15 Essential Questions to Ask a Realtor Before Hiring

Why Interviews Matter

Hiring a real estate agent without an interview is like buying a home without an inspection. A 15-minute conversation can reveal whether an agent is the right fit for your needs.

Experience & Track Record

1. How long have you been a real estate agent?
2. How many homes have you sold in the past year?
3. What's your average days-on-market for listings?
4. What percentage of your asking price do you typically achieve?

Local Expertise

5. How well do you know this specific neighborhood?
6. What are the current market trends in this area?
7. Are there any upcoming developments I should know about?

Strategy & Communication

8. What's your marketing strategy for my property?
9. How will you communicate with me, and how often?
10. What's your approach to pricing?

The best agents will have clear, confident answers—and will ask you questions too.

Logistics & Fees

11. What is your commission rate?
12. Is there a minimum contract period?
13. What happens if I'm not satisfied with your service?
14. Do you work with buyers, sellers, or both?
15. Can you provide references from past clients?

Red Flags to Watch For

• Vague or evasive answers
• Pressure to sign immediately
• Commission rates that seem unusually low (or high)
• No recent sales in your area
• Poor communication during the interview itself

Next Steps

Find an agent to interview near you →