What to Ask When Interviewing a Realtor

Choosing the right realtor can make the difference between a stressful home-buying experience and a smooth, successful transaction. With so much at stake in what’s likely your largest financial investment, it’s important to interview potential realtors thoroughly before making your decision about who to work with.

Properties in and around Victoria can clock in at well above a million dollars. That’s a lot of money riding on the success of your realtor and the success of working together. Interviewing a realtor is like hiring for any other important position – because that’s exactly what you’re doing. You’re hiring a professional to guide you through one of life’s most significant transactions. They’re your expert. Your sherpa. Your ally. Here’s what you need to know to make the right choice:

Experience and Track Record

Start with the fundamentals. Ask about their experience in your specific market and price range. A realtor who primarily works with luxury properties might not be the best fit if you’re looking at starter homes, and vice versa. Request specific numbers: How many transactions have they completed in the past year? What’s their average time on market compared to local averages?

Don’t just accept vague answers. Consider a vague answer to be red flag. A confident, successful realtor will have these statistics readily available and be proud to share them. They should also be able to provide references from recent clients who had similar needs to yours. They should be able to provide more than one reference. For that matter, check their Google Business profile. It’s an open venue. It may be the only place a disaffected former client can voice something of concern.

Market Knowledge and Strategy

Your realtor should demonstrate deep knowledge of the local market. They should be able to discuss recent comparable sales, neighborhood trends, and upcoming developments that might affect property values. Ask them to walk you through their strategy for finding properties that match your criteria and their approach to making competitive offers in your market.

A knowledgeable realtor will also help you understand the true cost of homeownership beyond the purchase price, including property taxes, HOA fees, insurance costs, and potential maintenance expenses specific to different neighborhoods or property types.

Communication Style and Availability

Real estate moves fast, especially in competitive markets. Discuss communication expectations upfront. How quickly do they typically respond to calls and emails? What’s their preferred method of communication? How will they keep you updated on new listings and market changes?

You want someone who matches your communication style and urgency level. If you prefer text updates and they’re strictly phone calls, or if you need quick responses but they’re slow to reply, you’ll likely face frustration throughout the process. If possible, work with emails and texts as much as possible. If something goes sideways, you need a paper trail for the sake of accountability.

Technology and Marketing Approach

In today’s market, technology plays a crucial role in both finding properties and marketing them effectively. Ask about the tools and platforms they use to search for properties, schedule showings, and manage the buying process. Do they have access to off-market properties or pocket listings?

While you’re primarily buying, understanding their marketing approach gives insight into their overall professionalism and network. Realtors with strong marketing skills often have better relationships with other agents, which can benefit you in negotiations.

Negotiation Philosophy and Skills

Every realtor claims to be a skilled negotiator, but ask for specific examples. How do they approach multiple offer situations? What strategies do they use to make your offer stand out without necessarily being the highest? How do they handle inspection negotiations and repair requests?

Request examples of challenging deals they’ve closed and how they navigated obstacles. The best realtors can share stories that demonstrate creative problem-solving and advocacy for their clients’ interests.

Network and Professional Relationships

Real estate transactions involve many professionals beyond the realtor: lenders, inspectors, appraisers, contractors, and attorneys. A well-connected realtor can recommend trusted professionals and often help coordinate schedules and resolve issues more efficiently.

Ask about their professional network and how they’ve leveraged these relationships to benefit past clients. Do they have preferred vendors, and are they willing to work with professionals you choose yourself?

Fees and Contract Terms

Understand exactly what services are included and how compensation works. While buyer’s agents are typically paid by the seller, recent industry changes mean this isn’t always guaranteed. Discuss any potential costs you might incur and under what circumstances. There may be fees required for inspections, promotions and other services. Get those details from your realtor and understand who bears those costs.

Review the buyer’s agency agreement carefully. What are your obligations, and what are theirs? Under what conditions can either party terminate the agreement? Make sure you’re comfortable with the terms before signing.

Personality and Working Style

Beyond qualifications, consider whether you actually want to spend time with this person. You’ll likely be in close contact for weeks or months, often in stressful situations. Do they listen well? Do they seem to understand your priorities and concerns? Are they patient with questions or pushy to close deals quickly?

Trust your instincts about personality fit. Technical competence matters, but so does having an advocate who genuinely has your best interests at heart and communicates in a way that makes you feel confident and informed.

Red Flags to Watch For

Be wary of realtors who seem too eager to get you under contract quickly, can’t provide specific market data, or make unrealistic promises about what they can achieve. Avoid anyone who pressures you to work with their preferred lender without allowing you to shop around, or who seems more interested in closing any deal rather than finding the right home for you.

Professional realtors will encourage you to interview multiple agents and won’t be offended by thorough questions. If someone seems defensive about providing information or references, consider that a warning sign.

Making Your Decision

After interviewing several candidates, compare their responses systematically. Consider their experience, market knowledge, communication style, and your comfort level with each. The lowest commission isn’t always the best value if it comes with reduced service or expertise.

Remember that buying a home is both a significant financial transaction and a personal journey. Choose the realtor who demonstrates both the professional competence to protect your interests and the personal qualities that make you feel confident and supported throughout the process.

The right realtor becomes your advocate, advisor, and guide through what can be a complex and emotional process. Take the time to choose wisely – it’s an investment that will pay dividends throughout your home-buying journey and potentially for years to come.