Tips for Interviewing a REALTOR®: What Every Home Buyer and Seller Should Know

Hiring the right REALTOR® can make or break your real estate experience. Whether you're buying your first home, selling a luxury property, or relocating across the country, the agent you choose will play a key role in everything from pricing strategy to negotiations. That’s why it’s essential to interview multiple REALTORS® and ask the right questions before signing on the dotted line.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the top tips for interviewing a REALTOR®, including what to ask, what to watch for, and how to determine whether they’re the best fit for your needs.

📌 Why Interviewing a REALTOR® Matters

Not all real estate agents are created equal. Experience, market knowledge, communication style, and availability can vary widely. Taking the time to vet your options can:

• Help you avoid costly mistakes
  
  

• Increase your chances of a smooth transaction
  
  

• Ensure you work with someone who truly understands your goals
  
  

Remember, this is likely one of the biggest financial decisions of your life—you deserve a trusted advocate by your side.

🎯 Top 6 Tips for Interviewing a REALTOR®

1. Ask About Local Market Experience

Your REALTOR® should be deeply familiar with your target area. Ask:

• How long have you worked in this neighborhood?
  
  

• How many homes have you sold here in the last 12 months?
  
  

• What trends are you currently seeing in the local market?
  
  

2. Find Out Their Availability and Communication Style

In today’s fast-paced real estate market, responsiveness is everything. Ask:

• How quickly do you typically respond to texts or calls?
  
  

• Will I be working with you directly or with someone on your team?
  
  

• How often will I receive updates?

⚡ Pro Tip: Look for someone who matches your preferred style—whether that’s email, text, phone, or in-person updates.

3. Review Their Marketing Plan

If you’re selling a home, marketing is key. A strong agent should have a detailed strategy that includes:

• Professional photography and video tours
  
  

• MLS and syndication to major real estate websites (Zillow, Redfin, Realtor.com)
  
  

• Social media promotion
  
  

• Open houses and broker tours
  
  

4. Ask for Reviews and References

Don’t just rely on their sales pitch. Ask for:

• Online reviews from past clients
  
  

• Recent references you can contact
  
  

• Case studies or examples of tough deals they’ve successfully closed
  
  

5. Understand Their Negotiation Strategy

Negotiation can save (or cost) you thousands. Ask:

• How do you approach offers and counteroffers?
  
  

• Can you share an example of how you negotiated a better deal for a client?
  
  

• What happens if we hit a roadblock during escrow?

💰 Important for Buyers and Sellers: A great REALTOR® won’t just open doors—they’ll fight for your bottom line.

6. Discuss Fees, Commission, and Contracts Upfront

Clarity is crucial. Ask:

• What is your standard commission rate?
  
  

• Are there any upfront fees?
  
  

• How long is your listing agreement or buyer representation contract?

📝 Avoid Surprises: A reputable agent will be transparent and willing to explain their fee structure in detail.

✅ Bonus Tip: Trust Your Gut

Even if a REALTOR checks every box on paper, it’s still important to evaluate how they make you feel. Do you feel heard? Respected? Confident in their abilities? Sometimes your instincts will tell you more than any resume can.

🧭 Sample Questions to Bring to the Interview

Here's a printable list of questions you can bring along:

1. How many transactions have you completed in the past year?
   
   

2. Do you specialize in any specific property types or neighborhoods?
   
   

3. Can you walk me through your process from start to finish?
   
   

4. What challenges do you anticipate in my situation?
   
   

5. How will you keep me informed throughout the process?
   
   

6. What happens if I’m unhappy with your service?

🏁 Final Thoughts

Taking the time to interview a REALTOR® can help you avoid mismatches and ensure you’re working with someone who’s not only skilled, but also aligned with your communication style and goals. Whether you're selling your home for top dollar or trying to buy in a competitive market, a qualified, communicative, and experienced REALTOR® makes all the difference.

Ready to Start Your Search?

If you're in Seattle and looking for a local real estate expert, I’d love to be considered. Reach out any time to schedule a no-pressure consultation.

📧 [email protected]
📞 (206) 406-1970
🌐www.kristijenkinsrealestate.com