10 Questions to Ask When Interviewing a Realtor

Buying or selling a home is one of the most financially significant transactions most people engage in. And taking that step amid a particularly competitive real estate market like we’re experiencing right now is no small matter.

A great real estate agent makes the process less daunting. But choosing an agent to work with can be a challenge – and there are more brokers now than ever. At the end of 2021, National Association of Realtors (NAR) membership reached a new all-time high of more than 1.5 million members, an increase of more than 100,800 over the previous year.

With all these professionals vying for your business, how do you decide which agent is right for you? Taking the time to interview candidates is important. These 10 questions can help you find the perfect match for your needs.

Interview Questions to Ask a Realtor Whether You’re Buying or Selling

Whether you’re a buyer or a seller, there’s general information you’ll want to know about any candidate you’re considering. These three questions will help you decide if a real estate agent has the professional expertise, local market knowledge, and communication skills you’ll need as a partner in your real estate journey.

1. How long have you been in business and what is your sales volume?

“When placing what is likely your largest investment in the hands of a professional, it’s important to understand their level of experience in the industry,” says Jen Horner, a real estate agent with RE/MAX Masters in Salt Lake City. Utah. “You’re looking for signs that the broker knows the market well and will protect you and your money during the trade.”

As part of this question, ask for sales data to back up the candidate’s recent transactions and ask them to explain the trends they see in the market. These can include details such as demand and supply, number of days a property remains on the market and what contract terms win deals from both the buyer’s and the seller’s perspective, Horner says.

2. How will you communicate with me and how often?

It’s important for you and your agent to be on the same page from the start regarding the type and frequency of their updates. For example, if you prefer to talk on the phone, you probably won’t be happy with someone who communicates exclusively via text.

“Whether you’re buying or selling, you want to feel their level of respect and commitment to you as a customer from the moment you sign with them,” says Horner. “You want them to understand your expectations and your preferred mode of communication so it’s not determined on the fly.”

3. Are you a full-time or part-time agent?

As with many types of work, some agents work in real estate as a full-time career and some work part-time. “I would always recommend working with a full-time agent whose sole focus and attention is on the real estate, market conditions and trends—all of which are fluid dynamics that can change weekly,” says Katie Severance, a broker with Douglas Elliman in Palm Beach, Florida.

Questions to ask when selling a home

If you’re selling a home, you want an agent who will be able to get you the best price. This is especially true if you need the proceeds from the sale of that house to buy another. Here are three questions for smart salespeople to ask while interviewing.

1. What price would you recommend if I am in a hurry to sell and if time is not an issue?

“Asking that question shows you what an ambitious pricing strategy can be versus a tighter, more effective pricing strategy,” says Steven Gottlieb, an agent at Coldwell Banker in New York. “It will also show you if the agent is capable of critical thinking and navigating a complex market.”

Many agents quote potential sellers at unrealistic prices to win the listing, Gottlieb says. Asking for more than one asking price makes it harder to fudge the numbers. You should also ask agents to show you the real estate companies and explain how they arrived at the suggested sales prices for each scenario, he says.

2. What is your marketing game plan?

“A well-thought-out marketing game plan that’s documented for review is ideal,” says Horner. “Agents should provide a timeline for your sale based on the current market and a detailed plan of the marketing campaign created for your home.”

As part of this marketing plan, you’ll want to know if the agent will offer services such as professional photography, videography, and flyers. “Are they an offer of stage services? Discuss open days and private shows – will feedback be shared?” says Horner. She also recommends asking how they would market your home digitally. “What online presence do they offer? Website, online syndication, social media exposure?’

3. How will my home be presented to other realtors?

“This is critical,” says Severance. “Agents not only need advance notice that your home is going on the market, but they also need to see it in person—usually at a private realtor-only open house—so they can properly convey their enthusiasm for it to their buyers. If they like the home and the price, they will bring in buyers.”

Questions to ask when buying a home

Just as there are questions specific to seller’s agents, there are questions you absolutely must ask if you’re looking for a home to buy. Homebuyers are especially tough in this seller’s market—these four questions will help you hire someone who can find you the right home at the right price.

1. How will you present my offers to sellers?

“Ask to see an example of their offer package or format,” says Severance. “This is extremely important. You’re unlikely to meet the seller in person, so all they’ll know about you is what’s on paper when your offer is presented.

The agent should include a professional cover letter with your offer package that introduces you and provides a compelling summary of your deal points while explaining why you’re a desirable buyer, she says.

2. How would you help me navigate a potential bidding war?

“Discuss with the agent how they will advise you and manage the process if you get into a bidding war,” says Severance. “How aggressive should you be in your price and terms? What does a highly competitive offer look like – without going too far?”

3. What is your availability for quick exit screenings?

With high demand and low inventory, it’s important to work with a broker who can move quickly. “In today’s market, homes move in and out of the market quickly. Gone are the days of waiting for weekend home viewings,” says Horner. “You’re looking for a broker who can prioritize your showings. Part of the battle is getting into homes that come on the market quickly so you can compete for an offer.”

4. How many properties do I need to see before I make an offer on one?

“That will tell you a lot about the agent’s process,” says Severance. While moving quickly is important, “buying a home should never be rushed,” she says. “It’s imperative that you see at least a few homes before making your first offer. Sometimes a buyer sees the perfect house on day one, but that’s the exception – and how would you even know it’s perfect if you haven’t seen a few homes in the area? Make sure they don’t rush you.”

Bottom row

In an especially competitive real estate market, it’s more important than ever to have an experienced professional guide you through the buying or selling process. Take the time to interview potential agents and find the best one for you – one who has the experience, knowledge and skills to make your experience as smooth and successful as possible.