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Real Estate Agent Interview Questions

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Whether you are preparing to interview a candidate or applying for a job, review our list of top Real Estate Agent interview questions and answers.

  1. How do you build rapport with a new client? See answer
  2. How do you organise your workday as a real estate agent? See answer
  3. How do you prepare a property for an open house viewing? See answer
  4. What are the most critical skills to be a successful real estate agent? See answer
  5. What education or training do you have that qualifies you as a real estate agent? See answer
  6. How do you stay up to date with current trends and best practises? See answer
  7. What are the essential pieces of information for an MLS listing? See answer
  8. Describe a time you had a demanding buyer. See answer
  9. What is the most effective advertising method for private real estate? See answer
  10. What is your experience with commercial real estate? See answer
  11. What process do you follow when first meeting with a buyer? See answer
  12. Describe a time you lost a sale after considerable effort. See answer
  13. What unique qualities would you bring to our real estate team? See answer
  14. In a buyer’s market, how do you ensure the best selling price for your client?
  15. What criteria do you use when assessing a property’s estimated value?
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Hire your next Real Estate Agent today.

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Hire your next Real Estate Agent today.

Post a job
Our mission

Indeed’s Employer Resource Library helps businesses grow and manage their workforce. With over 15,000 articles in 6 languages, we offer tactical advice, how-tos and best practices to help businesses hire and retain great employees.

Read our editorial guidelines

15 Real Estate Agent Interview Questions and Answers

How do you build rapport with a new client?

A real estate agent must quickly build a professional relationship with their clients. The goal of this question is to evaluate the candidate's ability to build rapport and trust with a new client. What to look for in an answer:

  • Interest in connecting on a personal level with clients
  • Communication skills to ask questions and build rapport
  • Interpersonal skills to be relatable and friendly

Example:

"When I first meet with a new client, I allow them to lead the discussion. I ask questions to understand how I can help them, what they're looking for, and their absolute must-haves. By listening to the client, I'm able to build rapport and trust because I understand what they want."

How do you organise your workday as a real estate agent?

A real estate agent typically has a busy daily schedule between meeting with clients, administrative tasks, and property showings. The goal of the question is to evaluate the candidate's approach to organisation and time management. What to look for in an answer:

  • Ability to stay organised with multiple clients and listings
  • Time management skills to be punctual and mindful of other's time
  • Ability to prioritise important tasks, especially those with a deadline

Example:

"I use a paper calendar planner that details everything I've got going on, including deadlines, appointments, and my running to-do list. I always try to book myself enough time to get to my next appointment on time."

How do you prepare a property for an open house viewing?

A real estate agent must have a protocol for best preparing a property for viewing to maximise the selling price. The goal of the question is to determine the candidate's approach to property preparation. What to look for in an answer:

  • Knowledge of open house preparation best practises
  • Interest in wanting to get the best selling price for a seller
  • Communication skills to arrange any preparation required with the sellers

Example:

"I've developed a checklist that I give to my sellers before an open house, so they understand my expectations. I'll usually visit the property a few days before the open house to ensure things are ready. For example, I..."

What are the most critical skills to be a successful real estate agent?

A successful real estate agent has a combination of various critical competencies, such as communication, organisation, and negotiation skills. The goal of the question is to evaluate the candidate's opinion of the essential skills that create success for the position. What to look for in an answer:

  • Awareness of the full scope of duties and responsibilities of the role
  • Interest in continually improving their professional skills
  • Ability to identify the most critical skills for their career

Example:

"In my opinion, the most critical skills for a successful real estate agent include attention to detail, negotiation, and communication skills. Attention to detail is crucial to ensuring everything is accurate on documentation, listings, and correspondence. Negotiation is vital to getting the best price for either the buyer or seller. And..."

What education or training do you have that qualifies you as a real estate agent?

In Canada, a real estate agent must be professionally licenced to work independently. The goal of the question is to determine the candidate's level of training and if they've completed their licensing exam. What to look for in an answer:

  • Awareness of the entyre training and licensing process
  • Interest in completing the licensing programme, if not already complete
  • Desire to take part in ongoing professional development

Example:

"I completed the licensing exam several months ago and recently applied for professional insurance. I'm also a member of an online professional organisation for real estate agents to continue my learning and skills development."

How do you stay up to date with current trends and best practises?

A real estate agent needs to stay current with local trends, economic developments, and industry practises. The goal of the question is to evaluate the candidate's approach to professional development. What to look for in an answer:

  • Interest in taking part in professional development opportunities
  • Ability to stay connected with regional news that may affect the real estate market
  • Ability to implement their knowledge to the benefit of their position

Example:

"To stay current, I became a member in several local real estate networking groups. We meet regularly to discuss trends, best practises, and other news that can impact the market. The groups also offer professional development training and guest speakers."

What are the essential pieces of information for an MLS listing?

