Why You Should Interview Multiple Realtors

This guide is for home buyers and sellers who want to make an informed decision by interviewing multiple realtors. We’ll cover why this process is important, how to compare agents, and what questions to ask to ensure you find the best fit. By taking the time to interview multiple realtors, you can significantly impact the success and satisfaction of your real estate transaction. For home sellers, finding an agent who can deliver a strong selling experience and secure the best price is crucial to achieving your goals.

When it comes to buying or selling a property, choosing the right agent is one of the most critical decisions you’ll make. Your realtor can be the difference between a smooth, successful transaction and a possibly stressful, costly ordeal. Even if a real estate agent comes recommended, it is still essential to ensure they’re the right fit for you. By interviewing multiple real estate agents, you can gain an understanding of the strengths of each agent and determine who understands you best. Ultimately, choosing your realtor can be just as important as the home you choose.

When talking with multiple realtors, remember that you will probably be working closely with this person for months. In addition, you will be trusting them with one of your biggest purchases. For buyers, it’s important to understand the role of a buyer’s agent—someone who is dedicated to representing your interests, helping you make competitive offers, and guiding you through negotiations and inspections. Interviewing multiple agents helps buyers find a buyer’s agent who will prioritize their needs and avoid potential conflicts like dual agency.

Moreover, your real estate agent represents you to other parties. The way you are perceived will be reflected by your agent to sellers or potential buyers.

Lastly, real estate agents receive a commission rate of around 2-3% of the home’s purchase price. That is a fee for services that you will be paying. By interviewing multiple agents, you can feel better about what you are paying for.

>>MORE: Real Estate Agent Commissions Rates for each State

Given the cost, legal details, and unspoken qualities that buying and selling a home involves, it makes sense to give your real estate agent choice some time and thought so that you achieve a successful real estate transaction.

When choosing from multiple agents, consider factors such as experience, quality of work, fee, and overall reputation. There’s not a one-size-fits-all agent. Whether you’re on the hunt for a listing agent or a buying agent, you’ll need to do your homework to find the best real estate agent for you.

In this article, we go over what factors you need to consider when interviewing multiple real estate agents, as well as answer some frequently asked questions.

Home sellers should start interviewing agents at least 4-6 weeks before they plan to list their home. This gives you enough time to compare options and avoid rushing through the selection process, which often leads to poor decisions.

The Importance of Interviewing Multiple Real Estate Agents

Interviewing multiple real estate agents is a crucial step in the home buying or selling process. With so many agents to choose from, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed, but taking the time to interview multiple agents can make all the difference in your real estate journey. By meeting with several professionals, you gain valuable insight into their marketing strategies, local market knowledge, and communication styles. This comparison allows you to identify which agent truly understands your needs and has the expertise to guide you through a successful real estate transaction. Whether you’re focused on the selling process or searching for your dream home, interviewing multiple real estate agents helps you make an informed decision, avoid costly mistakes, and ensure you’re working with someone who will represent your best interests from start to finish.

Now that you understand the importance of interviewing multiple agents, let’s discuss how many agents you should meet with before making your decision.

How Many Real Estate Agents Should I Interview?

When deciding on a buying or listing agent, you’ll want to interview multiple real estate professionals before you commit.

It is recommended to interview at least three real estate agents before making a decision. Generally, it is best to interview 4-6 real estate agents before finalizing your decision.

If that seems like a lot to you, remember that this is a guideline. Also, keep in mind that even if you feel good about real estate agent number two, talking with a few more might make that choice even clearer.

When you interview only one agent, you risk being won over by great marketing instead of great skill.

Don’t let yourself be fooled by marketing tactics and charisma. Just because you see an agent on billboards or park benches doesn’t mean they’re good at what they do. Never choose an agent just because they are popular.

Meeting with 4 to 6 agents may take time upfront, but it can save you time and stress during the real estate process. Finding the realtor that is the best fit can make the difference between a smooth experience and a rocky one.

Top 4 Things You Should Research Before Choosing an Agent

• Review the agent’s sales history and determine the primary service locations.
• Check out the agent’s stats, such as list-to-sale ratio, average days on market, and median listing price.
• Read client reviews to see other experiences working with this agent.
• Confirm the agent’s real estate license and check for certifications or designations.

