Essential Interview Questions to Ask a Real Estate Agent

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When deciding on a real estate agent, it’s essential to identify the best real estate agent by evaluating their credentials, licenses, and experience. You will likely work closely with this person for at least a few months, so it’s worth your time to find a realtor that you like working with and who does the job the way you would expect. The best way to do this is to come up with a list of questions to ask realtors.

We recommend interviewing anywhere from 4-6 real estate agents before deciding. Before your interviews, take time to research the real estate business, current market trends, and the agent’s background to ensure you are well-informed. This can be anything from a quick phone conversation to a sit-down meeting. Either way, there are some key real estate interview questions you should ask every agent before giving them the thumbs up or thumbs down.

Here are our recommended questions to ask a potential realtor during an interview—these questions help you evaluate if the agent is the right fit for your needs:

Questions to Ask a Realtor When Selling a Home

You should look for specific things in a selling agent that might not be as important in an agent who is just helping you buy. An agent’s deep knowledge of the neighborhood—including recent sales, local market trends, and community amenities—can make a significant difference in pricing and marketing your home. Be sure to ask if the agent will provide a comparative market analysis (CMA) using similar homes to accurately determine your home’s value and set the right price. These questions will help you determine if an agent will meet your needs and get you the price you are hoping for. Try these questions to ask a real estate agent.

1. How many homes have you sold in the area?

It is crucial to have an agent that is deeply familiar with the area they are working in. So asking how many properties an agent sold nearby is vital, and it’s also important to ask how many homes the agent has helped buyers close in the past year to gauge their recent experience and success in the market. You can do this by searching their real estate transactions. You can also search FastExpert’s real estate agent directory for reviews and sales history of top realtors in your area.

If a realtor is showing your home to potential buyers, there are going to be questions they’ll need to be able to answer. These questions can be about nearby amenities, the local school district and how it impacts buyer interest, what type of heating homes in the area have, how often trash is picked up, or if races and parades ever go through the nearby streets.

If a listing agent hasn’t worked in the area before, they likely won’t know much about the home-buying process in that location or have detailed knowledge of current home prices, schools, safety, public transportation, and cultural amenities.

A good agent will also need to know when the best time to sell your home is, what types of homes are in high demand, what the most essential repairs are, etc.

It also helps to have a local agent who knows city and county requirements as you go through the process.

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2. How do you handle prep work and staging?

For many homes, some things need to be done before it can be listed. And some things need to be done before choosing a listing price.

Some agents take a significant role in getting an inspection and pulling together estimates. For example, a good agent might coordinate staging by arranging for a professional stager or scheduling repairs with trusted contractors to ensure your home looks its best before going on the market. Other agents will let you decide what kind of work you want to put into the house before listing.

If it is a seller’s market versus a buyer’s market, this can mean different things for your work on your house before choosing a selling price. In a hot seller’s market, you likely won’t have to make many improvements and can still have an attractive asking price.

In a buyer’s market, you will likely have to make more upgrades and improvements before adding your home to the MLS (multiple listing service). Your real estate agent should know what the market is like in your area and help you with these decisions.

Make sure you know how each real estate agent operates when interviewing them so you can be sure it aligns with your expectations.

3. What marketing would you do for a home like mine?

Another one of the questions to ask a realtor is about marketing. In some locations, marketing can make or break a sale. Effective online listings are crucial—homes with professional photography and virtual tours sell 32% faster than those without, as these tools help attract more buyers and facilitate remote transactions. When you interview a realtor, ask what they include in their fee and what would be out of pocket within their marketing strategy.

Many agents use social media and digital advertising, running targeted ads on platforms like Facebook and Instagram to increase visibility for their listings. Top real estate agents should go above and beyond to get your property online and in front of potential buyers.

If you’re considering working with a team, remember that a team of agents can provide broader marketing coverage and support, ensuring you have access to specialized professionals and backup coverage throughout the process. While interviewing the agent, if they reveal that they don’t include some of the things you want, ask if it is something they’d be willing to do. Make sure you understand and align expectations before deciding to move forward with them.

A comprehensive marketing plan may also include direct mail, open houses, and broker’s open houses to attract buyers and minimize the time your home spends on the market, drawing on creative ways to market your house for sale beyond the basics.

4. What is your idea of good communication with a client?

It is a common trait for an agent to be fond of communication. Many know how important it is to their clients that they provide regular updates. When interviewing an agent, discuss your preferred communication methods—whether you prefer phone, email, or text—to ensure you’re both aligned.

A top real estate agent will always be available to their clients. But this can mean different things to different people.

How often should you expect to hear from them, and how quickly do they expect to respond to you when you reach out? Are they always willing to take a call, or are there specific times they will be unavailable? It’s important to set clear expectations about how often you’ll be in contact, such as aiming for at least weekly check-ins, or even daily updates in a fast-moving market.

Knowing how available a real estate agent will be will help you feel comfortable during those stressful waiting times.

