Questions to Ask a Real Estate Agent Before Hiring

Buying or selling a property is a significant financial decision, and it's important to have an experienced and knowledgeable real estate agent by your side. However, not all real estate agents are created equal, and hiring the wrong one can cost you time, money, and frustration.

That's why it's important to ask the right questions before hiring a real estate agent. In this article, we'll explore 15 essential questions to ask a realtor before you hire them.

Why Is It Important to Interview Real Estate Agents?

Hiring the right real estate agent can make all the difference in a smooth and successful property transaction. A good real estate agent will guide you through the buying or selling process, help you negotiate the best deal, and provide you with valuable market insights.

On the other hand, a bad real estate agent can leave you with a property that's overpriced or undersold, miss crucial deadlines, and even expose you to legal risks.

By interviewing potential real estate agents, you'll be able to assess their experience, expertise, and professionalism, and find the one that's the best fit for your needs. Interviewing real estate agents also gives you a chance to ask important questions about their processes, marketing strategies, communication style, and more.

15 Real Estate Agent Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Real Estate Agent

1. How long have you been a real estate agent, and how many properties have you sold in the past year?

This is one of the most important questions to ask a realtor when buying a home, as your realtor’s experience can make or break it for you.

Experience is a crucial factor when choosing a real estate agent. An experienced agent will have a better understanding of the local market, know how to negotiate the best deal for you and be able to handle any unexpected issues that arise during the transaction.

A good agent should have a track record of success, so ask how many properties they have sold in the past year.

2. Do you specialize in buying or selling, or do you work with both?

Some real estate agents specialize in either buying or selling, while others work with both. If you're looking to buy a property, you may want to hire an agent who specializes in buyer representation.

If you're selling a property, you may want to hire an agent who specializes in listing properties. However, if you're looking for an agent to handle both buying and selling, make sure they have experience in both areas.

3. What is your marketing strategy?

This is another important question to ask a real estate agent. Marketing is essential to selling a property, so ask the agent what their marketing strategy is.

A good agent should have a comprehensive plan that includes online and offline marketing, such as professional photography, virtual tours, social media promotion, and more.

They should also be able to explain how they will market your property specifically and reach potential buyers.

4. What is your commission rate, and what services does it include?

Real estate agents work on commission, so it's important to ask what their commission rate is and what services it includes.

A typical commission rate is 6 percent, but it can vary depending on the market and the agent's experience. Remember that the listing agent (who represents the seller) will almost always be splitting this commission in half with the buyer’s agent so that they both end up with 3% in the end. Make sure you understand what services the commission includes, such as staging, marketing, and negotiating.

5. How will you communicate with me, and how often?

Communication is key in any real estate transaction, so ask the agent how they will communicate with you and how often. Will they communicate via email, phone, or in person? Let your real estate agent know what method of communication you would prefer.

If you work during the day and find it difficult to answer the phone, maybe email is the best option for you. If you would rather speak to your real estate agent than specify that you would prefer a phone call.

6. How often will they provide updates and follow-ups?

Make sure their communication style matches your preferences and expectations. A real estate agent should send you market updates at least once every two weeks.

When you are in the process of closing on your home or buying a new home, your real estate agent should contact you regularly with any updates or new information that you should be aware of throughout the process. The more your real estate agent communicates with you, the more you will understand throughout the transaction.

7. Can you provide references from past clients?

A good real estate agent should be able to provide references from past clients. Ask for at least three references and follow up with them to learn about their experience working with the agent.

Ask if they were satisfied with the agent's services, communication, and professionalism. You should ask for references because it can help you determine if the agent is right for you.

If this isn’t possible, in many cases the agent will have reviews on Google, Zillow, Facebook, Trustpilot, or other online profiles.

Real estate agents should provide references because it demonstrates their experience and professionalism, builds trust, provides social proof, demonstrates client satisfaction, and it helps you make an informed decision.

8. What is your experience in this particular neighborhood?

Real estate markets can vary greatly by neighborhood, so it's important to ask the agent about their experience in the specific neighborhood where you're interested in buying or selling.

A good agent should be knowledgeable about the neighborhood's market trends, pricing, schools, amenities, and more.

9. How do you handle multiple offers?

In a competitive market, it's not uncommon to receive multiple offers on a property. Ask the agent how they handle multiple offers and what strategies they use to help you get the best deal. A good agent should be able to provide guidance on how to evaluate and negotiate multiple offers.

When handling multiple offers, real estate agents should be sure to set clear expectations, present all offers, evaluate offers objectively, and communicate thoroughly with all parties involved. In addition, they should negotiate with top offers and keep backup offers.

10. What is your negotiation style?

Negotiation is a critical part of a real estate transaction, so ask the agent about their negotiation style. Are they aggressive or diplomatic?

Do they have experience negotiating in your specific market? A good agent should be able to explain their approach and give examples of successful negotiations.

11. How do you handle conflicts of interest?

Conflicts of interest can arise in a real estate transaction, such as if the agent represents both the buyer and the seller. Ask the agent how they handle conflicts of interest and ensure they have a transparent process for resolving any potential conflicts.

A good real estate agent should always disclose potential conflicts of interest, obtain written consent, refer clients to other agents if the conflict cannot be resolved, and maintain neutrality.

12. How do you handle legal issues?

Real estate transactions can involve complex legal issues, such as contracts, disclosures, and inspections. Ask the agent how they handle legal issues and ensure they have a good understanding of the legal requirements in your state.

Your real estate agent should stay up to date on legal requirements, work with a real estate attorney, provide disclosures, review contracts, ensure proper documentation, and address all legal issues promptly.

13. Can you provide insights on the local market?

A good real estate agent should be able to provide insights into the local market, such as market trends, pricing, inventory, and more.

Ask the agent how they stay up-to-date on the local market and what resources they use to gather information.

14. How do you handle marketing for unique properties?

If you have a unique property, such as a historic home or a commercial property, ask the agent how they handle marketing for these types of properties.

A favorable agent should have experience marketing unique properties and be able to develop a targeted marketing plan to reach the right buyers.

15. How do you handle contingencies?

One of the most important questions to ask when buying a house is how a real estate agent handles contingencies. Contingencies are conditions that must be met before a real estate transaction can be completed, such as a home inspection or financing.

Ask the agent how they handle contingencies and what strategies they use to ensure the transaction proceeds smoothly.

Conclusion

Now that you know these important questions to ask a real estate agent, you can feel more confident about finding the perfect fit for you.

Hiring the right real estate agent can make all the difference in a successful property transaction. By asking these questions, you can assess the agent's experience, expertise, and professionalism and find the one that's the best fit for your needs.

Remember to ask about their marketing strategy, commission rate, communication style, references, negotiation style, handling of conflicts of interest, legal issues, and more. With the right real estate agent by your side, you can navigate the buying or selling process with confidence and ease.

If you are looking to buy or sell your home in Northern Virginia, I can assist you. Contact me today to schedule a no-obligation, 15-minute strategy call.