People often find one person who stands out early in their research. They’ll get excited, book an interview, and close the deal. While this agent may be competent, your chances of finding a perfect fit increase significantly if you interview multiple realtors before deciding.

Sometimes, the stats look great, but the agent is not an excellent fit for you. Therefore, it’s essential to interview multiple realtors.

>>DISCOVER: 8 Steps to Choosing the Best Realtor

Now that you know how many agents to interview, let’s look at what to consider when evaluating them.

So Many Agents Are Available

The real estate market is filled with Realtors, making it more important than ever to do your homework before choosing one. With over 1.5 million members in the National Association of Realtors alone, the pool of potential agents can seem endless. However, not all real estate agents offer the same level of service, expertise, or commitment. By interviewing multiple real estate agents, you can compare their experience, marketing strategies, and communication skills to find the right real estate agent for your unique needs. This process ensures you’re not just settling for the first agent you meet, but instead selecting someone who truly understands your goals and has a proven track record in your local market. Taking the time to interview multiple candidates gives you the confidence that you’re making the best possible choice for your real estate transaction.

As you consider the many available agents, it’s important to know what qualities and skills to look for during your interviews. Next, let’s explore what to look for in a real estate agent.

What to Look For in a Real Estate Agent

While researching your agent is very important, there are some qualities that you may not see until you meet in person or talk on the phone.

When interviewing the realtor, think of it as a first date. Ask a lot of questions and get to understand not only their credentials but also how they think.

Mark up a list of questions to ask a real estate agent, and take notes as you receive answers. The real estate professional you speak with may have all the right things to say, but sometimes it’s how they say it that can tell you what you need to know.

Valuable Traits to Look for When Interviewing a Potential Agent

• Responsiveness: How long does it take for this agent to respond to your messages?
• Communication Skills: What methods of communication do they prefer? How often can you expect to hear from them?
• Unique Buying/Selling Tactics: Does the agent have buying or selling methods that set them apart?
• Flexibility: Will this agent accommodate your requests?
• Personality: Is this the kind of person that you would enjoy doing business with? If you’re wondering about the process of selling your home, such as how many showings it takes to sell a house, it’s important to choose an agent you feel comfortable working with.

Decide what is most important to you, and take notes. As you interview other agents, compare their answers to determine who is the best fit. If you only speak to one agent and commit to working with them, you’re missing out on other agents that could better match your specific needs.

At this point, you should also be thinking about your own goals and priorities before you meet with any realtors.

Establish Your Goals Before Meeting a Realtor

Establish your goals, including timeline, budget, and property priorities, before meeting a realtor. Knowing what you want will help you communicate clearly and evaluate which agent is best equipped to help you achieve your objectives.

Once you have your goals in mind, you’re ready to prepare for the interview process.

How do I interview multiple realtors?

If you are setting up interviews with multiple realtors, you need to know 3 things: how to contact agents, how to interview realtors, and how to decide which agent to commit to.

Interviewing multiple realtors allows you to compare their marketing strategies, local market knowledge, communication styles, and pricing recommendations.

How do I contact real estate agents?

The easiest way to contact multiple real estate agent is through FastExpert. You can read reviews of agents from top-tier agencies and are not limited to one agency. In addition, you can easily message them from the website.

Otherwise, the most common way of contacting a real estate agent is by calling them. Many agents are also available through texting or email as well. Their preferred contact methods should be listed on their profile or their website.

Realtors can often be inundated with messages from clients and prospects, so it is important to make your initial outreach short and sweet.

Clearly and concisely explain that you are looking for someone to help you to sell a property, buy a property, or both. Include a list of good times when you’ll be available for a phone, zoom, or in-person interview with the agent. Also, include how long you expect the interview to take so that you can both schedule the rest of your days appropriately.

How do I conduct interviews with realtors?

It’s helpful to create a standard list of questions when interviewing realtors.

Conducting interviews is more difficult than it seems. To conduct a good interview, you need to identify your priorities, prepare your questions, and take good notes to review later.

Identify Your Priorities

Before you conduct your first interview, identify what is most important to you in your next business partner. Consider the following:

• What is your ideal commission rate? What is the maximum commission rate you would agree to?
• What intangible qualities do you expect an agent to possess?
• What is most important to you in your chosen real estate agent?
• What type of transaction are you pursuing: buying, selling, or both?
• What personal information would you like to communicate?

