Hiring the wrong agent is expensive, and most people never interview more than one. In 2024, 88% of buyers purchased through a real estate agent or broker, yet 75% of buyers contacted only one agent before choosing (NAR, 2024). That’s a lot of trust handed over after a single conversation. This checklist fixes it. Below are 25 concrete questions to ask a realtor before hiring, split into a buyer set and a seller set, each with a one-line note on what a strong answer sounds like. Print it, bring it to the interview, and take notes. For the bigger picture, start with our full guide to finding the best realtor.
Key Takeaways
- Interview at least two or three agents, but note that 75% of buyers contact only one (NAR, 2024). Do more.
- Buyers should probe availability, local knowledge, and how the agent handles competing offers.
- Sellers should ask about pricing logic, marketing plan, and communication cadence.
- Ask every candidate the same questions so you can compare answers side by side.
- A good answer is specific and backed by recent examples, not vague reassurance.
Why should you interview a realtor before hiring one?
Interviewing protects your biggest financial decision from a bad match. Homes sold with an agent reached a median price of $435,000 in 2024, versus $380,000 for for-sale-by-owner (NAR, 2024). The right agent earns that gap. A short interview reveals experience, communication style, and fit before you sign anything binding.
Think of it like hiring for a role that pays tens of thousands of dollars. You wouldn’t skip the interview. Yet most buyers do exactly that, defaulting to the first name a friend mentions.
[UNIQUE INSIGHT] Here’s what we’ve found: the questions themselves matter less than asking the same set to every candidate. Consistency turns fuzzy gut feelings into a real comparison. When three agents answer “How will you price my home?” you instantly see who reasons from data and who guesses.
What questions should buyers ask when interviewing a realtor?
Buyers should focus on availability, local expertise, and negotiation skill. Just 24% of recent buyers were first-timers in 2024, the lowest share NAR has recorded (NAR, 2024), so many buyers navigate a competitive market with little experience. The right questions surface whether an agent can guide you through offers, inspections, and contingencies without dropping the ball. If you’re still weighing whether you need dedicated buyer representation, our comparison of a buyer’s vs seller’s agent clarifies what each role actually does for you.
Ask all of these. Take notes on how specific each answer feels.
Experience and track record
- How long have you worked as a full-time agent in this area? A good answer names years, not months, and confirms full-time focus.
- How many buyers did you help close in the last 12 months? Look for a concrete number and homes in your price range.
- What neighborhoods do you know best? The answer should match where you’re actually shopping.
- Are you a member of NAR and bound by its Code of Ethics? A yes adds an accountability layer, though it isn’t everything.
- Can you share references from two recent buyers? Hesitation here is a red flag.
Availability and communication
- How many clients are you working with right now? You want enough attention, not an agent stretched thin.
- What’s your typical response time, and how do you prefer to communicate? Match this to your own habits.
- Will I work with you directly or with a team member? Neither is wrong, but you should know upfront.
- How do you handle showings when I can only look on evenings or weekends? Flexibility signals real availability.
Process and negotiation
- Walk me through what happens from offer to closing. A clear, step-by-step answer shows they’ve done this often.
- How do you approach a bidding war or multiple-offer situation? Listen for strategy, not just optimism.
- How do you get paid, and what will I owe? Recent rule changes mean buyer-agent compensation is now negotiated openly. See what to ask about commission.
[UNIQUE INSIGHT] Question 12 changed the most in the past two years. Following the NAR settlement that took effect in August 2024, buyers now typically sign a written agreement spelling out their agent’s fee before touring homes (NAR, 2024). Ask early so nothing surprises you at closing.
What questions should sellers ask before hiring a listing agent?
Sellers should test pricing logic, marketing reach, and communication before signing. In 2024, 90% of sellers sold with the help of a real estate agent (NAR, 2024), and the listing agent’s plan drives both your price and your timeline. These questions keep the conversation grounded in evidence, not flattery.
This set is intentionally short. For a deeper dive, read our companion post on seller-specific questions to ask.
