What Questions Should You Ask a Real Estate Agent Before Hiring One?

What questions should you ask a real estate agent?

Ask about recent local results, how they price homes, how they communicate, what they charge and why, and what their plan is for your specific goals. For sellers, add questions about preparation, marketing, and your estimated net. For buyers, ask about how they find homes, write offers, and negotiate repairs. In Orange County, where pricing has shifted this year, an agent's grasp of current comps and days on market matters more than ever.

By Reza Lashkari | November 04, 2026 | 4 Minute Read

This was on the list of questions buyers and sellers are asking online. Here's what I'd ask if I were hiring an agent.

What Should You Evaluate?

Questions for Any Agent

1. How many homes have you sold in this area in the last year? Local experience means better pricing and fewer surprises.
2. How do you decide on price? Look for a clear answer based on recent sales, condition, and days on market.
3. How will we communicate? Ask about response times and how often you'll get updates.
4. Who else will I work with? Team members, transaction coordinators, and vendors.
5. What do you charge, and what's included? Commissions are negotiable and should be clear in writing.
6. How long is the agreement, and can I cancel? Know your exit options.

Extra Questions for Sellers

1. What will I net? A good agent shows you a detailed net sheet. Here's what it costs to sell a home in Orange County.
2. What should I fix, and what should I skip? Look for a practical plan, not a remodel. See whether renovating before selling is worth it.
3. How will you market the home? Photos, video, staging, online exposure, and showings.
4. What happens if it doesn't sell in 30 days? A real plan beats hope.

Extra Questions for Buyers

• How do you find homes before they hit the portals?
• How do you decide what to offer?
• How do you handle inspection repair requests?
• How is your compensation handled? Since 2024, buyers sign a written agreement with their agent before touring. Ask how commission works and whether sellers are offering anything toward it.
• Can you help me buy before I sell?

What Are the Red Flags?

• They suggest a list price far above recent sales just to win your listing.
• They can't explain their pricing.
• They're slow to respond during the interview.
• They pressure you to sign a long agreement right away.

What Should a Seller's Listing Plan Include?

When you interview agents to sell, ask each one for a written plan. A strong plan covers:

• Pricing: three to six comps, adjusted, with a recommended list price and the reasoning.
• Preparation: a short list of repairs and updates, with cost estimates.
• Marketing: photography, video, floor plans, staging, signage, and online exposure.
• Launch: timing, first-weekend open houses, and showing access.
• Offer strategy: how offers will be reviewed and compared.
• Your net sheet: what you'd walk away with at different prices.

If an agent can't show you a plan, that's a sign of how the listing will go.

What Should a Buyer's Agent Plan Include?

Buyers should expect:

• A clear search strategy, including homes coming soon
• Help with pre-approval and lender selection
• A pricing approach for offers based on comps
• An inspection plan and contractor referrals
• Negotiation strategy for repairs and credits
• Guidance on contingencies and deadlines

How Do You Check an Agent's Track Record?

• Look up their license on the California Department of Real Estate website.
• Read reviews on Google and real estate sites.
• Ask for references from recent clients.
• Review their recent sales in your area and price range.

What Should You Ask About Communication and Availability?

Ask how quickly they typically return calls and texts, who covers when they're unavailable, and how they'll update you during escrow. During an escrow, deadlines move fast. You want an agent who responds the same day.

A good interview gives you a clear picture of how the agent thinks, works, and protects your interests. That's worth far more than a polished presentation.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many agents should I interview?

Two or three is usually enough to compare pricing, plans, and fit.

Is the highest list price suggestion the best agent?

No. Overpricing often leads to longer market time and price cuts. Ask each agent to show the comps behind the number.

Are real estate commissions negotiable in California?

Yes. Commissions are always negotiable and should be spelled out in your listing or buyer agreement.

What experience should a good agent have?

Recent sales in your area and price range, plus a clear process for pricing, marketing, and negotiating.

Do I need to sign a buyer agreement?

Yes. Under current rules, buyers sign a written agreement before touring homes with an agent. Read the terms and length before signing.

Ready to Interview Me?

I'm happy to answer every one of these questions with real numbers from your neighborhood. If you're selling and buying at the same time, our Door to Door Program lets you make your next offer as a true cash buyer.

About Reza Lashkari

Reza Lashkari is the Team Leader of L&L Homes Team at Real Broker, with 13+ years of experience helping buyers and sellers across Orange County. A Mission Viejo resident and longtime local youth sports coach, Reza guides families through every step of buying, selling, and relocating — whether they're moving up, downsizing, or moving across the country. CA DRE #02195314.

CA DRE #02195314 | Broker DRE #02022092 | 949-826-8100 | reza@llhomesteam.com

This article is for general information only and is not legal, tax, insurance, or financial advice. Rates, limits, fees, tax rules, and program eligibility change frequently and vary by situation. Figures above are illustrations, not quotes. Consult your lender, insurance agent, tax professional, or attorney about your situation. Reza Lashkari, CA DRE #02195314, L&L Homes Team at Real Broker (Broker DRE #02022092). Equal Housing Opportunity.