Guides · Buying & selling
15 questions to ask before you hire an agent
A short interview list for buyers and sellers, so you can compare agents on facts rather than first impressions.
Experience
Are you licensed in this state, and for how long? Is this your full-time job? How many clients like me did you help last year? Which neighbourhoods do you know best? Can I speak to two recent clients?
How you work
Who will I deal with day to day — you or a team? How fast do you usually reply? How will you keep me updated? Which languages do you speak?
Money and paperwork
What do you charge, and what exactly is included? How long is the agreement, and how can I end it if it isn't working? For sellers: how would you price and market my home? For buyers: how do you find homes before they're widely advertised?
Common questions
- How many agents should I interview?
- Two or three is usually enough to compare experience, approach and fees.
- How do I check an agent's licence?
- Every state's real estate commission has a free online licence lookup.
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General information only, not legal, tax or financial advice. Rules differ by state; check with a licensed professional.