Prepare Your Questions

Once you’ve identified your priorities, you should prepare a list of questions to bring to the interview. Your list of questions should adequately cover topics like:

• Commission
• Experience
• Preferred communication methods
• How often they will be contacting you
• Marketing Tactics
• Negotiation Skills
• Specialties
• Additional credentials, certifications, and licenses
• Explaining any “red-flags” you noticed in your previous research on this agent
• Assessing the agent’s local market knowledge and expertise in your area
• Asking about their local market expertise, marketing strategies, communication style, negotiation skills, and relevant transaction data
• Whether the agent has experience as a seller’s agent or buyer’s agent, depending on your needs

It’s also beneficial to ask for references from recent clients to gain insight into the agent’s performance, and to verify those references by contacting at least three recent clients to assess the realtor’s problem-solving abilities.

Take Notes and Review

You don’t need to “stick to the script” the whole time. If the agent says something that provokes a new question from you, ask it.

Just make sure you are mindful to not go too far over time because your interview may get cut short. For this reason, put your most important questions at the top of your list. Many of your less essential questions will likely get answered while the agent addresses your key concerns.

When you conduct the interview, take notes on the agent’s responses so that you can reference them when you decide between your options. If you don’t want to be distracted by notetaking, ask if the agent is comfortable with you recording the interview. Most phones have an easy-to-use feature that lets you record a meeting.

Whether or not you record the meeting, take notes at the end of the interview to determine how the real estate agent made you feel during the interview. Did you get along well? Do they make you comfortable? Did they seem confident? Are they the kind of person you would enjoy working with?

Store your notes and recordings somewhere you can find them easily. Once you’ve finished all your interviews, you’ll be glad to have them all organized in one place.

Now that you know how to conduct interviews, it’s important to communicate clearly with the agents you meet.

Clearly Communicate that You are Interviewing Agents

When interviewing multiple agents, be upfront about your search and let them know where you are and what you are thinking for next steps.

If you have a deadline for a decision, let them know that date. Otherwise, you can simply say they will hear from you in a couple of days or weeks.

Out of respect for the multiple agents you interviewed, let them know if they were not your chosen agent. It’s just common courtesy.

Remember, this is your time and money; there’s no need to rush into things!

With clear communication established, let’s move on to understanding how to compare commission rates and services among agents.

Comparing Realtor’s Commission Rates

Realtors and real estate agents are paid based on a commission rate of the final sale. For example, the commission payment on a house that sold for $100,000 is, on average, $5,000 to $6,000.

This commission is then split between your agent, the opposing buying/selling agent, and the Brokerage attached to your home’s sale.

Each realtor involved in the real estate transaction will receive a commission. In our previous example, if the total commission payment was $5,000 on a $100k home, then the buyer’s agent and the seller’s agent would each receive $2,500.

The realtor’s commission varies from state to state and can depend on the city the house is located in, as well as the realtor’s experience. You can negotiate these rates and is something you should talk about during your interview.

Considering this is how realtors make their money, they may set their rate high. Just because an agent won’t lower their commission rate doesn’t mean they aren’t easy to work with.

Many agents know the work they put in and aren’t willing to cut their services to offer a lower commission payment option.

This is why interviewing multiple agents can mean more money in your pocket.

Negotiate a Fair Commission Payment

If a realtor knows you’re interviewing multiple agents, they may be more inclined to negotiate their rate. Of course, this can be based on the number of clients they are working with now, in addition to their years of experience.

Agents with less experience may be more likely to negotiate a lower commission rate since they are likely working hard to get leads. It’s up to you whether you feel a new agent will meet your needs. Sometimes newer agents will put in more time and effort at a lower rate as they work to create a name for themselves. However, other times their inexperience shows. By interviewing the agent, you can determine if they’re a good fit.

Again, a higher commission shouldn’t always scare you off. If the agent has a track record of selling homes for over asking or more than neighboring homes, they will be worth every penny.

With commission rates in mind, let’s explore the differences in service you might encounter among agents.

Identify the Differences in Service

Every real estate agent can offer unique specialties and credentials that others do not. Most people do not know the industry enough to understand the value of these special services. In an interview, agents will likely be glad to explain their specialties to you and show how they can uniquely benefit you.

