Making a move in the real estate world—whether snapping up your dream home or saying goodbye to your current one—ranks among the most pivotal financial adventures many will ever face. Navigating today’s tangled and ever-shifting property landscape is no small feat.
Finding a stellar real estate pro can lighten the load and smooth the bumps. But with a sea of agents all pitching their services, how do you zero in on the one who truly clicks with your vibe and goals?
Interviewing at least three contenders before committing is a savvy move to ensure you pick the right partner. Below, we dive into ten insightful queries to throw at your potential Realtor to help you lock in your ideal match.
Interviewing Realtors: The Essential 10 Questions
No matter which side of the fence you’re on—buying or selling—there’s a core set of info you’ll want to gather about each hopeful on your shortlist.
Buyers and Sellers: What Every Agent Should Show You
These three key questions will reveal if your candidate’s chops, local savvy, and communication mojo are up to snuff for the adventure ahead.
1. How long have you been navigating real estate waters?
“Handing over what’s probably your biggest financial leap to a professional means you’ll want to gauge their tenure and depth of know-how,” says Jen Horner, an agent with Masters Utah Real Estate in Salt Lake City and Park City. “You want clear evidence that this Realtor understands the market inside out and will guard your interests and wallet every step of the way.”
Alongside this, request recent sales figures to back up their claims, and have them walk you through current patterns — think supply-demand dynamics, local inventory stats, and the sorts of contract terms winning the game for buyers and sellers alike,” Horner adds.
2. What’s your communication style and frequency?
From day one, syncing your expectations on how often and through which channels you’ll hear updates is crucial. If you’re a phone-call fan, an agent who texts exclusively might cramp your style.
“Whether buying or selling, you want to sense their respect and dedication right off the bat,” Horner notes. “They should get your communication preferences locked down so you’re not left guessing mid-process.”
3. Are you a full-time real estate pro?
Like many gigs, some Realtors live and breathe property full-time; others juggle it part-time. “My advice? Always go full-time,” insists Katie Severance, a Douglas Elliman agent in Palm Beach, Florida, and author of The Brilliant Home Buyer. “Someone who eats, sleeps, and breathes real estate keeps a sharp pulse on market fluctuations, which can change week by week.”
Such dedication translates to sharper insights for you about local market quirks and trends that may affect your purchase or sale.
For Sellers: Sharpen Your Questions to Get Top Dollar
If you’re offloading property, you’re hunting for an agent who can snag the best possible price. Here are three pointed questions to put on your checklist.
4. If I needed to sell fast versus having time on my side, what pricing would you suggest?
Understanding the logic behind pricing approaches for both rushed and relaxed scenarios is crucial, says Severance. The agent’s reasoning here can reveal their grasp of market realities and your priorities.
5. Can you walk me through your full-on marketing plan?
“An agent armed with a detailed, documented marketing roadmap tailored to your home and current market conditions is gold,” Horner stresses. “They should outline a timeline for selling and a breakdown of promotional tactics designed especially for your property.”
This blueprint might cover pro photo shoots, staging, open houses, and private showings — including whether and how feedback gets relayed.”
Digital presence is another pillar to explore: “You want to hear about their online footprint — from listing syndication to social media blitzes,” Horner advises.
6. How will you get other Realtors buzzing about my property?
Realtors don’t just woo buyers directly — they also drum up excitement among their peers. “This is a big deal,” says Severance. “Agents need advance notice about your listing and a chance to walk through it, often at a private Realtors-only open house. When they’re genuinely hyped about the home and price, they’ll champion it to their buyers.”
Quick market fact: In many regions, homes that are previewed by other Realtors before hitting the public market can sell up to 30% faster, as agents get a head start on matchmaking eager buyers with suitable properties.
For Buyers: Navigating Bidding Wars and Bullish Markets
Today’s buyers face a tough terrain of sky-high prices and soaring interest rates. Though bidding wars are less rampant than before, they still pop up in hot markets.
“Talk with your agent about how they’ll guide you through potential bidding battles,” Severance recommends. “You’ll want to know how assertive to be in terms of price and contract terms without crossing into overpaying territory.”
9. How quickly can you get me in for showings?
With plenty of eager buyers on the hunt, speed is king. Waiting on an agent’s packed schedule might mean missing out to another bidder.
“Scoring quick showings is half the fight,” Horner says. “Your Realtor needs to prioritize you, moving fast when listings drop, so you get first crack at offers.”
10. How many homes should I tour before making an offer?
“This question tells you volumes about their approach,” Severance points out. She warns against rushing, stressing that “while it’s true some buyers fall in love at first sight, you really shouldn’t write an offer before you’ve scoped out several options.” After all, how can you be sure you’ve found ‘the one’ without comparison?
Next Moves: Finding Your Real Estate Sidekick
Kick off your agent hunt by hitting up friends and family for trusted referrals. Next, snoop around online for agents’ digital footprints and read reviews from past clients. Don’t hesitate to ask for references either. Landing a professional you gel with, who boasts solid past results, will make your real estate adventure smoother and boost your chances of success.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Realtors should I sit down with?
Interview at least three prospects, ideally from different agencies. Similar to job hunting, you want to weigh your options and pick the candidate best suited to shepherd you through a winning transaction.
Is it cool to hire more than one agent?
Depends on your situation. Usually, you’ll sign an exclusivity agreement limiting you to one agent over a certain time and area, which benefits both sides by fostering commitment and understanding. However, if you’re dabbling in multiple neighborhoods or juggling buying and selling separately, employing multiple agents might be necessary.
Do agents differ if they work with buyers versus sellers?
All Realtors hold licenses, but many focus on either buyers or sellers. Buyer’s agents hustle to find and secure homes fitting clients’ budgets and wishes, while seller’s agents specialize in marketing properties and closing lucrative deals.