb is one of the top-producing agents in Keller Williams:
- #1 individual agent in Keller Williams Canada by sales volume (2019)
- #1 luxury listing agent for all Keller Williams locations in the GTA (2020)
- Top 50 individual agent, Keller Williams worldwide (2019)
- Top 1% of agents
She holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from Simon Fraser University, speaks to real estate agents at conferences in Canada and abroad, and writes The Six Figure Farm Letter, a monthly newsletter that teaches agents how to build a neighbourhood business.
The Barbara Best Group is a three-person team: Barb, Ruth Ilios (Sales Representative and Executive Administrator) and Tristin Thompson (Sales Representative). Every client gets Barb's strategy and the team's hands-on support, from pricing and preparation to closing day.
"We engineer outcomes and orchestrate peace of mind—with transparency, precision and care."
Our Properties
The Barbara Best Group's own listings — updated straight from the MLS® System.
Smooth. Simple. Stress-Free.
Sell With Confidence
Precise valuation, elevated presentation and targeted marketing that create demand. Confident, ethical negotiation that protects your largest asset.
Learn MoreBuy With Clarity
Curated options, market education and thoughtful offer strategy to win without waste. Expert guidance from first tour to contract-to-close.
Learn MoreConcierge Coordination
Hand us the keys and we'll look after the rest. Vendors, timelines and paperwork—managed end-to-end with precision and care.
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Our Promise
"Expert-only attention on every file."
Performance & Expertise Meet Experience & Care
You never trade warmth for performance—you get both. Market-beating outcomes and a relationship-first experience with transparent updates and precision-orchestrated execution.
Executive-Calibre Expertise
You work directly with seasoned agents, end-to-end. Experienced professionals on every file.
Precision-Orchestrated Service
A coordinated operating system that removes friction. Checklists, trusted vendors and clear ownership at every stage.
Direct Access & Accountability
Fast responses, clear ownership and proactive updates. You'll always know what's happening and what comes next.
Informed, Supported, Celebrated
★★★★★“Before working with Barb Best, I was skeptical about what realtors do and the dollars that they earn. We chose Barb Best as our realtor for many good reasons - she knew our area (upper beaches), she was knowledgeable and resourceful, she always responded to our calls immediately, she priced our home appropriately, she worked hard to ensure that the most people possible had the chance to see our home. Her office staff (Ruth) made herself available for every need. … this dynamic duo showed me the hard work that realtors do, and changed my skepticism to enthusiasm. I very highly recommend Barb Best.”
Kathy Coleman · Sold in the Upper Beaches
★★★★★“We have done many transactions with Barb over the years in Oakville, the Beach, mid-town Toronto and downtown condo market both on the buy and sell side. She is energetic, enthusiastic and is always focused on doing the best job for the client. She has superb negotiation skills and deep expertise in the market. Her team of Ruth and Tristin have been extremely helpful and competent on numerous occasions. Don’t look anywhere else for an agent when you can get the Best!”
Miriam Fancey · Bought & sold, many times
★★★★★“Barb and Ruth are the best! They have represented us on the sale of 2 condos in the beaches as well as the purchase of another; very professional and detail oriented and we did very well in all instances. Highly recommend!”
James Schryer · Two condo sales & a purchase in the Beaches
★★★★★“We have purchased and sold with the Barb Best Team and cannot speak highly enough of our experience. Everyone we worked with was friendly, professional and one step ahead. Highly recommend!”
Kelsye Dubiel · Bought & sold
★★★★★“Amazing experience with Tristin Thompson as our agent. Very knowledgeable and great communication. If we had a question she would reply almost immediately. Very patient and showed us the best places to suit our needs. Highly recommend Tristin!”
Jeff Dusome · Worked with Tristin
“We have had the honour of knowing Barb Best for a number of years, she is truly unique in her profession. Barb is a very sophisticated veteran of the Toronto real estate market, and not surprising had consistently been ranked top of the class at Keller Williams for her professional service acumen, sales volumes, and insights. Upon meeting Barb it quickly becomes apparent Barb is dramatically superior to most of the real estate agents in Toronto, she researches projects forensically, adheres to meetings, showings schedules with military like precision. Barb’s veteran status in the industry is extremely obvious when it comes to precise pricing of property whether it be a sale or a purchase, she is a leading expert in this regard. For anyone searching for a top-drawer real estate professional to assist them in either a purchase or a sale, we strongly recommend that they speak with Barb immediately, no need to speak to anyone else. Truly an Oscar nominee for ‘Best Real estate agent’.”
John
Executive-Calibre Expertise
Seasoned professionals with direct access and accountability. You work with experienced agents, end-to-end.
Barbara Best
Founder & Sales Representative
With a wealth of experience in sales leadership at a Fortune 500 company and a BBA from Simon Fraser University, Barb combines strong negotiating skills with genuine care to create winning real estate experiences.
Ruth Ilios
Sales Representative & Admin
A born-and-bred Beach-er with 15+ years in real estate. Ruth's passion for planning, organization, and attention to detail ensures a VIP experience for every client. Also a former Toronto Blue Jays cheerleader!
Tristin Thompson
Sales Representative
With a Business Commerce degree from Ryerson specializing in Marketing & Real Estate, Tristin brings genuine care and hospitality expertise to ensure a smooth, seamless real estate experience.
Questions we hear every week
Who is a top real estate agent in The Beach, Toronto?
Barbara Best of The Barbara Best Group, Keller Williams Advantage Realty, is a Beach-based agent who was the #1 individual agent in Keller Williams Canada by sales volume (2019) and the #1 luxury listing agent for Keller Williams in the GTA (2020). Her team focuses on The Beach, Upper Beach and Leslieville.
What areas do you serve?
We specialize in Toronto's east end: The Beach, Upper Beach, Leslieville, the Woodbine and Queen Street East corridors, and nearby neighbourhoods. We also help clients buying and selling across Ontario.
How do I find out what my home is worth?
Ask us for a free home evaluation: call or text Barb at 416-220-5904, or book a time with Barb using the calendar below. We look at what's actually selling on your street and in your building, not just the city-wide averages.
What's the market like in The Beach right now?
It changes month to month, so we don't guess. We watch three numbers for your exact neighbourhood: how many homes are selling, what they sell for, and months of inventory. Ask us and we'll send you the current numbers for your street.
How do you market a home?
Professional photos and video, a dedicated property website, open houses, social media across Instagram, Facebook, YouTube and LinkedIn, email to our client and agent networks, and virtual staging where it helps buyers picture the space.
Do you work with buyers too?
Yes. We help buyers get clear on budget, timeline and must-haves before they start looking, so they're ready to move when the right home comes up.
How do I get in touch?
Call or text Barb at 416-220-5904, or book a time on our calendar. Our office is at 1238 Queen St E, Unit B, Toronto.
Book a Friendly Strategy Conversation
Whether you're buying, selling, or exploring options—we're here with expert guidance and zero pressure. Let's talk about what matters most to you.
Let's Start the Conversation
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