Pricing and market strategy
- How did you arrive at your suggested list price? You want comparable sales and data, not a number that just sounds nice.
- What’s your recommended pricing strategy in this market? A good answer ties price to current demand and inventory.
- How long are homes like mine taking to sell right now? Look for local, recent figures.
Marketing plan
- What’s your marketing plan for my home, step by step? Expect professional photos, MLS, and online syndication at minimum.
- Will you use professional photography and video? Listings with quality visuals draw more attention online.
- How will you handle open houses and private showings? The answer should match your comfort level.
- Which websites and platforms will list my home? Broad syndication matters since most buyers search online first.
Communication and terms
- How often will you update me, and how? Set the cadence before you sign.
- What’s the length of the listing agreement, and can I cancel? Understand your exit before committing.
- What are your fees, and what services do they include? Commission is negotiable, so get specifics.
- What should I do to prepare my home before listing? Practical, prioritized advice signals experience.
- How will you screen buyers and their financing? You want to avoid deals that collapse at the last minute.
- What happens if my home doesn’t sell in the agreement window? A thoughtful plan beats a shrug.
[PERSONAL EXPERIENCE] In our experience, question 13 separates strong listing agents from the rest faster than any other. An agent who walks you through three recent comparable sales, adjusts for condition, and explains the logic has done the homework. One who blurts a big number to win the listing is fishing, and that gap often shows up later as a painful price cut.
How should you compare the answers you get?
Score each agent on the same scale so the comparison stays honest. Buyers who used a referral still benefited from vetting, and 38% of buyers found their agent through a referral in 2024 (NAR, 2024). A referral gets you in the door, but the interview confirms fit. Rate specificity, relevant experience, and communication style from one to five.
A simple rule helps: the best answers include a recent, concrete example. Vague reassurance (“I’ll take great care of you”) scores low. A specific story (“Last month I structured an escalation clause that won a home $4,000 under the buyer’s ceiling”) scores high.
Trust your notes over your memory. After three interviews, the conversations blur. Written scores don’t.
Frequently asked questions
How many realtors should I interview before hiring one?
Interview at least two or three so you can compare answers directly. Yet 75% of buyers contacted only one agent before choosing in 2024 (NAR, 2024). Talking to a few candidates costs you an hour or two and often reveals meaningful differences in experience and communication style. For more, see how to choose a realtor.
What’s the most important question to ask a realtor?
For sellers, it’s how they arrived at your list price, because pricing drives your outcome. For buyers, it’s their recent track record with homes in your range. Both answers should be specific and backed by data or examples, not vague promises. Consistency across your candidates matters as much as any single question.
Should I ask a realtor about their commission?
Yes, and it’s now standard practice. After changes that took effect in August 2024, buyers typically sign a written agreement specifying their agent’s fee before touring homes (NAR, 2024). Commission is negotiable for both buyers and sellers, so ask early and get the specifics in writing.
Is it rude to interview multiple realtors?
Not at all. Interviewing several agents is normal, expected, and smart given the size of the decision. Good agents welcome it because it shows you’re serious. Just be upfront that you’re speaking with a few candidates, and stay consistent by asking each one the same core questions.
Conclusion
The 25 questions above turn a vague “do I trust this person” into a clear, side-by-side comparison. Buyers should press on availability, local knowledge, and negotiation. Sellers should demand pricing logic, a real marketing plan, and a communication cadence. With 88% of buyers using an agent in 2024 (NAR, 2024), the choice matters too much to leave to a single conversation. Print this checklist, ask every candidate the same set, and score their answers as you go. Then read our full guide to finding the best realtor to put your shortlist in context and make a confident hire.
Learn more:
- Red Flags When Hiring a Realtor (and How to Spot a Bad Agent)
- New Construction vs. Resale Homes in Texas: 2026 Buyer’s Guide
Looking to buy your dream home, sell a property, or invest in Texas real estate? Let Win Nguyen Real Estate Group guide you every step of the way. Reach out to us today at winnguyengroup.com or call (346) 226-6688.
Win Nguyen Group – Your Trusted Partner in Texas Real Estate.
