10 Critical Questions to Ask Your Real Estate Agent Before Hiring Them

Introduction: Due Diligence Pays Off

In a complex and high-cost market like Los Angeles, your agent’s local expertise is your biggest asset. Asking the right questions during the interview ensures you hire a strategic partner who understands your goals, navigates multiple-offer situations, and communicates effectively—not just a tour guide.

The 10 Critical Interview Questions

1. How many transactions have you closed in [Target Neighborhood, e.g., Silver Lake] in the last 12 months?
   (Measures true local expertise and familiarity with your specific area, beyond general LA experience.)

2. What is your average list-to-sale price ratio for sellers? For buyers, what percentage of your offers are accepted?
   (Evaluates your potential agent’s pricing accuracy and negotiation effectiveness.)

3. Walk me through your strategy for handling a multiple-offer scenario—either as a buyer or a seller’s agent.
   (Tests their approach to LA’s competitive bidding wars and how they secure the best deal.)

4. What is your standard communication method and expected response time on weekends and evenings?
   (Sets clear expectations about availability and how responsive they will be during critical moments.)

5. Can you share two references from clients you’ve represented in a closing within the past 6 months?
   (Requests proof of recent success and client satisfaction.)

6. What specialized reports or market data do you provide that are unique to your service?
   (Identifies value-added tools like proprietary neighborhood analytics, price trend reports, or buyer/seller counseling.)

7. What is the average days on market (DOM) for your listings compared to the LA County average?
   (Indicates their effectiveness in pricing and marketing properties to sell quickly.)

8. How do you handle potential conflicts of interest, such as representing both the buyer and the seller (Dual Agency)?
   (Tests ethics, transparency, and how they protect your interests in complex transactions.)

9. What are the three most significant differences between buying a condo vs. a single-family home in the LA market right now?
   (Checks their current, hyper-local understanding of market nuances by property type.)

10. What is the biggest challenge facing buyers or sellers in today’s specific market, and how do you mitigate that risk for me?
    (Assesses their ability to analyze market trends like rising interest rates or low inventory and develop strategies accordingly.)

Hiring a knowledgeable, communicative, and strategic real estate agent is your best move in Los Angeles’s competitive market. Use these questions to vet candidates thoroughly and choose the partner who will best advocate for your real estate goals.