Questions to Ask a Realtor Before You Hire

Short answer: Interview at least two or three realtors before you sign anything, and ask each one the same questions about their marketing, their technology, how they communicate, what their fee covers and what the contract says. Agents in BC are not all the same, and they don’t all do the same things for you. A 30-minute conversation is the easiest way to find out exactly what you’re paying for.

I’ve been a licensed REALTOR in Vernon since 2022, and before that I spent roughly 40 years working in technology. One thing I’ve learned on both sides: people rarely regret asking too many questions. They regret the ones they didn’t ask.

Here’s the list I’d use if I were hiring an agent myself.

Why should you interview more than one realtor?

Every agent runs their business differently. Some rely mostly on the MLS and a sign on the lawn. Others build video tours, run targeted online ads, write neighbourhood pages that show up in Google, and answer questions around the clock. Their fees and contract terms can differ too, because in BC commissions are negotiable and are not set by the regulator. The BC Financial Services Authority (BCFSA) says any commission amount can be negotiated between you, your agent and the brokerage.

If you already have an agent under a signed listing or buyer agency agreement, this isn’t about walking away from it. Read your agreement, honour it, and keep these questions for when it comes up for renewal or expires. You’re always free to ask your current agent any of them.

What should you ask about experience and licensing?

Are you licensed in BC, and can I look you up? Any licensee should be listed on the BCFSA Find a Professional register, which shows licence details and any recent discipline history.
How well do you know my part of Vernon? Ask for specifics: the neighbourhood, the school catchment, what’s sold nearby. My Vernon and Coldstream neighbourhoods guide is an example of the local detail you should expect an agent to have at their fingertips.
Will you personally handle my file, or will I be passed to a team member? Neither is wrong, but you should know who you’ll actually be dealing with.

What should you ask about marketing?

Walk me through your marketing plan for my home. Ask to see a real example, not a brochure. Photos, video, floor plans, online ads, social media, email and open houses should all come up.
Do you make video, and where does it go? YouTube, Instagram, Facebook and listing sites all work differently. I post on my YouTube channel, @ChaletSean, so ask to see an agent’s channel or recent listing videos.
How will buyers find my home on Google? An agent with local pages that already rank (neighbourhood pages, school catchment pages, building pages) can put your listing in front of people searching for exactly that area. See what a 2026 home marketing plan should include for a full checklist.
Do you use AI tools, and how? Good answers include writing first drafts of descriptions, analysing market data, or running a 24/7 info line. BCFSA’s artificial intelligence guideline expects agents to review AI output, protect your privacy, and tell people when AI is being used. Ask how they handle that.

What should you ask about pricing and strategy?

How did you arrive at your suggested price? You want a clear explanation using recent comparable sales, not just a number that sounds nice.
What happens if we don’t get the activity we expect in the first few weeks? A good agent has a plan for reviewing feedback and adjusting.
How do you handle multiple offers, or no offers? Their answer tells you a lot about their negotiating style.

What should you ask about communication?

How and how often will you update me? Text, email, calls, a weekly report. Get specific.
How fast do you respond to buyer enquiries, including evenings and weekends? Buyers often browse at night. I use an AI info line, Sarah (604-227-4810), so callers can get basic property and area information any time, and I follow up personally.

What should you ask about fees and the contract?

What is your commission, and exactly what does it cover? Ask for a list. Photography, video, staging advice, advertising spend, signage. See what your realtor’s commission actually pays for.
How long is the agreement, and what happens if either of us wants to end it early? BCFSA’s guide to understanding your listing agreement suggests checking the start and expiry dates, when commission is payable, and the exit terms.
Is there any situation where I’d owe commission even if my home doesn’t sell, or after the agreement ends? Some agreements include clauses like this. You want to know before you sign, not after.

What should you listen for in the answers?

Specifics. “I’ll put it on the MLS and do an open house” is a very different answer from “Here’s the video I shot last month, here’s the neighbourhood page it ran on, and here’s how many people watched it.” Look for an agent who shows you work, explains the reasoning, and is comfortable with your questions.

Also listen for red flags: promises that your home will sell for a specific price or within a certain number of days (nobody can promise that), pressure to sign on the spot, or vague answers about fees.

What paperwork will you see?

Before an agent can provide services to you as a client in BC, you’ll both sign a Disclosure of Representation in Trading Services form. BCFSA’s consumer guide to disclosures explains that this form sets out the duties the agent owes you. Read it, and ask about anything that isn’t clear. If you’re unsure about a contract term, it’s worth getting a lawyer or notary to look at it before you sign.

A simple way to compare agents

After your interviews, jot down each agent’s answers side by side: marketing plan, tech and video, local knowledge, communication, fee and what it includes, contract length and exit terms. The right choice is usually obvious once it’s written down.

If you’re selling, my selling your home page walks through how I work. If you’re buying, start with buying a home. And if you’d like to interview me, bring this list. I’m happy to answer every question on it.

Frequently asked questions

How many realtors should I interview before listing my home?

Two or three is usually enough to compare marketing plans, communication styles and fees without it becoming a chore.

Is it rude to interview several agents?

Not at all. Professional agents expect it. It’s your home and your money, so comparing options is sensible.

Can I negotiate a realtor’s commission in BC?

Yes. BCFSA says commissions are negotiable between you, the agent and the brokerage, and they are not set by the regulator.

I already signed with an agent. Can I still ask these questions?

Yes, you can always ask your own agent questions. If you’re thinking about a change, read your agreement first and plan any interviews for when it’s up for renewal or has expired. A lawyer can explain your obligations.

More Vernon guides

Questions about buying or selling in Vernon?

I’m Sean Phillips, a REALTOR® with Coldwell Banker Executives Realty in Vernon, BC. I live in Okanagan Landing, and I help buyers and sellers across Vernon, Coldstream, SilverStar and the North Okanagan.

Text or call Sean: 778-363-0542
Call or text Sarah, my 24/7 info line: 604-227-4810

This article is general information as of fall 2026, not legal, tax or financial advice. Rules, fees and conditions change, so confirm details with the appropriate professional or authority before making a decision.

Featured photo by Saurav Thapa Shrestha on Unsplash.

How to Interview a Realtor: 15 Questions to Ask Before You Hire