>>MORE: Finding local agents is easy with FastExpert

5. What is your commission rate, or how much do you charge?

One thing to keep in mind when hiring a real estate agent is that you get what you pay for. As mentioned above, discount agents often cut their services when working on a real estate transaction.

Real estate commissions are negotiable, with most agents charging around 5–6% commission depending on the state of the sale price on average, though this can vary by market. Real estate agents work off of commission, so they get a percentage of the sale of the home. Think about this when choosing your listing price, agents typically cost between 4-6% of the final sale price.

A top real estate agent generally will be willing to discuss rates but will also expect to be paid a fair price for all the work they put in. Selling a home can take a lot of work from a listing agent. If you are willing to pay a little more in your closing costs, you may see a selling price that is higher than your asking price.

Be sure you and your listing agent are on the same page with cost and expectations before you decide to work with them. Before signing a contract, review the agreement carefully to understand the commission rates and any fees for early termination.

6. What is your timeline for selling my home?

Every real estate agent will have a goal for how quickly they think a home like yours can sell. There are many factors to setting this timeline. If your agent knows the market, they should be able to accurately estimate the timing. Be sure to ask if they have a backup plan in case your home doesn’t sell within a certain number of days, such as price adjustments or alternative strategies.

Inquire about the agent’s process for setting and achieving a timeline for selling the client’s home. This is a science and will show you how well your agent knows your specific situation. Most listing agreements typically last between three to six months, so clarify what happens if you’re unhappy with the agent’s performance during that period.

7. What is your process for negotiating on behalf of my home?

Most real estate deals include some back and forth with the other party. Negotiation is normal as both the buyer and seller want specific things and their agent’s job is to get it for them.

As a seller, you want to be sure you align with your agent’s way of doing things. So be sure to ask about their style and how they handle negotiations. The agent’s approach to negotiating with potential buyers can be critical to their client receiving the best possible deal for their home.

8. Can you provide references from past clients?

There is really no better way to know how an agent works than to talk to people that have worked with them in the past. The importance of references is that you get first-hand information from someone who really knows.

An agent will usually focus only on the good stuff, and clients will usually also include the not-so-good stuff. Be sure to encourage the agent to provide references from past clients to establish trust and credibility.

If they have nothing to hide, giving past client references shouldn’t be a problem.

9. How will you handle showings, open houses, and buyer feedback?

Be sure to ask potential agents how they will manage the logistics of showings and open houses. Also, get their plan on how they will gather and communicate feedback from potential buyers to the client. Consider whether the number of clients an agent handles is a deal breaker for you—if they have strong support systems in place, it may not be an issue.

Both of these speak to the communication style of your potential agent. You want to be sure that you are getting all of the information you need so you can live comfortably through the sale process or make necessary changes. A miscommunication could cost you a sale. Agents with strong local ties often hear about interested buyers before your home is officially listed, which can lead to faster sales. So this is very important.

Questions to Ask a Realtor When Buying a Home

A buyer’s agent must be active through the entire buying process or risk missing out on a great home for their client. When interviewing, be sure to ask about the agent’s experience with purchase transactions and their knowledge of the overall purchase process. Try these questions in your agent interview to find out if an agent will accomplish what you’re hoping for. These are great things to ask a realtor.

1. How well do you know the area?

When interviewing a buyer’s agent, one of the essential questions to ask a realtor is how well they know the area you are looking to buy in. Some agents work independently, while others are part of a team—agents who work independently may have deep, personal knowledge of specific neighborhoods, whereas team-based agents might offer broader resources and insights. Consider how their operational model could impact their familiarity with local details.

Similar to a seller’s agent, you want to work with someone who can answer your questions about the neighborhoods you are looking to live in.

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A real estate agent familiar with the area you want to live in will likely have the inside scoop. If they have been working in that location long, they’ll have a network of agents to reach out to who might be able to show you listings before they go live.

These top local agents will also be best at making recommendations for neighborhoods, school districts, places that are good for commuting, and other things that might be important to you, such as safety, public transportation, and cultural amenities.

They will also know the market and what is in demand, including current home prices. They’ll know how much contractors charge for specific repairs and upgrades in that area. This will help you know if a home that needs improvement can still work for your budget.

2. How many clients do you have at a time?

This can be an important question, especially during a busy season. Most agents handle multiple clients at once, as it is typical in the industry to juggle several buyers and sellers simultaneously. Some agents will take on as many clients as possible, spreading themselves thin. This might make them hard to reach when you need to ask a question.

Agents that represent more buyers will generally take on more clients than ones that focus more on selling. This is because sellers usually demand more time to do the job well, while buyer’s agents can get away with less work.

You want an agent that will dedicate as much time to you as you feel you need. A high volume of transactions—such as 15–30 annually—often indicates an active agent with refined negotiation skills.

3. How often will we be in touch?

Similar to a seller’s agent, when working with a buyer’s agent, you need to know what their communication style is and when you can expect to hear from them. It’s especially important to ask how they handle urgent matters, as timely responses to urgent questions or issues can make a big difference in a fast-moving market.

