10 Essential Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Real Estate Agent

What You Need to Know to Make the Right Choice

Not all real estate agents are alike. If you're planning to buy or sell a home, choosing the right agent can mean the difference between saving—or losing—thousands of dollars. Before you make a decision, equip yourself with the right information by asking the questions that matter most.

Hiring a real estate agent is like hiring any other professional—you're the boss, and they work for you. Considering that this could be the biggest financial transaction of your life, making the right hiring decision is critical.

Below are 10 key questions to help you evaluate and compare agents. Some may hesitate to answer honestly, but their responses will speak volumes about what you can expect from their service.

1. What Sets You Apart From Other Agents?

Why should I list my home with you instead of another agent? The real estate market is more competitive than ever, and your agent should have unique strategies to ensure your home stands out. Ask what specific marketing plans, technologies, or programs they use to sell homes faster, with less hassle, and for more money. Look for a value proposition that differentiates them from the competition.

2. What Is Your Track Record and Reputation?

It's common to hear agents boast about being #1 or having sold the most homes—but how does that actually benefit you? Ask how many homes they’ve personally sold and what their performance history looks like. High sales volume often indicates experience, a strong marketing budget, and better service infrastructure. Keep in mind: many agents sell fewer than 10 homes a year, limiting their resources and possibly affecting service quality.

3. What Is Your Marketing Strategy for My Home?

Find out how much the agent invests in advertising and which channels they use—print, online, social media, video, TV, etc. Do they track the effectiveness of their campaigns? Their approach to marketing can significantly influence how quickly your home sells and for how much.

4. What Have You Sold in My Neighborhood?

Ask for a list of properties they’ve sold in your area, including comparable homes. This provides context for how well they understand your local market and gives insight into what kind of results they can deliver.

5. Do You Control Your Own Advertising?

Some agents have full control over their advertising, while others rely on their brokerage, which means your home might compete for ad space with every other listing in the company. Agents who control their own advertising can typically act more quickly and strategically.

6. How Close Do Your Listings Sell to the Asking Price?

This data is available from the Real Estate Board. An agent who consistently sells homes closer to the asking price demonstrates strong negotiation skills and a good understanding of pricing strategy. Compare their average to the local market benchmark.

7. What Is Your Average Time on Market?

Also available from the Real Estate Board, this metric shows how quickly the agent typically sells homes. An agent who consistently sells faster than average likely has an effective sales process and strong buyer connections.

8. How Many Buyers Are You Currently Working With?

The more active buyers an agent is in contact with, the better your odds of selling quickly and at a favorable price. A well-connected agent might even create a competitive bidding environment. Ask how they attract and manage buyers.

9. Can You Provide References From Past Clients?

Any reputable agent should have a list of satisfied clients willing to share their experiences. Ask for the list and contact a few names at random to get honest feedback.

10. What If I’m Not Satisfied With Your Service? Can I Cancel the Listing Contract?

Be cautious of agents who tie you into long-term contracts that only benefit them. Some listing agreements include penalty clauses and extended protection periods even if you're unhappy. Ask whether you can cancel the contract without penalties if they fail to deliver on their promises.

Conclusion:
Evaluate each agent’s responses carefully and objectively. The answers to these 10 questions will help you identify the professional who is best equipped to represent your interests and guide you through a successful transaction.