The Ultimate Checklist for Interviewing Real Estate Agents
Learn the key questions to ask when interviewing real estate agents so you can confidently choose the best partner for your transaction.
When you’re buying or selling a home, your real estate agent is more than just someone who fills out paperwork. The right agent becomes your strategist, negotiator, and guide during one of life’s biggest financial and emotional transitions. That’s why interviewing potential agents is so important.
The good news is that RealEstateAgents.com has already done much of the hard work for you by vetting top-performing professionals nationwide. Every agent on our platform has been screened for licensing, local sales, experience, and client satisfaction. That means instead of sorting through hundreds of options, you can focus on interviewing a select few who are already proven to deliver results.
Here’s the ultimate checklist of interview questions, along with why each one matters, and how RealEstateAgents.com helps you start a step ahead.
- How Long Have you been an Agent?
Experience matters in real estate because every market cycle comes with new challenges. An agent who has weathered different conditions knows how to adapt, negotiate effectively, and anticipate potential pitfalls. While new agents can bring energy and motivation, seasoned professionals often have a wider network and a deeper understanding of how to bring a deal to completion.
- How many Homes have you closed in my area recently?
Local expertise is critical because real estate is hyperlocal. Market trends, pricing strategies, and even buyer preferences can vary dramatically from one neighborhood to the next. Asking about recent sales shows you how active the agent is in your area and whether they truly understand your community.
- What’s your Pricing Strategy?
For sellers, pricing can determine whether a home sits on the market or sells quickly at top dollar. For buyers, pricing strategy affects how competitive your offers will be without overspending. Asking these questions reveals whether the agent relies on solid data, such as comparable sales and market reports, rather than guesswork.
- What’s Your Marketing Plan?
Today’s buyers start their search online, which means presentation is everything. A strong marketing plan goes beyond placing a listing on the MLS. It should include professional photography, virtual tours, detailed descriptions, social media promotion, and targeted digital ads. Much of which is now powered by AI [Insert Link: Agents/AI]. By asking this question, you’ll see how an agent plans to position your property to attract serious buyers.
- What’s Your Communication Style?
Real estate transactions move quickly, and a missed call or delayed response can mean losing out on the right home or buyer. That’s why it's important to understand how an agent communicates. Do they prefer calls, texts, or emails? How quickly do they respond to clients? This question ensures you’ll be working with someone whose communication style aligns with your own.
- What's your Availability?
An agent might be excellent on paper but too busy to give your transaction the attention it deserves. Asking about availability reveals whether they balance multiple clients effectively and how they prioritize urgent opportunities. This question ensures you won’t be left waiting when timing is critical.
- Can you Provide References?
Hearing from past clients gives you insight into what it’s really like to work with an agent. References can highlight strengths in negotiation, communication, and problem-solving. Normally, tracking down reliable reviews would take time, but RealEstateAgents.com has already compiled verified client satisfaction data and reviewed it on your behalf. Still, asking for references during your interview can provide extra peace of mind.
- What are your Fees and Contract Terms?
Every listing agreement outlines commission rates, contract length, and any additional fees. Asking about this upfront prevents surprises later and helps you compare agents fairly. While commission is typically negotiable, transparency is what matters most. Because RealEstateAgents.com only recommends agents with established reputations for honesty and professionalism, you can feel confident that these conversations will be straightforward.
- What sets you apart from Other Agents?
This open-ended question encourages agents to describe their strengths in their own words. Some may highlight negotiation skills, others their marketing, and some their deep local connections. Their answer gives you insight into how they see themselves and whether that aligns with what you’re looking for. Even in a hot market, not every home sells right away. A proactive agent should have a strategy for adjusting the price, refreshing the marketing, or repositioning the property to attract buyers. Asking this question shows whether they’re prepared for challenges and committed to keeping the process moving forward.
- How will you help me compete in a multiple offer situation? (For Buyers)
In a competitive market, buyers often face multiple offers on the same home. A skilled agent will know how to strengthen your offer while still protecting your budget and contingencies. Their answer will reveal how they balance assertive negotiation with practical safeguards.
Final Thoughts
Interviewing real estate professionals is your chance to find not just a qualified professional but the right partner for your journey. By asking these questions, you’ll uncover their experience, strategy, and personality fit. If its your first time hiring a real estate agent, we also recommend you review our guide How to Find a Real Estate Agent When You're a First-Time Home Buyer
With RealEstateAgents.com, you can skip the hardest part: vetting. We’ve already confirmed licensing, credentials, and past performance so that you’re only meeting with top agents in your area. That means you can focus your interview on what really matters: who feels like the best match for your needs.