When purchasing a property, buyers generally want to know when new houses come on the market. Depending on how hot the market is, a buyer may expect their real estate agent to provide real-time updates on potentially desirable homes.

On the other side, once an offer is made on their dream home, most buyers expect a great agent to contact them anytime they get an update on where that offer stands. And once that offer is accepted, they should communicate all that is involved in closing costs.

A real estate agent who is hard to reach and isn’t proactively providing advice and updates might not be the best to go with. Full-time agents are generally more available for showings and urgent questions than part-time agents, so be sure to clarify your agent’s availability for urgent matters.

>>MORE: Can you trust your agent?

4. What do I do if I’m not finding a property I love?

Another great question to ask real estate agents you interview is their strategy when the home search is dragging on. There are times in the market when buyers have difficulty finding or landing their dream home.

This doesn’t mean the buyer’s agent is doing anything wrong, it could just be that inventory is low in your desired area or homes are selling fast and above your budget. If your search is taking too long, consider looking at homes that have had their original asking price reduced, as these properties may offer more negotiation room or have been overlooked by other buyers, or explore whether selling a house soon after buying it could make sense in your situation.

If you aren’t seeing homes you want on the multiple listing service, where else will the agent look? Do they have a process of reaching out to homeowners to see if anyone is interested in selling? Do they have other agents in their network that they can work with to find the right home?

If you ask a realtor this and they can’t give you a plan, think about how you’d like to proceed and see if they would be on board. Understanding local market trends, such as average days on market and effective pricing strategies, is also crucial for agents to help you navigate your options and make informed decisions.

>>MORE: Qualities of a Successful Realtor

5. Will you help me with any issues or problems that may arise during the home inspection or appraisal?

It’s common. You fall in love with a house, put in an offer, and eventually get accepted. Then comes the appraisal and home inspection. This is always a nerve-wracking time for buyers and sellers. What if the inspector finds something wrong with the home that will be very expensive to fix? What if the home is appraised for well below what you agreed to pay? Understanding whether your offer is likely to be accepted and how issues uncovered later affect that offer can ease some of this anxiety. Money concerns, such as unexpected costs that may arise during inspection or appraisal, should be openly discussed with your realtor to ensure you are financially prepared.

The goal of asking agents this question is to determine the agent’s role in supporting you during this process. You want them to be present during the home inspection and appraisal process and know how they will address any issues or problems that arise. It’s also important to ask about the agent’s experience, local expertise, fees, and communication style to ensure you have the right support throughout your transaction.

6. Are you familiar with the type of home I’m looking for?

It is important to work with an agent who has experience and knowledge of the specific type of home you’re looking for. Choosing a team leader who specializes in your type of home can offer added advantages, as they manage a team and ensure seamless service and support tailored to your needs. They will be able to help you look for areas of concern and things to look out for. They will also know more about the care of the home as well as what it takes to get an offer accepted for a home like you are looking for. The best real estate agents often specialize in either working with buyers or sellers, since the skills and strategies for each are quite different.

7. How do you negotiate offers and counteroffers?

As we’ve mentioned, negotiating is a big part of the home buying and selling process. You want a realtor that will handle negotiations in the way you are comfortable and happy with. Be aware that if one agent represents both the buyer and the seller, there can be potential conflicts of interest, as it may be difficult for one agent to fully advocate for both parties.

Every agent has their own style and set of unspoken rules. Ask the agent to describe their approach to negotiating with potential buyers, including their strategy for handling counteroffers.

This will help you feel comfortable that they will handle this situation well. Additionally, a good buyer’s agent typically has a client ratio of at least 7 to 3 in favor of buyers, showing a strong focus on helping homebuyers.

8. How do you ensure a smooth closing process?

It’s important to understand the agent’s process for managing the closing process. This includes their role in resolving any issues that arise and ensuring a smooth transaction. Before closing, make sure to arrange homeowners insurance and consult an insurance agent to ensure you have proper coverage.

Remember, this is likely something you don’t do a lot. But your agent should be well versed in home closing.

Real Estate Agents Work For You

Lastly, keep in mind that during the buying and selling process, you want someone that you feel is on your side. You trust them with everything from listing price to closing costs and everything in between. Make sure you are comfortable with who they are and how they respond to challenges. Choosing an agent who treats real estate as a full time job often means they have more experience, are more available, and are better equipped to handle negotiations and pricing.

If you like an agent and want to take the next step, ask them to send client references. There is no better place to find out what a realtor is like to work with than previous clients. And remember these questions to ask a realtor as you go through your interview.

Once you have all the necessary information, sit down and compare each agent. Note what answers you liked and didn’t like from the real estate interview questions.

If you like an agent that didn’t give you an answer you approve of, is that something a second conversation would fix?

At FastExpert, we make the first step to hiring and interviewing a real estate agent easy. We have a network of over 50,000 real estate agents in cities across the country. You can browse top agents in your area, explore the largest real estate agent directory in the U.S., read their profiles and check out past client reviews.

Remember, deciding what real estate agent to work with is entirely up to you. Take your time and make the right decision to feel good about the outcome.