During a home sale or purchase, finding the right real estate agent is crucial. Working with a true professional can lead to a more successful outcome, but many buyers and sellers are unsure about how to find one. Fortunately, the interview process allows potential clients to get to know the agents they’re considering hiring.

If you’re entering the real estate market, try using these interview tips to find a professional who can help you achieve your goals…

How many agents should you interview?

It’s one of the first questions many buyers and sellers ask themselves: how many real estate agents should I interview? While it may be tempting to set a goal before you start the process, there’s no magic number. Between two and six is typical, but every situation is unique.

If you talk to several professionals and none of them meet your expectations, it makes sense to continue your search. Conversely, if you trust the knowledge and experience of the first agent you interview, they may be the best person for the job.

Things to ask about

While it’s important to feel comfortable with the professional you choose, your decision shouldn’t be based on intuition alone. To assess the credibility of an agent, cover these areas during their interview…

Experience

One of the first questions you should ask an agent is how long they’ve been in the business. Generally speaking, the more experience they have, the better equipped they’ll be to handle your buying or selling challenges. To get a more complete idea of an agent’s capabilities, ask how they would handle specific, potentially-relevant scenarios (like how they might advise you in a multiple offer situation).

Track record & training

To determine what an agent is capable of, look at what they’ve accomplished. If you’re selling a home, ask about their price-to-sales ratio (how many homes they’ve sold over asking). Another useful metric for sellers is the average number of days an agent’s listings have sat on the market. Buyers might want to ask how often they’ve successfully negotiated a lower price.

Numbers don’t tell the whole story, so be sure to ask agents how they’ve achieved impressive results. Ask for references—a trustworthy agent will be happy to connect you to past clients.

You may also want to ask interviewees if they have any special training. For example, the skills required to become an Accredited Buyer’s Representative or a Certified Master Negotiator can help agents navigate complex transactions.

Local expertise

Are you still asking yourself, “how many real estate agents should I interview?” If you’ve spoken to professionals who don’t have neighbourhood expertise, keep looking. The professional you choose should know the community where you’re buying or selling—and the local market—intimately. During interviews, ask agents how many years of experience they have in you area.

Availability

Your agent should be your trusted advisor, so you need to be comfortable asking them questions. Ask each interviewee how available they are to their clients—and whether they’re open to being contacted in the ways that are most convenient for you (whether that’s via phone calls, texts, or emails). Remember that a professional who’s friendly and communicative will probably work well with other agents, which can provide you with more favourable results.

Supporting materials

In addition to references, ask for marketing materials. Reviewing an agent’s brochure or listing presentation can help you better understand their approach. If you’re a seller, perusing marketing items created for past clients can also give you a good idea of the quality you can expect.

Many buyers and sellers ask themselves, how many real estate agents should I interview? Answering this question shouldn’t be your biggest concern. Instead, focus on finding an agent with the experience, track record, and local market knowledge to help you achieve your real estate goals.

For over 30 years, our clients have trusted us to minimize risk, offer unbiased opinions, and ensure their best interests are served. Contact us today to talk about your needs, by emailing us at info@christensengroup.ca or calling us at 416-441-2888.