What Questions Should I Ask My Real Estate Agent? (Vetting an Agent Before Hiring)

What Questions Should I Ask My Real Estate Agent? (Vetting an Agent Before Hiring)

Buying or selling a home is one of the biggest financial decisions you'll ever make — so the agent you choose to guide you through it matters. Not all agents are created equal, and a quick interview before you sign anything can save you time, money, and a lot of stress down the road.

Ryan and Jen Smith of The Smith Property Group at Knipe Realty believe every buyer and seller deserves an agent who earns their trust, not just their signature. Here are the questions worth asking before you hire anyone — including the ones we're always happy to answer ourselves.

1. How Much Experience Do You Have — and Where?

Experience isn't just about years licensed. It's about being active, current, and local.

• How many transactions have you closed in the last 12 months?
• What's your experience specifically in my neighborhood or price range?
• Are you working full-time as an agent, or is this a side business?
• Look for an agent with strong recent activity — full-time agents with dozens of closings a year are typically more in tune with what's actually happening in today's market.

2. What's Your Communication Style — and Can You Prove It?

A great agent should keep you informed without you having to chase them down.

• How often will you update me, and through what method (call, text, email)?
• Who will I be working with day-to-day — you, or a team member?
• What's your typical response time to questions?
• A good test: send a follow-up question after your first meeting and see how quickly — and how clearly — they respond.

3. How Will You Price and Market My Home? (For Sellers)

Pricing strategy can make or break how quickly your home sells and for how much.

• How would you price my home, and what data supports that number?
• What's your marketing plan — professional photography, staging, online listings, open houses?
• How do you plan to attract qualified buyers, not just lookers?
• Ask to see comparable sales they've used for pricing decisions in your area.

4. How Will You Help Me Compete and Negotiate? (For Buyers)

In a competitive market, your agent's negotiation skill directly affects your bottom line.

• How do you help buyers write competitive offers without overpaying?
• What's your approach when multiple offers are on the table?
• Can you walk me through a recent negotiation you handled?
• Do you require a mortgage pre-approval before we start touring homes?

5. What Are Your Fees, and How Are They Structured?

Money conversations should happen early, not at the closing table.

• How is your commission structured, and is it negotiable?
• Are there any additional fees I should expect?
• What happens if I'm not satisfied and want to end our agreement early?
• Clear answers here signal transparency; vague or defensive answers are a red flag.

6. Can You Share References or a Track Record?

Past clients tell you more than a polished pitch ever will.

• Can I speak with a few recent clients?
• Do you have a list of closed transactions you can share (addresses redacted is fine)?
• What do your reviews say about your communication and follow-through?

7. What Happens When Things Get Complicated?

Every deal hits a bump. What matters is how your agent handles it.

• Have you worked with situations like mine before (relocation, first-time buyer, investment property, inherited home)?
• How do you handle inspection issues or appraisal gaps?
• What's your plan if financing falls through or a deadline is at risk?

Red Flags to Watch For

• Vague answers about transaction history or experience ("I've been doing this a while" with no numbers)
• Pressure to sign quickly without answering your questions
• Poor or slow communication during the interview itself — it likely won't improve later
• No clear pricing or marketing strategy

The Bottom Line

Interviewing an agent isn't awkward — it's smart. The right agent should welcome your questions, not shy away from them. Ryan and Jen Smith of The Smith Property Group at Knipe Realty encourage every buyer and seller to ask hard questions, because the right fit makes all the difference in how smooth (and successful) your transaction turns out to be.

Ready to have this conversation? Reach out to us anytime. We're happy to answer every question on this list, and then some.

This post is intended for general informational purposes and does not constitute financial or legal advice.