In your interview, invite your agent to discuss their specialties and ask about these topics:

Agents Determine Home Value

A good realtor who can perform an accurate home valuation benefits you as the seller. Your listing agent will help you know how much to list and what is an excellent offer to accept. The agent will provide a recommended listing price, but it’s important to understand current price movements and the average time on the market to ensure your home is priced competitively.

If you’re buying, it can also be a massive help. These buyer’s agents can identify a home that is listed too high or one that has a fair asking price.

Agents Capture the Home’s Details

Top real estate agents will be able to capture the details that make your home shine. Whether that’s through professional staging, thoughtful suggestions of furniture rearranging, or hiring a premium professional photographer.

Every agent handles staging homes differently. Some agents will hire specialists to stage your home for sale, and others will do it themselves. Many homes don’t need outside hands to stage, whether it be a professional or a realtor. Oftentimes, the real estate agent can point out ways a few key ways to modify the setting to reveal its beauty.

After your home is staged, it’s essential to get high-quality professional photography to market your home.

You may want to utilize drone videos to show your outdoor space and lifestyle videos to show what living in your home would feel like. Inquire about the services the realtor uses for staging homes and making marketing material to help your home sell.

Ensure you’re on the same page regarding how your home will be shown in person and online.

Agents are the Advertiser of Your Home

Rely on your chosen real estate professional to advertise and market your home. While you certainly can spread the word through social media or word of mouth, agents have unique connections and the ability to showcase your home to the masses.

Successful marketing is the key to getting eyes on your home when it’s time to sell. Listing your home on the multiple listing service (MLS) is a foundational tool, but successful agents also use additional marketing techniques to attract potential buyers. Each agent will use different marketing techniques to attract potential buyers. Discuss in detail the agent’s plan for marketing your home and ask if the agent has any unique ways of creating a buzz around your home. Be sure to ask a realtor about their specific marketing plan beyond the MLS, including both online and offline strategies.

Ask your agent how they do marketing for homes and open houses. Ask them to explain what methods of marketing are most effective and if the agent has a specialty. If they received formal training on marketing with their preferred mediums, that’s a huge plus.

Private showings are also an important part of a customized marketing strategy. Make sure to discuss how private showings will be handled and the importance of communication about feedback from these showings.

Strong Negotiation Skills are a Must

Negotiating is one of the most important skills your agent can possess. Each agent will use different negotiating tactics; some have pursued extra training on the topic. In your interview, ask your agent what they do to facilitate successful negotiation and if they have received formal training in negotiation before. Also, ask the agent how they handle negotiations to ensure you get the best possible price.

Additionally, when making an offer, consider including a professional cover letter as part of your offer package. A well-crafted professional cover letter can help your offer stand out to sellers and highlight your strengths as a buyer.

Property Specialization Can Stand Out

Not all real estate agents work with homes. Some do real estate with industrial properties, commercial buildings, and undeveloped land. You may begin interviewing an agent only to find that their specialty is not actually in selling residential real estate or your specific property type. This should be a sign for you to choose another agent.

Conversely, you may discover that your agent specializes in condos or your specific property type, such as ranch-style homes or Victorian houses. Even within the residential side of selling, there are many different property types that can differentiate agents.

Credentials are Essential

Real estate agents need only a few licenses to practice, but there are multitudes of others available for agents who intend to hone their craft. Ask about what other credentials and training your agent possesses and ask them why they chose to acquire it. This will give you a very deep understanding of what makes your agent unique.

Membership with NAR

Agents who are members of the National Association of Realtors are Realtors with a capital R. By being a member, they benefit from a variety of tools and resources that are available through that organization which they’ll use to help you land the best deals in the shortest time. They also benefit from a massive network that they can rely on for the most up-to-date industry knowledge available. Not all great agents are members of the NAR, but many are.

With these differences in mind, let’s move on to understanding who you will work with during your transaction.

Identify Who You Will Work With

It’s essential to identify if you will work with one real estate agent throughout the real estate transaction or if you’ll be passed to new agents as the process progresses. When interviewing agents, make sure to consider professionals from different brokerages, not just from the same company, so you can compare varied approaches and strategies.

Both methods of interaction have benefits, so determine what makes you most comfortable.

