Seven Key Questions to Ask Real Estate Agents

Are you looking to buy? Or are you planning to sell? In both cases, finding a real estate agent who knows your market inside and out is vital.

The right real estate agent can earn you thousands more on your sale, save you weeks of hassle, and make your entire property experience smoother and more rewarding. (EffectiveAgents®, 2025)

Key Takeaways

Not all real estate agents are the same; therefore, interviewing agents from different agencies is essential for a successful sale.

To assess which real estate agent or realtor is right for you, ask each agent the same specific questions to help reveal their strengths and fit. Additionally, ask them how they handled an incident that didn’t go to plan. By doing so, you can learn how each agent handles events that do not immediately provide the expected outcome.

Evaluating references and marketing strategies is crucial. Agents to be licensed and have strong people networks they can tap into when a property is struggling to sell.

To choose the best fit, ask the right questions during your interview. Here are key questions to ask:

1. What’s Your Experience in This Market?

Experience should be on the front burner when interviewing potential agents. While a new agent might be enthusiastic and helpful with basic information, a seasoned realtor brings something extra: proven results. For example, an experienced agent may anticipate a slow market and advise you to stage your home and adjust the listing price in advance, turning what could have been months on the market into a quick sale above asking price. Someone with years in your neighborhood can spot subtle shifts in buyer interest and use those insights to your advantage.

2. How Do You Handle Communication with Clients?

Clear and consistent communication is essential in any real estate transaction. Choose an agent who prioritizes keeping you informed at every stage of the process. Discuss your preferred methods of contact and ask how frequently you can expect updates. This ensures you stay in the loop and builds trust throughout your partnership.

3. What is Your Marketing Strategy?

Realtors need to advertise homes to attract a buyer. When selling, you need to know how the agent will present your home. Inquire about their marketing strategies, and ask for specifics.

Do they use online listings, social media ads, professional photography, virtual tours, or email campaigns?

Go a step further by asking if they can provide sample listing views, click-through rates, or open-house attendance numbers from recent similar listings. This data will help you see how effective their approach is, so you can feel confident your property will get real attention.

4. What Makes You Stand Out?

This query will help you understand what makes this agent special. Every real estate agent will approach things differently. This is true, especially in a competitive market. Some agents will claim they know the local market better than their peers, while others might provide excellent customer service.

Find answers that reflect an interest in work. Perhaps they possess an impressive network of contacts. These are just a few things to think about when seeking the right skills for your home listing or purchase.

Skill set

• Specialization – what are they renowned for? For example, selling a type of home or homes within a specific area
• Negotiation skills – getting the best deal for sellers and buyers
• Client relationships – going beyond the expected service
• Technology use – not all agents use emerging technologies

5. Do You Have Client References?

A professional real estate agent can easily give references of previous clients. A call to former customers will give you an idea about the quality of their services. (The Importance of Referrals, 2020)

Ask the agents to provide references. Take this a step further by preparing a few follow-up questions for those references. For example, you could ask the agent’s clients the following questions.

• Why did you choose this agent?
• Would you hire this agent again, and why?
• What was the most challenging part of the process, and how did the agent handle it?

The responses to these questions will help you determine which agents meet your criteria for your listing or purchase.

6. How Do You Deal with Offers & Counteroffers??

Real estate transactions also involve negotiation. So, don’t just know how an agent deals with offers. Know how they handle counteroffers, too. When selling, inquire about how they manage multiple offers. A good negotiator will ensure you get the best deal.

7. What Are Your Commission Rates & Fees?

You should understand the fees an agent charges before you engage them. Real estate agents are typically on commission. (Real Estate Agent Commission in 2025: New Rules, Average Rates & Splits Explained, 2024) So, it can be helpful to know their commission rate.

Make sure to inquire about the other expenses you may incur as a vendor listing your home for sale with an agent’s firm. These don’t just include administrative fees. They include marketing costs, too.

Summing Up

In conclusion, it is crucial to find the right realtor. To do that, you need to conduct an interview with several new real estate agents. The above questions will not just ensure you find someone experienced. They also ensure you find someone proactive. It is crucial to make the right decision. You can do so by making sure the experts you hire share your values.