Top Questions to Ask When Interviewing a Realtor

When you are preparing to buy or sell a home, choosing the right realtor can make all the difference in your experience and outcome. Hiring the right agent goes beyond credentials—it means gaining local market mastery, strategic negotiation power, and connections to dependable specialists.

However, not all realtors are created equal, and asking the right questions during your interview can help you find the best fit for your needs. First, evaluate how well they know the community where you plan to transact. Local market trends vary significantly, so you want someone who understands the nuances of the area where you are looking to buy or sell. Inquire how long they have been working in that community and whether they have a track record of successful transactions there.

Next, find out how many clients they are currently representing. If they’re juggling too many listings, your case could get lost in the shuffle, while someone with too few might lack experience or market presence. Find out their typical annual closing volume and whether they work alone or with a team. When part of a team, identify your primary point of contact and their specific duties.

Communication is key, so ask how they prefer to communicate and how quickly they typically respond to calls or messages. Is their preferred method SMS, email, or direct calls? Are they available on weekends or after work hours when many people are free? Others maintain flexible hours to suit your schedule.

It is also important to understand their marketing strategy if you are selling. Ask for examples of recent listings they have marketed and how they promoted them. Did they use professional photography, virtual tours, social media, or open houses? Were staging, video walkthroughs, and MLS syndication part of their approach? Request to see statistics on days on market and sale price compared to list price for their recent sales. You deserve concrete metrics, not vague assurances.

If you are buying, ask how they find properties that match your criteria. Do they have access to off-market or pre-listing opportunities? How do they filter out unsuitable homes to save you time? Do they pre-screen listings based on your must-haves?

Ask about their approach to negotiations. Do they counter aggressively, patiently, or strategically? Do they have a clear strategy or do they rely on gut feeling? An expert uses data-driven tactics, not instinct.

Request references from past clients, and if possible, reach out to them to get an honest perspective on the realtor’s professionalism, reliability, and communication style. Don’t just accept reviews—call their last three clients. Also, clarify how they are compensated. Commission is standard, but the rate and split matter and whether there are any additional fees you might encounter.

Inquire about their continuing education and certifications. Realtors who pursue designations like Certified Residential Specialist or Accredited Buyer’s Representative often have deeper expertise in specific areas. Ask if  First-time home seller Peterborough  stay updated on changes in lending laws, tax implications, or housing regulations. Are they members of professional associations that mandate ongoing education?

Finally, trust your instincts. A red flag during the interview is a warning sign you should never overlook. The right realtor will listen to your goals, answer your questions thoroughly, and make you feel confident and respected throughout the process. Spending weeks vetting agents saves you months of headaches later.