🔍 10 Smart Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Real Estate Agent

Hiring the right real estate agent is one of the most important decisions you'll make in the process of buying or selling a home. But how do you know who’s the right fit?

You don’t need to be a real estate expert to hire one—but you do need to ask the right questions.

Whether you’re relocating, upgrading, downsizing, or buying your first home, this guide walks you through the top 10 interview questions to ask any agent before you sign a contract—with in-depth explanations of why these questions matter.

🔍 1. Are you a full-time agent? How many years of experience do you have in this market?

Experience isn't just about how long someone has held a license—it’s about how active, consistent, and informed they are in your local market.

• A full-time agent is likely to be more up-to-date on buyer behavior, price shifts, neighborhood trends, and negotiation strategies.

• Someone new or working part-time may lack the confidence and connections to truly represent your best interest.

📌 What to listen for:
“I’ve been working full-time in [city/market] for X years and consistently close [number] of transactions per year.” Bonus if they specialize in homes like yours (first-time buyers, luxury, relocation, military, etc.).

🛡️ 2. Are you a member of the National Association of Realtors (NAR)?

Not all licensed real estate agents are Realtors. This distinction matters. Realtors are members of NAR and are required to follow a strict Code of Ethics—something a regular agent isn’t legally bound to.

Why it matters:

• NAR members are held to higher professional standards.

• They must act in their client’s best interest—beyond just legal minimums.

• They’re also required to complete ongoing ethics training to maintain membership.

📌 What to listen for:
“Yes, I’m a Realtor and a member of NAR.” If they aren't, ask why not. It may not be a deal-breaker, but it’s worth knowing whether your agent is held accountable to a higher level of conduct.

🌍 3. How familiar are you with my neighborhood or target market?

You need a local expert—not just someone with a license.

An agent who knows your specific neighborhood will understand:

• What homes are selling for

• The buyer pool most likely to purchase your home

• School zones, HOAs, traffic patterns, new developments, and even things like which homes back up to busy streets (and how that affects value)

📌 What to listen for:
Look for agents who reference recent sales in your area, know local amenities, and can speak confidently about how your home compares to others nearby.

📈 4. What’s your average list-to-sale price ratio?

This stat shows how well the agent prices and negotiates on behalf of their clients.

• For sellers, you want an agent who can command top dollar—so look for a high ratio close to 100% or above.

• For buyers, you want someone who can negotiate down and save you money—so a lower ratio on buyer deals is a good sign.

📌 What to listen for:
An agent who says: “My listings usually sell at 98–102% of list price, depending on market conditions,” is showing they know how to price competitively and close strong.

📞 5. How often and how will you communicate with me?

A great agent is also a great communicator.

• Will they check in weekly, daily, or only when something comes up?

• Do they respond via text, phone, or email?

• Are they available on weekends (when most showings happen)?

📌 What to listen for:
A professional answer like: “I provide weekly updates and am always available by phone or text between [X] and [X] hours. You’ll never have to guess where we are in the process.”

🚩 Red flag: “I’ll reach out if something important comes up.” That could leave you in the dark.

🌟 6. Can I see recent reviews or speak with past clients?

Don’t just trust the testimonials on their website. Ask for a real contact or link to verified reviews (Google, Zillow, Realtor.com, etc.).

Great agents have nothing to hide—and happy clients are often eager to share.

📌 What to listen for:
“Yes! I’ll send you a few recent clients you can contact directly. Also, here’s a link to my reviews online.”

Ask past clients about:

• Responsiveness

• Problem-solving

• Negotiation

• Overall satisfaction

🎯 7. What’s your strategy for helping me win in today’s market?

This is your chance to see how proactive and strategic the agent is.

• For sellers: Do they offer professional photography, drone shots, staging advice, video tours, and exposure on the MLS and social platforms?

• For buyers: Do they help you craft competitive offers, waive contingencies safely, and spot hidden gems?

📌 What to listen for:
A clear, confident plan tailored to your situation. Bonus points for tech-savvy tools, social proof, and a marketing calendar.

🧑‍🤝‍🧑 8. Will I be working with you directly, or with a team?

Some agents run solo, others work with a team that handles different aspects (marketing, showings, paperwork).

Neither is wrong—but you need to know who’s doing what so your expectations are clear.

📌 What to listen for:
“You’ll be in touch with me directly throughout the process, but I also have a transaction coordinator and marketing specialist to ensure every detail is handled efficiently.”

📉 9. What are some common mistakes you see buyers/sellers make?

This is a character-revealing question.

A thoughtful agent will offer real advice, not just platitudes. For example:

• “Many sellers overprice their home and miss the best window of opportunity.”

• “Buyers often focus too much on aesthetics instead of location or layout.”

📌 What to listen for:
Answers that reflect wisdom, care, and a desire to protect your interest—even if it means giving you tough love.

🚪 10. What’s your cancellation policy if things don’t work out?

Most people overlook this—but you shouldn’t.

Sometimes relationships don’t work out, and you should be able to part ways respectfully if the agent isn’t holding up their end of the deal.

📌 What to listen for:
“If you’re not satisfied with my service, you can cancel our agreement with written notice. I only want to work with people I can truly help.”

🚩 Red flag: Long-term exclusive contracts with hefty cancellation fees.

📽️ Watch the Full Interview Breakdown

We walk you through each question, explain what to listen for, and share tips for identifying red flags in a Realtor interview.

✨ Final Thoughts: Don’t Skip the Interview

The right real estate agent is more than just a friendly face—they're your strategic partner in one of the most important financial decisions of your life. Asking these questions will help you make a confident, informed decision.

Remember: You’re not just hiring a Realtor. You’re hiring a negotiator, marketer, advisor, and advocate.

📲 Ready to Interview an Agent in [Your City]?

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