Working with one specific agent from start to finish can be beneficial. They’ll have a detailed understanding of the real estate transaction and your end goal. It can provide a more personal experience and a deeper connection with the agent. However, there may be elements of the process that the agent is weaker in, or as time goes on, you may have a conflict that makes it difficult to work with that individual. If you decide to work exclusively with one agent, be aware that signing an exclusive listing agreement is a legal commitment to work with that single real estate professional.

Larger brokerages can take advantage of specialization, where you’ll work with multiple agents. In this scenario, you’ll have a primary agent and work with other realtors within the brokerage. Each agent focuses on a specific area of the real estate transaction, such as creative ways to market your house for sale. Once that element is finalized, they pass you to the next agent in the chain. This allows each agent to excel at that specific component; however, it can feel less personal as you’re passed along from agent to agent.

Now that you know who you might work with, let’s look at how agents operate and what sets top performers apart.

Identifying Modes of Operation

Real estate is an industry that allows for growth only by closing more deals. While experience is necessary, it isn’t the main path to moving up within this industry – it is having an effective, repeatable mode of operation.

It is astonishing to know that in real estate, 6% of agents and agencies manage to make more sales than the rest of the 94%. The systems they use to market homes and close deals are the biggest things that separate these two groups. Choosing the right real estate agent can significantly impact how quickly your property sells and the final sale price, as their strategies and advice play a direct role in a successful property sells.

When you interview multiple realtors, you can identify the selling agents using a well-rehearsed strategy. You will also find agents with a broader perspective and a more comprehensive operation model.

During the interview, if you want to know if the realtor has a well-rehearsed strategy, ask questions like: “What makes your home selling/buying process more effective than others?”

If you want to know if your agent uses a broad approach with a comprehensive model of operation, ask questions like, “What can we do to uniquely market my home?” or “Considering the market conditions and what we are looking for in a home? What approach do you think will help us buy a home at the best price?”

With an understanding of agent operations, let’s review some red flags to watch out for during your interviews.

Red Flags to Watch Out For

As you interview multiple real estate agents, it’s important to keep an eye out for red flags that could signal potential problems down the road. Be cautious of agents who promise an unrealistically high selling price or guarantee a quick sale—these tactics are often used to win your business, but may not reflect the realities of the market. Watch out for agents who are pushy or aggressive, as this can indicate they’re more interested in closing a deal than listening to your needs. Transparency is also key: if an agent is vague about their fees, commissions, or marketing strategies, it’s a sign they may not have your best interests at heart. By staying alert to these warning signs, you can ensure you’re working with a real estate professional who is honest, reliable, and committed to helping you achieve your goals.

Now that you know what to avoid, let’s discuss common mistakes and how to prevent them.

Avoiding Common Mistakes

One of the most common mistakes home buyers and sellers make is choosing an agent based solely on a friend’s recommendation or glowing online reviews. While these can be helpful starting points, they don’t always give you the full picture of an agent’s abilities or fit for your situation. Another pitfall is skipping the step of interviewing multiple agents, which can lead to missing out on someone who might be a better match for your needs. By taking the time to interview multiple real estate agents, you can compare their marketing strategies, communication style, and level of experience. During the interview process, ask thoughtful questions to determine if the agent is genuinely interested in your goals and has the expertise to deliver results. This approach helps you avoid common mistakes and ensures you’re partnering with the right agent for your real estate journey.

With these mistakes in mind, let’s look at the benefits of working with a buyer’s agent.

Working with a Buyer’s Agent

When you’re buying a home, having a dedicated buyer’s agent on your side can make the entire process smoother and more successful. A buyer’s agent represents your interests, helping you navigate the complexities of the real estate market and negotiate the best price for your dream home. By interviewing multiple real estate agents, you can find a buyer’s agent who not only has deep knowledge of the local market, but also strong communication skills and a proven track record of helping clients succeed. The right agent will be genuinely interested in your needs, offering insights into school districts, current market conditions, and what potential buyers are looking for. With a buyer’s agent who is committed to your best interests, you’ll have expert guidance every step of the way, making your home buying experience as stress-free and rewarding as possible.

Now that you know the value of a buyer’s agent, let’s answer some frequently asked questions about interviewing multiple agents.

FAQ’s for people interviewing multiple agents:

Can You Hire Multiple Realtors?

