Savvy buyers and sellers know that it’s essential to interview a real estate agent before choosing the right one. The process isn’t that different from a job interview, in that both parties are figuring out if their a good fit.
Here’s how you can ace a real estate interview–and make sure that you end up with clients you can actually help.
Prepare for Their Questions
A quick search for “real estate agent interview questions” brings up dozens of articles. These are directed at buyers and sellers in search of representation, so it’s a good bet that you’ll be asked at least a few of these common questions from buyers, sellers, or both.
Straightforward Questions
- How long have you been in real estate?
- Is this your full-time job?
- Are you a member of the National Association of Realtors?
- Do you work alone or with a team? What kind of support can you/your team offer throughout the process?
- How does this work? Can you walk me through the process?
Attention to Detail
- How many homes did you sell last year? How many sales did you close for buyers?
- What’s your ratio between the listing price and the final sale price?
- How long does it typically take for you to sell a house? How long does it typically take to find and buy a home?
- What number of clients are you currently representing? How can I be sure I won’t get lost in the shuffle?
Your Niche
- How many properties have you sold in my neighborhood?
- What’s the average price of the properties you work with?
- Have you worked with clients who [insert special need or concern]?
- How will you decide which properties to show me?
- I’m looking for [specific type of property]–can you help me?
Sales and Marketing
- How will you market my house?
- Are you active on social media?
- What’s involved in setting up an open house?
- How will you stay in touch, and how often should I expect updates?
- What are the selling points of my home? What about the drawbacks or negatives?
References
Just like in a job interview, your interviewer may ask for references. They might ask for names of recent clients, so make sure you have a few names and numbers on hand of people who would be willing to put in a good word for you.
You can also put together a handout of testimonials from happy clients, but be prepared for particularly diligent buyers and sellers to follow up on those recommendations.
Presentation & Packet
A good way to make the real estate interview process easier for everyone is to come prepared with a presentation and some kind of packet with answers to the questions outlined above.
Creating an online portfolio and FAQ on your website can help speed the process along even further, but you can’t go wrong with a few color handouts presented in a nice folder, either!
