9 Questions to Ask When Hiring a Real Estate Professional

Buying or selling a home is one of the most financially significant transactions most people engage in. And taking this step amid an especially competitive real estate market, as we are experiencing now, is no small matter. 

Hiring the right realtor who brings experience, professionalism, and expertise to the table can make a huge difference in your real estate journey. A great realtor makes the process less daunting. But selecting one to work with can be challenging — and there are more Realtors now than ever before. 

At the end of 2021, the National Association of Realtors (NAR) membership reached a new all-time high with more than 1.5 million members, an increase of more than 100,800 over the previous year. With all of these professionals vying for your business, how do you decide which agent is right for you? Taking the time to interview candidates is important. The questions below can help you find the perfect match for your needs.

1. How long have you been in business, and what is your sales volume?

A realtor that’s been in the business for a good amount of time will be able to anticipate problems before they arise and have tried and tested negotiation techniques. As part of this question, ask for sales data to back up the candidate’s recent transactions, and ask them to explain the trends they’re seeing in the market. They will also have established relationships with other real estate professionals. For reference, the median experience of a Realtor® is 8 years.

2. How will you communicate with me, and how often?

It’s important for you and your realtor to be on the same page from the start regarding the type and frequency of their updates. Within reason, your realtor should never be out of touch, especially in a competitive market where waiting even an hour for a response can mean the difference between getting and losing a home. According to NAR, 93% of Realtors® prefer to communicate over text messages. But that might not work for you, so let your realtor know now before an urgent situation arises.

3. Are you a full-time or part-time realtor?

As with many types of jobs, some realtors work in real estate as their full-time career, and some are part-timers. Full-time realtors are more likely to be able to devote more time to work for you than someone who is pursuing real estate on the side. 

4. Do you work with both buyers and sellers?

Many realtors work as either buyer specialists or seller specialists. While it’s great to find someone who specializes, an agent who does both could offer some great insights on either side of the process.

5. Do you work independently or with a team?

Some people think real estate is a solo sport, but many realtors work on a real estate team with other realtors, an administrative assistant, and a team leader—and there are benefits to working with a realtor who’s part of a pack. For example, if your realtor is tied up and you need to see a property ASAP, someone else on the team can step in and show you the home, or handle last-minute problems in lieu of your realtor.

6. What’s the ratio of buyers to sellers that you represent?

There isn’t a magic number to look out for. Getting a feel for the ratio of buyers to sellers will give you some indication of your realtor's area of expertise. If they have a balanced roster of clients, it could mean they are very knowledgeable about both sides of the process.

7. Can I see your real estate license?

There are lots of scams running out there in the world! Always make sure you’re working with a licensed professional that will give you not problems but solutions. 

8. Do you have references I can call?

Be sure you’re vetting your new realtor with the same rigor you would any professional working for you. If they can’t offer you a list of satisfied clients, be careful. Online reviews may be helpful as well and show how a realtor works with people. 

9. How does your commission work?

As with any financial transaction, get a good understanding of how your realtor is compensated before entering into a relationship with them.

Amid a particularly competitive real estate market, it’s more important than ever to have an experienced professional guiding you through the buying or selling process. Take the time to interview prospective realtors or agents and find the best one for you — one who has the expertise, knowledge, and skills to make your experience as smooth and successful as possible.