A competent real estate agent must understand the critical information needed for a successful MLS, or multiple listing service, used by the entyre real estate industry. The goal of the question is to evaluate the candidate's knowledge of the requirements for an MLS listing. What to look for in an answer:

  • Solid foundational knowledge of using the MLS system effectively
  • Ability to identify other vital pieces of information to include in a successful listing
  • Attention to detail to accurately describe the property

Example:

"I've been listing properties on MLS for several years and understand the necessary requirements to have a listing approved. However, there are also other details I like to include that entice buyers to want to view the property in person, such as..."

In a buyer's market, how do you ensure the best selling price for your client?

A real estate agent represents their client to negotiate the best price and terms. The goal of the question is to evaluate the candidate's ability to negotiate and come to an acceptable selling price. What to look for in an answer:

  • Desire to protect their client's interest in getting the best price
  • Awareness of how the economy shifts the buying and selling prices of real estate
  • Communication and negotiation skills to arrive at an agreeable price

Example:

"In a buyer's market, the buyer has more control to dictate the price they're willing to pay. When I'm representing a seller during this time, I provide reasonable expectations to my client of what the market will likely pay. I also..."

What criteria do you use when assessing a property's estimated value?

While not a formal property assessor, a real estate agent assists their client in determining a selling price for a property. The goal of the question is to evaluate the candidate's approach to assessing property value. What to look for in an answer:

  • Critical thinking and analytical skills to assess all aspects of a property
  • Awareness of other similar properties to evaluate against
  • Understanding of critical features that can increase property value

Example:

"When providing an assessment for property value, I use a form to record all of the property's details. This includes the number of rooms, construction materials, and special features such as a fireplace or walk-out basement. I also ask for a copy of the property taxes. Then I..."

Describe a time you had a demanding buyer.

A real estate agent must work effectively with all types of clients. The goal of the question is to evaluate the candidate's ability to handle a complex or demanding client. What to look for in an answer:

  • Interpersonal skills to build rapport and trust with the client
  • Communication skills to fully understand the client's needs and wants
  • Interest in providing a positive client experience, regardless of demeanour

Example:

"I've had several buyers who were very demanding in their requirements. For example, one wanted a particular type of property, and regardless of what I showed them, they didn't want to see any of my suggestions. I made sure to ask lots of questions to get a sense of what items were essential and what were nice to haves. Once I understood that..."

What is the most effective advertising method for private real estate?

A real estate agent needs to know the most effective and efficient forms of advertising real estate. The goal of the question is to evaluate the candidate's level of experience with advertising methods. What to look for in an answer:

  • Knowledge of various advertising sources and return on investment
  • Interest in trying new avenues of advertising 
  • Ability to analyse and assess the effectiveness of advertising methods in their market

Example:

"In private real estate, the most effective method of advertising for me has been a combination of MLS, newspaper ads, and open house promotions. This combination has been cost-efficient and helped me sell over twenty houses in the past three months."

What is your experience with commercial real estate?

A real estate agent may specialise in private or commercial properties, as the clients' needs are considerably different. The goal of the question is to evaluate the candidate's expertise in commercial properties. What to look for in an answer:

  • Knowledge or experience with buying and selling commercial real estate
  • Interest in learning about the needs of commercial clients, if unfamiliar
  • Understanding the unique needs of commercial real estate

Example:

"I have several years experience working on the commercial side of real estate. It presents a unique challenge, as the requirements of commercial are somewhat different than residential. I also continue to stay up to date on the latest trends and best practises for commercial property."

What process do you follow when first meeting with a buyer?

A real estate agent needs to thoroughly understand their buyer's needs and requirements. The goal of the question is to evaluate the candidate's approach to assessing a client's needs to provide appropriate property recommendations. What to look for in an answer:

  • Interpersonal skills to build rapport and trust with a new client
  • Communication skills to ask questions and actively listen
  • Critical thinking and analytical skills to understand what's important to a client

Example:

"When I first meet with a new client, I take them through a series of questions so that I can fully understand what they're looking for in a home. I also need to know their financial budget, preferred locations, and other critical information to make the best recommendations."

Describe a time you lost a sale after considerable effort.

A real estate agent needs to accept failures along with their successes. The goal of the question is to evaluate the candidate's approach to losing after working hard to secure a sale. What to look for in an answer:

  • A positive and enthusiastic attitude about their career
  • Self-awareness to analyse where they can improve their process
  • Ability to handle failure gracefully and learn from the opportunity

Example:

"I work hard for every client, so I take my losses personally, although I understand I can't win them all. After a lost sale, I review everything about the client interaction and how I can improve for next time. Taking this approach has allowed me to grow professionally."

What unique qualities would you bring to our real estate team?

A competent real estate agent has many skills and abilities that contribute to their success. The goal of the question is to evaluate the candidate's professional strengths and qualities that would benefit their position within the company. What to look for in an answer:

  • Awareness of the duties and responsibilities of the position
  • Ability to identify their unique qualities and strengths
  • Ability to adapt their experience to benefit the team

Example:

"I've won several awards for top sales in my area and have a great network of real estate professionals to work with. I also have considerable knowledge about rural properties in the area so that I can support the team in that specific type of property."

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