Should I Interview More Than One Realtor?

Short answer: Yes. Interview two or three agents before you sign a listing or buyer agency agreement, and again before you renew one. Agents differ a lot in how they market, communicate and use technology, and in what their fee includes. If you already have an agent, honour your agreement, read it carefully, and use its renewal or expiry date as your natural checkpoint. You’re always free to ask your current agent questions.

A lot of people hire the first agent they meet: a friend of a friend, the name on a sign, someone they worked with years ago. That can work out fine. But it means you never see what else is on offer, and in 2026 the range between agents is wider than it’s ever been.

Why are agents so different from one another?

Every licensee in BC has to meet the same licensing and conduct standards set by the BC Financial Services Authority (BCFSA). Beyond that, each agent chooses how to run their business. Differences show up in:

Marketing: photos only, or photos plus video, floor plans, targeted ads and social media
Online reach: whether the agent has local web pages that already rank in Google for your neighbourhood or school catchment
Technology: whether they use AI tools for research and faster responses, and how carefully
Availability: business hours only, or some form of 24/7 information for buyers
Fees and terms: in BC, commissions are negotiable and aren’t set by BCFSA, so what you pay and what’s included can vary

The only way to see those differences is to sit down with more than one agent. I explain the gap in methods in old-school vs modern realtor.

When is the right time to interview agents?

Before you sign anything. This is the easiest time. You have no obligations yet. Meet a few agents, ask each the same questions, and compare.

Before you renew. Listing agreements and buyer agency agreements have an expiry date. BCFSA’s guide to understanding your listing agreement suggests checking the start and end dates, when commission is payable and what happens if either side wants to end early. If your agent asks you to extend, that’s a reasonable moment to pause and compare.

After an agreement expires. Once it has ended, you’re free to choose again. Before you do, check your agreement for any clause that could still apply after the expiry date, for example if you sell to a buyer who was introduced during the listing period. If your listing expired without selling, my post on what to do after an expired listing goes through next steps.

“Even if you have one”: what does that mean?

It does not mean breaking or ignoring an agreement you’ve signed. Your contract binds you and the brokerage, and it’s there for good reasons on both sides.

It means three practical things:

Read your agreement now. Know the expiry date, the commission terms and any clauses about ending early or paying commission after it ends. BCFSA’s page on understanding your buyer’s agency agreement covers the same points for buyers.
Talk to your current agent. Ask for the marketing you’d like to see: video, online ads, a stronger web presence, more frequent updates. Often the best outcome is simply a better conversation with the agent you already have.
Plan ahead for renewal or expiry. If you still have concerns, line up interviews with other agents for when your agreement is up, so you’re ready to make an informed choice.

If you’re not sure what your agreement allows, have a lawyer or notary review it. I’m not able to give legal advice about another brokerage’s contract, and I won’t encourage anyone to break one.

What should you ask in an interview?

My full list is in how to interview a realtor: 15 questions to ask. The most revealing ones are:

Show me a recent listing video and where it was published.
Which local search terms or neighbourhood pages do you rank for?
How do you use AI, and how do you protect my information?
What’s your commission, and what exactly does it include?
How long is the agreement, and what are the exit terms?

Why does this make a difference to your bottom line?

Nobody can promise a price or a sale date. What an agent controls is how widely your home is marketed, how well it’s presented, how quickly buyer enquiries get answered and how well your offer is negotiated. Those things can help attract more qualified buyers, and they can help limit the time you spend carrying costs on a home you’re trying to sell.

For buyers, a well-prepared agent can help you spot the right home sooner, understand a neighbourhood or school catchment, and write a stronger offer. My buying a home page covers how I work with buyers.

What paperwork protects you?

Before an agent can work for you as a client in BC, you’ll both sign a Disclosure of Representation in Trading Services form, which sets out the duties they owe you. You can also check any agent’s licence and recent discipline history on the BCFSA Find a Professional register. It takes a minute and it’s worth doing for every agent you interview.

Ready to compare?

If you’re planning to sell or buy in Vernon, Coldstream or the North Okanagan, I’m happy to be one of the agents you interview. Ask me anything on the list. You can see how I market homes on my selling your home page, or call Sarah, my 24/7 AI info line, at 604-227-4810 for quick answers any time.

Frequently asked questions

Should I interview more than one realtor?

Yes. Two or three interviews let you compare marketing, technology, communication and fees before you commit.

Can I interview new agents while my listing is still active?

Honour your current agreement and read it first. The sensible time to compare agents is when it’s up for renewal or has expired. If you’re unsure of your obligations, ask a lawyer.

What if I’m unhappy with my current agent?

Start by talking to them directly and, if needed, their managing broker. Review your agreement’s terms for ending early, and get legal advice before taking any step.

Will my agent be offended if I ask questions?

A good agent welcomes questions. You’re paying for a professional service, and you’re entitled to understand it.

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 Cytonn Photography on Unsplash.

Why You Should Interview Agents Before You Sign or Renew (Even If You Have One)