10 Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Real Estate Agent

Interviewing a real estate agent is one of the most important steps you will take when buying or selling a home. The questions you ask and the answers you receive will tell you a great deal about whether the agent is the right fit for your needs, your goals, and your personality.

In this guide, I have compiled the 10 most important questions to ask before hiring a real estate agent in South Jersey. For each question, I explain why it matters and what to listen for in the answer.

Question 1: How Long Have You Been in Real Estate and How Many Homes Have You Sold?

This is the most straightforward question, but it reveals a lot about the agent's experience level. Experience matters in real estate. An agent who has been through multiple market cycles has seen boom times, slow markets, and everything in between. They have handled the unexpected situations that only come with experience.

What to listen for: Look for an agent who has been in the business for at least three to five years, though more is generally better. But years alone are not enough. An agent who has been in the business for 10 years but only sells 5 homes a year may have less relevant experience than an agent who has been in the business for 3 years and sells 30 homes annually.

Ask about the number of transactions they have closed, not just the dollar volume. A high transaction count indicates they have handled a wide variety of situations and know how to navigate the process efficiently.

Question 2: What Towns and Neighborhoods Do You Specialize In?

Real estate is hyperlocal. An agent who is a top producer in Cherry Hill may not know the nuances of the Moorestown market. Each town in South Jersey has its own price trends, school districts, property tax rates, and community dynamics.

What to listen for: The agent should be able to speak knowledgeably about the specific towns you are interested in. They should know the school districts, the popular neighborhoods, the typical price ranges, and the current market conditions. They should be able to answer questions like "How does the market in Medford differ from Mount Laurel?" or "What is the average days on market in Haddonfield right now?"

If an agent says "I work everywhere in South Jersey" without being able to drill down into specifics, they may not have the deep local knowledge you need.

Question 3: How Will You Communicate With Me During the Process?

Communication is one of the most common sources of frustration in real estate transactions. Clients want to know what is happening, and they want to hear it from their agent, not from the title company or the other agent.

What to listen for: The agent should have a clear communication plan. How often will they update you? By what method (phone, email, text)? Will you have direct access to them, or will you work with a team member? What is their typical response time for emails and calls?

The best agents set expectations upfront and then consistently meet or exceed them. If an agent is vague about communication or says "I will be in touch when there is news," that may not be enough for most clients.

Question 4: Can You Provide References From Recent Clients?

Past client references are one of the best ways to evaluate an agent. A confident agent will be happy to provide references. An agent who hesitates or makes excuses may have something to hide.

What to listen for: Ask for references from clients who had a similar situation to yours. If you are a first-time buyer, ask for references from other first-time buyers. If you are selling a luxury property, ask for references from sellers of similar homes.

When you speak with references, ask specific questions: Did the agent communicate well? Did they handle negotiations effectively? Were there any surprises? Would you work with them again?

Question 5: What Is Your Marketing Strategy for My Home? (For Sellers)

If you are selling, the agent's marketing plan is critical. How will they attract buyers to your home? What makes their approach different from other agents?

What to listen for: A good marketing plan includes professional photography, videography, virtual tours, MLS listing, syndication to major real estate websites, social media promotion, open houses, and targeted advertising. The agent should also have a plan for reaching out to their network of other agents and potential buyers.

Beware of agents who say "I will put it in the MLS and it will sell itself." In today's market, effective marketing requires more than just a listing. The agent should also explain their pricing strategy and how they determine the right list price.

Question 6: How Will You Help Me Find the Right Home? (For Buyers)

For buyers, understanding how an agent will help you find the right home is essential. Some agents simply send you automated listings from the MLS. Others take a more personalized approach.

What to listen for: The agent should ask about your needs, preferences, budget, and timeline before sending you listings. They should be proactive about finding homes that match your criteria, not just sending you everything that hits the market.

A good buyer's agent will also help you evaluate properties objectively, pointing out potential issues you might miss and helping you think through the long-term implications of your decision. They should also have a clear process for making offers, including how they will help you determine the right offer price and terms.

Question 7: How Do You Handle Multiple Offers or Bidding Wars?

In competitive markets, multiple offers are common. How an agent handles this situation can make a significant difference in the outcome.

What to listen for: For sellers, the agent should explain how they will present multiple offers, how they will advise you on evaluating terms versus price, and how they will keep the process fair and transparent. For buyers, the agent should explain their strategy for writing competitive offers without overpaying.

Look for an agent who has experience with multiple-offer situations and can provide specific examples of how they have navigated them successfully.

Question 8: What Is Your Commission and What Services Does It Include?

Compensation is an important topic, and it should be discussed openly and transparently. The commission covers the agent's services, and you should understand exactly what those services are.

What to listen for: The agent should clearly explain their commission structure and what is included. They should also be willing to discuss how the commission is paid and who is responsible for what.

Remember that the lowest commission does not always represent the best value. Consider the full scope of services being offered, the agent's experience, and their track record when evaluating commission proposals.

Question 9: Will You Be the Person Working With Me?

Some agents work in teams, and the person you interview may not be the person who handles your day-to-day needs. It is important to know who will be your primary point of contact.

What to listen for: Be clear about the agent's availability and who will handle different aspects of the transaction. If you are working with a team, meet the other team members and understand their roles. If you are working directly with the agent, confirm their availability and how they handle vacations or busy periods.

There is nothing wrong with team-based service, as long as you know what to expect. But if you are expecting to work directly with the agent you interviewed, make sure that is what will happen.

Question 10: What Sets You Apart From Other Agents?

This is your chance to hear the agent's unique value proposition. Every agent should be able to articulate what makes them different and why you should choose them.

What to listen for: Look for specific, concrete answers. A good agent might talk about their local market expertise, their negotiation skills, their technology tools, their network of professionals, their client reviews, or their unique marketing approach.

Beware of generic answers like "I work hard" or "I care about my clients." These are table stakes, not differentiators. You want to hear what specifically makes this agent the best choice for your situation.

Bonus Questions to Ask

If you have time, consider these additional questions:

• What is your approach to negotiations? Can you walk me through a recent negotiation you handled?
• Do you have experience with the specific type of property I am buying or selling (e.g., historic homes, new construction, condos, luxury estates)?
• What professional designations or certifications do you hold?
• How do you stay current with market trends and changes in real estate law?
• Can you explain the current market conditions in the areas I am interested in?
• What do your past clients say about working with you?

How to Evaluate the Answers

After your interviews, take some time to evaluate each agent objectively. Here is a simple framework:

• Knowledge: Did they demonstrate deep knowledge of the local market and the specific towns you are interested in?
• Experience: Do they have a track record of successful transactions in situations similar to yours?
• Communication: Did they respond promptly to your initial inquiry? Did they communicate clearly and professionally during the interview?
• Compatibility: Did you feel comfortable asking questions? Did they listen to your concerns and answer them thoughtfully?
• Trust: Did you feel that they were honest and transparent, even when the answer might not be what you wanted to hear?

Trust your instincts, but verify with data. An agent who looks great on paper but feels off during the interview is probably not the right fit. Conversely, an agent who feels like a natural partner but has limited experience may not be able to handle complex situations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Ready to Ask These Questions?

The right agent will welcome your questions and answer them thoroughly. They will not pressure you to sign an agreement on the spot, and they will give you the space you need to make an informed decision.

I have been in your shoes. I know that choosing the right agent is a big decision. If you would like to have a conversation about how I can help you with your real estate needs in South Jersey, I would be honored to answer any of these questions and more.