When you’re ready to buy or sell a home, choosing the right real estate professional can make all the difference. Whether you’re searching for a Realtor in Los Angeles or simply typing “Realtor near me” into Google, the agent you hire will guide you through one of the most significant financial decisions of your life. But how do you know who to trust?
Before hiring a real estate agent in Los Angeles, it’s essential to ask the right questions to ensure they’re the right fit for your needs, goals, and expectations. Below, we’ll walk you through the top 10 questions to ask a Realtor before hiring them, along with what to listen for in their answers.
How Long Have You Been Working in Real Estate?
Experience matters. While newer agents can still offer great service, a Realtor in Los Angeles with several years under their belt has likely faced a wide range of scenarios and knows how to navigate challenges efficiently.
What to look for:
- A proven track record in your local market.
- Familiarity with neighborhoods, pricing trends, and negotiation tactics.
Follow-up tip: Ask how many transactions they close each year and if they specialize in buying, selling, or both.
Are You a Full-Time or Part-Time Agent?
You want someone who is fully committed to their profession. A full-time Realtor near you will have more time, resources, and focus to dedicate to your needs than someone working part-time.
Why it matters:
Real estate is fast-moving. An agent who isn’t available when a great property hits the market or when an offer needs quick action might cost you the deal.
What Areas Do You Primarily Work In?
When looking for a real estate agent in Los Angeles, it’s important they understand the nuances of specific neighborhoods. From traffic and schools to local amenities and future development plans—local expertise is invaluable.
Look for:
- An agent who is familiar with the area you’re buying or selling in.
- Insight into neighborhood trends, average home values, and local buyer behavior.
Read More:How Much Commission Does a Realtor Take in LA?
Can You Share Client References or Testimonials?
Every experienced Realtor in Los Angeles should have happy clients. Ask for at least 2–3 recent references. Many top agents also have public reviews on Google, Zillow, or their own websites.
Bonus tip:
Don’t just read reviews—call past clients and ask about their experience. Were they satisfied with communication, results, and professionalism?
How Will You Market My Property (for Sellers)?
If you’re selling your home, this is a critical question. An effective real estate agent near you should have a strong marketing strategy that goes beyond just listing your property on the MLS.
Expect to hear about:
- Professional photography and virtual tours
- Social media advertising
- Open houses
- Email marketing and Realtor networks
- Staging recommendations
This is especially important in competitive markets like Los Angeles, where top-notch marketing can significantly increase your home’s visibility and sale price.
How Will You Help Me Find the Right Home (for Buyers)?
If you’re buying, you’ll want a Realtor near you who listens to your needs and understands your budget, timeline, and preferences.
Listen for:
- How they help narrow your search
- Their strategy for off-market or coming-soon listings
- How they handle bidding wars and multiple offers (common in the LA market)
The right agent should also educate you about each step of the buying process and keep you updated as new properties become available.
What’s Your Communication Style and Availability?
Whether you’re a first-time buyer or a seasoned investor, you’ll want a real estate agent in Los Angeles who is easy to reach and keeps you informed.
Ask about:
- Preferred method of communication (phone, text, email)
- How often they provide updates
- Availability during weekends or evenings
Good communication builds trust and avoids misunderstandings, especially when deadlines and negotiations are involved.
What’s Your Commission Structure?
For sellers, this is an important financial question. While commissions can vary, a typical full-service Realtor in Los Angeles may charge around 5-6%, which is usually split between the buyer’s and seller’s agents.
Things to clarify:
- Is the commission negotiable?
- What services are included for the fee?
- Will you have to pay anything upfront?
Buyers typically don’t pay a commission directly—the seller covers that—but it’s still good to understand how compensation works.
How Do You Handle Multiple Offers and Negotiations?
In hot real estate markets like Los Angeles, it’s common for homes to receive multiple offers. Whether you’re buying or selling, you need a skilled negotiator in your corner.
For sellers: Ask how they help you choose the strongest offer—not just the highest price, but the best terms.
For buyers: Ask how they help you stand out in competitive bidding situations, like writing compelling offer letters or removing contingencies (safely).
What Happens If I’m Not Satisfied With Your Service?
A professional Realtor near you should offer transparency and accountability. Ask if there’s a way to cancel your agreement if things aren’t going well.
Listen for:
- Flexibility in their contract
- Willingness to address concerns promptly
- Confidence in their service and satisfaction track record
Hiring a real estate agent should feel like entering a partnership, not locking into a rigid contract with someone who doesn’t deliver.
How to Find the Right Realtor in Los Angeles
- Search with intent: Use search terms like “Realtor near me” or “real estate agent in Los Angeles” to find highly rated local professionals.
- Use reputable directories: Zillow, Realtor.com, and Google Maps reviews can help you compare agents.
- Attend open houses: This gives you a no-pressure opportunity to see how an agent interacts with potential clients in real time.
- Ask your network: Referrals from family, friends, or coworkers can lead you to trustworthy agents.
Final Thoughts
Finding the right Realtor in Los Angeles is more than just hiring someone to open doors or submit offers. It’s about forming a relationship with a trusted advisor who understands the market, listens to your goals, and works tirelessly to represent your best interests.
By asking these 10 essential questions, you’ll gain the clarity and confidence to hire a real estate agent near you who’s not just qualified—but the perfect fit for your home buying or selling journey.
Want to connect with a local expert?
Check out our full guide on How to Choose the Right Realtor in Los Angeles to take the next step with confidence.
Common Question Answers
1. What questions should I ask a realtor before hiring?
Ask about their experience, local market knowledge, communication style, and how they’ll help you buy or sell. It’s also smart to ask for client references and their availability.
2. What is the 80/20 rule for realtors?
The 80/20 rule in real estate means 80% of business is generated by 20% of agents. It highlights how top-performing Realtors handle the majority of transactions in the market.
3. What questions to ask before getting into real estate?
Ask about required licensing, income expectations, training support, and what a typical day looks like. Understanding commission structures and the local market is also crucial.
4. What are good questions to ask a realtor when looking at a house?
Ask about the home’s condition, days on market, neighborhood trends, and reason for selling. You should also inquire about past renovations and potential resale value.
