Guide
Questions to ask a real estate agent
Use these questions in a first call or meeting. Good agents expect them. Write down the answers so you can compare two or three people side by side.
At a glance
- Verify any answer about licensing
- Nevada Real Estate Division License Lookup Source
About the agent and the license
- What is your full legal name, license number and brokerage? (Then check it.)
- Do you work full time in real estate?
- Do you work alone or with a team? Who will I deal with day to day?
- Has your license ever been disciplined?
About experience in your situation
- How many transactions like mine have you handled in the past year or two?
- Which parts of the valley do you work most? (Henderson, North Las Vegas, Centennial Hills and Summerlin feel quite different.)
- Do you have experience with my property type, such as a condo, new construction, a home in an HOA or a 55+ community?
- Can you give me two references from recent clients I can call?
For buyers
- How will you help me find homes that fit my budget and timeline?
- How do you handle offers in a competitive situation?
- Which lenders, inspectors and title or escrow companies do you work with, and am I free to use my own?
- What written agreement will I sign before we tour homes, how long does it last, and what compensation does it state? (See buyer agreements explained.)
- What happens if I decide to stop working with you?
For sellers
- How would you price my home, and what recent sales support that?
- What is your plan for marketing it, and what does that cost me versus you?
- Who attends showings and how are my keys and security handled?
- How long is the listing agreement, and under what conditions can I end it?
About fees and agreements
- How are you paid, and is the amount negotiable? (Commissions are not set by law and are negotiable.)
- Who is expected to pay your compensation, and what happens if that other party does not pay in full?
- Are there any fees besides commission, such as brokerage or transaction fees?
- Can I take the agreement home and read it, or have an attorney review it?
- Can I see the Nevada "Duties Owed by a Nevada Real Estate Licensee" form (Form 525) now, and what does it say you owe me?
About communication
- How do you prefer to communicate, and how fast do you usually respond?
- How often will I hear from you when nothing is happening?
- If you are unavailable, who covers for you?
Red flags
- Refusing to share a license number or brokerage name.
- Pressure to sign immediately or to skip steps like inspections.
- Guarantees about price, timing or results.
- Vague answers about fees.
- Discouraging you from speaking to other agents.
Frequently asked questions
How long should an agent interview take?
A first conversation does not need to be long. Cover the basics, then follow up on specifics afterward.
Should I ask about commission in the first conversation?
Yes. Compensation is not set by law and is negotiable, and you should know the terms before you commit.
Is it okay to interview several agents?
Yes. Comparing more than one agent is a normal part of choosing one.
Related
Free to use
Looking for a local agent?
Browse the directory of Las Vegas valley agents. Every listing shows a license number and brokerage name, and you can check it with the Nevada Real Estate Division.
Sources
- Nevada Real Estate Division red.nv.gov
- Nevada Real Estate Division License Lookup red.prod.secure.nv.gov
- Nevada Revised Statutes, Chapter 645 leg.state.nv.us
- Nevada Real Estate Division, Form 525 (Duties Owed by a Nevada Real Estate Licensee) red.nv.gov
- National Association of REALTORS, NAR Settlement FAQ (PDF) nar.realtor
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