While in theory, the answer is yes, you can hire multiple realtors, the truth is that it’s frowned upon. Many see working with multiple realtors as unethical or impolite.

Additionally, there aren’t nearly as many benefits as you’d expect. Most realtors will provide you with their full attention and services, only if you are committed to them. Some realtors will also make you sign an exclusive listing agreement, which is a contract of exclusivity that legally requires you to work with only that agent.

Many realtors have the same tools for finding potential houses for your wants, so having multiple realtors will not speed up the process for you.

One caveat: if you are selling your property in one location and buying in a different location, you often need multiple realtors. In that case, be upfront with the agents and ensure full transparency.

Do I need an agent to sell a home and a different one to buy a home?

Unless you are moving far away from your current home, no, you do not need two different agents to sell your current home and buy your next one.

Most people will elect to work with the agent who sells their home to help them buy their next home, but if you want to hire a different realtor to help you with the buying or selling transaction, you can.

The exception is when you’re moving out of driving distance from your current home. Most agents do some work in person, so they may not be able to accommodate your home sale and your home purchase.

If you choose to hire two real estate agents, make sure both are informed beforehand to avoid any confusion. This assures you don’t get locked into a contract that is not appropriate for your needs.

Can you switch Real Estate Agents?

Yes, you can change agents, but there can be some consequences. It may not be as simple as firing and hiring a different agent. Prior to hiring an agent, thoroughly read the contract to understand the cancellation policy and any resulting consequences.

Oftentimes, there is a fee or payment for the time that the agent put into the process. Even if you did not like the services provided, it is always best to handle the situation with diplomacy and respect.

The Bottom Line

Top realtors are not hard to spot once you know what to look for.

You will learn a lot about them by researching them online, but you still need to interview each agent to learn everything you need to know. Interview at least three agents to ensure you make the best choice for the best price.

You should now be armed with all the information you need to interview multiple real estate agents. Go forth and find your perfect match!

Can You Hire Multiple Realtors?

In short, yes. You can hire as many real estate agents as you want. Unfortunately, there aren’t nearly as many benefits as you’d expect and more realtors won’t agree to a shared client.

Do I need an agent to sell a home and a different one to buy a home?

Unless you are moving far away from your current home, no, you do not need two different agents to sell your current home and buy your next one.

Can you switch Real Estate Agents?

Yes, you can change agents, but there can be some consequences.

Evaluating Marketing Strategy and Expertise

When interviewing multiple real estate agents, one of the most important factors to consider is their marketing strategy and expertise. The right real estate agent will have a deep understanding of the local market and know exactly how to position your property to attract the most potential buyers. During your interviews, ask each agent to walk you through their marketing strategies—do they leverage social media, create compelling online listings, or use traditional advertising to reach a wider audience? A strong marketing plan should include professional photography, virtual tours, and targeted outreach to both local and out-of-town buyers.

It’s also essential to ask about the agent’s experience with properties similar to yours and their track record in your specific neighborhood or property type. An agent who knows the local market inside and out will be able to recommend the best price for your home and adjust their approach based on current real estate market trends. Don’t hesitate to request examples of past marketing materials or ask for data on how quickly their listings sell compared to the average in your area. By evaluating the marketing expertise of multiple real estate agents, you’ll be better equipped to choose the agent who can sell your property quickly and for the best price.

Communication Skills and Interviewing Multiple Realtors

Strong communication skills are at the heart of every successful real estate transaction. When you interview multiple agents, pay close attention to how each real estate agent communicates—not just with you, but also with other agents, potential buyers, and everyone involved in the selling process. The right real estate agent will take the time to listen to your needs, answer your questions clearly, and keep you informed at every stage of the transaction.

During your interviews, notice how quickly each agent responds to your inquiries and whether they provide thorough, easy-to-understand explanations. Ask about their preferred communication style—do they update clients by phone, email, or text? How often can you expect updates about showings, offers, and feedback from potential buyers? It’s also helpful to ask how they handle communication with other agents to ensure your interests are always represented.

By interviewing multiple realtors, you can compare their communication skills and find the agent who makes you feel comfortable, respected, and confident. Remember, the right real estate agent will make all the difference in your selling process, ensuring a smooth, successful real estate transaction from start to finish. Take the time to interview multiple agents so you can find the one whose communication style and expertise best align with your goals.