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Questions to Ask a Real Estate Agent Before Hiring

admin · October 19, 2026 · 7 min read

The agent you choose can make a big difference to how smoothly your purchase or sale goes, and how much stress you feel along the way. These questions to ask a realtor help you compare agents fairly, understand what you are paying for and spot warning signs before you sign anything.

Licensing, fee structures and agency contracts differ between countries and regions, and in some places agents represent only the seller. Use these questions as a general guide and check your local rules or speak to a property lawyer if anything in an agreement is unclear.

Questions About Experience and Background

Experience is not everything, but it helps to know what an agent has handled before.

How long have you been working in real estate? Newer agents can be excellent, especially if they have strong support from their brokerage, but ask how they get help with complex issues.
Is this your full-time job? Full-time agents are often more available for viewings, calls and negotiations.
Are you licensed or registered, and with which organisation? Where licensing is required, ask for their licence number and check it with the relevant official body.
How many clients like me have you worked with recently? Ask specifically about buyers or sellers in your price range and property type.
Which areas do you know best? Local knowledge helps with pricing, negotiation and spotting problems.
Do you have any specialist training or designations? For example, in first-time buyers, luxury property, new builds or relocation.

Questions About Local Market Knowledge

A good agent should be able to explain the market clearly and honestly.

What is happening in this market right now? Listen for a balanced, evidence-based answer rather than pure sales talk.
How long are similar homes taking to sell? This helps you set realistic expectations.
What have comparable homes sold for recently? Ask to see actual sold prices, not just asking prices.
What do buyers in this area care about most? Schools, parking, gardens or transport can all affect value.
Are there any local developments or changes I should know about? New transport links, building projects or zoning changes can affect a neighbourhood.

Questions for Sellers

If you are selling, focus on pricing, marketing and negotiation.

What price would you suggest, and how did you reach it? Ask for a written comparative market analysis or valuation explanation.
What is your marketing plan? Ask about photography, floor plans, video, online portals, social media and open houses.
Who pays for marketing costs? Some agents include them in the fee, while others charge separately.
How will you handle viewings? Will they attend every viewing personally, or will someone else?
How do you qualify buyers? A good agent checks whether buyers have financing in place.
What improvements would you recommend before listing? Look for practical, cost-effective advice.
How do you handle multiple offers? Ask about their process and how they keep things fair and transparent.

Questions for Buyers

Buyers need an agent who listens and can act quickly when the right home appears.

Who do you represent in this transaction? In some regions, agents may represent the seller, the buyer or, in limited cases, both. Understand where their duties lie.
How will you find homes that match my needs? Ask about access to listings, off-market properties and alerts.
Can you recommend mortgage advisers, inspectors and lawyers? Ask whether they receive any referral payments, and remember you are free to choose your own professionals.
How do you approach negotiation? Their strategy should be tailored to the market and the property.
What happens if a home inspection reveals problems? They should explain your options under local rules.
How do you handle competitive situations? Ask how they help buyers make strong offers without overpaying.

Questions About Fees and Contracts

Money and contract terms are where misunderstandings often happen, so ask clearly.

What is your fee, and how is it calculated? Fees may be a percentage of the price, a fixed amount or a combination.
Is the fee negotiable? In many places it is, but cheaper is not always better.
What does the fee include? Check what is covered and what costs extra.
How long is the contract, and how can I end it? Ask about notice periods and any fees for ending early.
Is it a sole or exclusive agreement? Understand what happens if you find a buyer yourself or use another agent.
Are there any other charges? For example, admin fees, withdrawal fees or charges if the sale falls through.
Can I take the contract away to read it? A good agent will never pressure you to sign immediately.

Questions About Communication and Availability

Many client complaints come down to poor communication rather than poor results.

How often will you update me? Agree on frequency and method, such as weekly calls or emails.
Who will be my main contact? In larger teams, you may deal with assistants or other agents.
What are your working hours? Viewings and offers often happen in the evening and at weekends.
How quickly do you usually respond to messages? Fast responses can matter in competitive markets.
How will you share feedback from viewings? Honest feedback helps you make good decisions.

Questions About Reputation and References

Can I speak to recent clients? References from people in similar situations are especially useful.
Where can I read reviews about you? Look at independent review platforms as well as the agent’s own website.
Have you ever had a complaint, and how was it resolved? The answer can reveal a lot about honesty and professionalism.
Are you a member of a professional body or redress scheme? In some countries, agents must belong to a scheme that handles complaints.

Questions About Their Process and Team

Understanding how an agent works day to day helps you know what to expect.

Do you work alone or with a team? Teams can offer more availability, but you should know who is doing what.
How many clients are you working with right now? A very heavy workload may limit the attention you receive.
What tools do you use to keep clients informed? Some agents use online portals or apps to share documents and updates.
Which other professionals will be involved? Lawyers, conveyancers, inspectors, mortgage advisers and photographers may all play a part.
What happens if you are unavailable? Ask who covers for them during holidays or illness.
What does a typical timeline look like? A rough outline from listing or search to closing helps you plan your move.

How to Compare Answers

After interviewing several agents, put their answers side by side. Look at the evidence behind each price suggestion or strategy, how clearly they explained fees and contracts, and how comfortable you felt asking questions. The best choice is usually the agent who combined honest advice, local knowledge and good communication, rather than the one who promised the highest price or the lowest fee. If two agents seem equally strong, ask for one more reference from each or speak to them a second time about a specific concern.

Red Flags to Watch For

A valuation far higher than every other agent, with little evidence.
Pressure to sign a contract on the spot.
Vague answers about fees or contract terms.
Poor responsiveness before you have even hired them.
Negative comments about every other agent instead of focusing on their own strengths.
Promises of guaranteed results or prices.

Tips for Interviewing Agents

Interview at least three agents before deciding.
Take notes during each meeting so you can compare answers.
Pay attention to how well they listen, not just how well they talk.
Trust your instincts. You will be working closely with this person for weeks or months.

Final Thoughts

Asking the right questions helps you find an agent who is skilled, honest and a good fit for your goals. Bring this list of questions to ask a realtor to every interview, compare the answers carefully and choose the person you trust to guide one of the biggest decisions of your life.