Hiring a real estate agent is one of the most important decisions you’ll make when buying or selling a home. A great agent can help you maximize your profit, protect your interests, and guide you through what can be a complex and emotional process. But not all Realtors are created equal—and it’s essential to ask the right questions before choosing who to trust with your biggest asset.
Here are the top questions you should ask a Realtor before hiring them, whether you’re a buyer or a seller:
1. How many deals did you close this year?
This question reveals more than just experience—it shows their consistency and activity in the current market. An agent who regularly closes transactions is likely in tune with local trends, buyer behavior, and negotiation strategies. You want someone who’s not just licensed, but active and effective.
Follow-up tip: Ask whether they typically represent buyers, sellers, or both—and in which price ranges. This will give you a sense of whether their experience aligns with your needs.
2. What do you offer when listing a home?
Not all listing agents provide the same level of service. Some do the bare minimum—snap a few photos and post it online. Others go above and beyond with:
- Professional photography and videography
- Home staging or design consultations
- Paid social media and print marketing
- Email campaigns to buyers and agents
- Open house events
- Pre-listing strategy and pricing guidance
Make sure your agent has a clear, structured marketing plan that will help your home stand out in the market.
3. Can I see a few of your most recent listings?
This is one of the best ways to evaluate an agent’s quality of work. Ask to see examples of how they’ve marketed similar homes—both online and offline. Look at the photos, descriptions, staging, and presentation.
You’re looking for:
- Professional, high-resolution images
- Thoughtful staging and curb appeal
- Clear and compelling listing remarks
- Strategic pricing
- Strong online visibility
How they treat their current listings is a good indicator of how they’ll treat yours.
4. How will you communicate with me during the process?
Communication is everything in real estate. Ask how often the agent will check in with you, how they prefer to communicate (text, email, phone), and whether they work alone or with a team. You want to feel confident that your agent will be accessible, responsive, and proactive.
5. What’s your pricing and negotiation strategy?
An experienced Realtor should be able to walk you through their process for pricing a home (for sellers) or crafting winning offers (for buyers). Ask how they handle multiple offers, low appraisals, inspection negotiations, and market shifts. Their answers will show whether they’re strategic thinkers or just order-takers.
6. Can you provide client references or testimonials?
Reading online reviews is great, but speaking to a past client offers a more personal insight into the agent’s communication style, problem-solving skills, and overall professionalism. A reputable agent should have no problem connecting you with a few happy clients.
7. Do you work full-time or part-time in real estate?
While part-time agents can still be effective, full-time professionals tend to have more availability, better market knowledge, and more robust systems in place. You want someone who is fully invested in the business.
Choosing the Right Realtor Matters
Real estate is not just about opening doors or filling out paperwork—it’s about strategy, marketing, relationships, and negotiation. Choosing the right Realtor can mean the difference between a smooth, profitable transaction and a stressful, costly experience.
Ready to Interview an Experienced Agent?
I’m Irena Kolbert, a Certified Negotiation Expert and top-producing agent with John L. Scott Bellingham. I’m proud to serve sellers and buyers throughout Whatcom, Skagit, and Snohomish Counties—and I’d love the opportunity to earn your trust.
Let’s sit down and discuss your goals, walk through my full marketing plan, and review a few of my recent listings together. No pressure, just honest guidance.
