What questions should I ask an agent before hiring?
Hire the Right Agent: 10 Questions That Reveal If They’ll Deliver
Working with agents can cost you thousands. Ask the wrong questions and you pay for it. Ask these, and you’ll hire someone who gets results.
Why asking smart questions matters
You’re hiring performance, not promises. The right questions separate talk from action. Use them to assess experience, strategy, communication, and integrity. These are the agent selection tips top sellers use.
Top questions to ask agents before hiring
Use this checklist when interviewing candidates. These are the exact questions to ask agents that reveal competence fast.
- What’s your recent local track record? (sales in last 12 months, list vs. sold price)
- How will you price my property and back it with data? (ask for CMA or comparable sales)
- What’s your marketing plan for my property? (online, print, staging, photography)
- How do you qualify buyers and show the property? (vetting, open houses, private tours)
- Who’s on your team and what do they do? (assistant, transaction coordinator)
- How often and by what method will you communicate? (calls, email, text, frequency)
- What are your fees and any extra costs I should expect? (commission split, admin fees)
- How do you handle multiple offers and bidding strategies? (tactics, transparency)
- Can you provide client references I can call? (recent seller and buyer references)
- What’s your negotiation style and recent win examples? (specific outcomes)
How to evaluate answers fast
Look for specifics. Numbers, examples, names and timelines beat vague claims. If they dodge data or refuse references, that’s a red flag. Good answers include:
- Clear metrics (days on market, list/sell ratio)
- A documented marketing plan with budget
- Real references you can call
- Evidence of negotiation wins
Red flags to watch for
- No local sales in the past year
- Refuses to put strategy in writing
- Avoids giving references or contact info
- Promises unrealistic timelines without data
Quick hiring checklist
- Verify license and local sales history
- Get marketing plan in writing
- Agree on communication cadence and fee structure
- Ask for a signed agreement with clear exit terms
Final step: make the decision
Hiring an agent is a business transaction. Choose the one who proves performance, communicates clearly, and stands behind a plan.
Want proven local expertise? Tony Sousa is a top local realtor who uses data-driven pricing, aggressive marketing, and clear communication. Get a no-nonsense consult and a customized plan.
Contact Tony Sousa: tony@sousasells.ca | 416-477-2620 | https://www.sousasells.ca
Call to action: Book a 15-minute strategy call. Ask the 10 questions above during the call and get a written action plan for your sale.
