5 Most Important Questions to Ask a Real Estate Agent

July 1, 2019
By Cody Battershill

5 Must-Ask Questions for a Real Estate Agent

best questions to ask a real estate agent realtor

Are you looking for a real estate agent to help with your next home transaction? If so, you'll want to make sure they are the one for the job. How will you know? A good start is to ask them these five important questions below.

The answers should give you a better understanding of the real estate agent's experience, knowledge and skillset, and help you find an agent who will lead you towards being 100% satisfied with your next transaction(s).

#1 – What experience do you have as a real estate agent?

The first most important question to ask a real estate agent is in regards to their type of experience. Sure, most agents who have been in the industry for 10 years, for example, will have done several deals on a full spectrum of homes.

But what is their niche? Does this real estate agent specialize in multi-family, single-family, commercial, or perhaps a few specific communities in Calgary?

For example, finding an agent that has done several deals in a neighbourhood you want to buy in should be indicative of their knowledge about real estate in that area.

If you are in the market for a new condominium, for example, hiring a condo specialist with lots of experience in negotiating with sales representatives may be in your best interest.

The same goes for an inner city infill. Find an inner city real estate specialist who has done several deals in the community you're considering for the best results.

#2 – Do you have any awards, certifications and designations?

Is the agent you are interviewing have their Realtor license?

Have they been given any accomplishment awards by their real estate organization that would speak to their experience in the local market?

What about any certifications or designations? For example, are they a Sellers Representative Specialist (SRS®), Accredited Buyer’s Representative (ABR®), have ePRO marketing certification or NAR Green Designation?

Have they been on any previous real estate councils or boards?

Previous or current, being a board member speaks volumes about a real estate agent's experience in the industry.

The more courses, awards and experience a real estate agent has under their belt, the more knowledge and tools they will have at their disposal to help you accomplish your real estate goals.

#3 – How many homes have you sold over the past year?

Is the agent you are interviewing up-to-date on current market trends? A proven record of success with lots of transactions over the past several months would suggest they are.

Having many transactions is likely also indicative of a full-time agent who should have more experience than one who works part-time.

Full-time agents also most likely have more tools at their disposal which will work to your benefit as their client.

#4 – How do you plan on marketing my home?

If you are selling, what makes this agent’s marketing plan stand out from the rest? This is a must-know when choosing which real estate agent is right for you.

Will there be open houses or print advertising?

Will the listing be blogged about on their website?

Will there be any ads in magazines for your home?

These are just a few examples of what an agent may do to market your home. Get a full and comprehensive list to ensure you are comfortable with their marketing plan.

#5 – What will you do to make this process easier for me?

Last, but not least when it comes to important questions to ask your real estate agent is this, because your next transaction should be smooth sailing and as stress-free as possible.

Ask an agent what they will do to ensure you are 100% satisfied with your overall transaction, and what actions they will take that go above and beyond the standard call of service to win you over as a client.