7 Interview Questions That Expose a Mediocre Realtor

Choosing the right agent matters. Online, everyone looks like a top producer, so your edge is asking sharp questions and knowing the answers a pro should give. Use this list to separate seasoned operators from the rest.

1) Multiple offers strategy

Ask: “What is your plan in a multiple counter situation?”

Pro answer: Compare more than price. Bring net sheets for each offer and weigh financing strength, lender quality, down payment, credits requested, escrow length, contingencies, and likelihood of a smooth close.

Red flag: “We’ll just pick the highest number.”

2) What do you negotiate besides price

Ask: “Other than price, what do you negotiate up front?”

Pro answer: Appraisal terms, repair scope or credits, rent-back, closing timeline, seller costs and concessions, contingency durations, and any as-is language for big ticket items.

Red flag: Vague answers like “it depends.”

3) Your marketing bench

Ask: “Name your photographer and stager.”

Pro answer: Specific partners, multiple options by style and price, recent examples of work, and a clear plan to present the home in its best light.

Red flag: No names, no portfolio, no staging plan.

4) Buyer psychology

Ask: “What are buyers looking for right now?”

Pro answer: An agent who understands that buyers choose with emotion, then justify with logic. They should tailor showings and copy to create emotional attachment, not just recite feature lists.

Red flag: “Bedrooms, a pool, it depends.”

5) Follow-up cadence

Ask: “How often do you follow up with the buyer’s agent, lender, title, and escrow?”

Pro answer: Minimum weekly with all parties, often multiple times per week with lenders and buyer’s agents, and proactive updates to you.

Red flag: “As needed.”

6) Recent deal flow

Ask: “How many transactions did you close in the last year?”

Pro answer: At least 12 recent closings, and they can be verified.

Red flag: Dodging the question or quoting ancient wins.

7) If it does not sell in 30 days

Ask: “What happens if we are not in escrow by day 30?”

Pro answer: Decisions tied to local average days on market by price tier, plus a pre-agreed strategy written into the listing: pricing position, timing of any adjustment, and the marketing moves for each milestone.

Red flag: “We just drop the price.”

Pro tip

Hand this list to every agent you interview and compare answers side by side. A true pro will be ready, specific, and steady under pressure.