17 Real Estate Agent Interview Questions and Answers

A real estate agent is always on the go, helping clients buy and sell homes and assisting companies in finding office and industrial spaces to buy or lease. Before getting into the real estate business, an agent needs to be affiliated with a broker, also known as a real estate agency.

After fulfilling the requirements to become a licensed real estate agent, how do you become part of an agency? If you’re an experienced agent, what should you expect when interviewing to change agencies? Climbtheladder has put together this guide to real estate interview questions you may be asked along with sample answers to help you prepare for your interviews.

Are you a member of any real estate associations?

Employers may ask this question to learn more about your commitment to the real estate industry. They want to know that you are actively involved in professional organizations and associations. When preparing for an interview, make sure to mention any memberships or affiliations you have with local or national groups.

Example: “I am a member of the National Association of Realtors and the local chapter here in town. I find these organizations to be very beneficial because they provide me with valuable resources and networking opportunities. For example, when I first started my career as a real estate agent, I attended one of the association’s seminars on how to use social media marketing to attract clients. This seminar helped me develop a digital marketing strategy that has been successful for my business.”

What are some of the most important qualities for a successful real estate agent?

This question is a great way to show the interviewer that you have experience in this field and understand what it takes to be successful. When answering, consider listing qualities that you possess or skills that you can learn quickly.

Example: “I believe some of the most important qualities for a real estate agent are communication skills, problem-solving abilities and creativity. As a real estate agent, I am constantly communicating with clients about their needs and explaining different options to them. It’s also my job to solve problems when they arise, such as scheduling appointments or finding homes that meet certain criteria. Finally, I think creativity is an important quality because it allows me to come up with unique solutions to challenges.”

How do you build trust with your clients?

Trust is an important part of any relationship, and the interviewer will want to know that you can build a trusting relationship with your clients. Your answer should include examples of how you have built trust in previous relationships.

Example: “I believe that trust is earned through honesty and transparency. I always make sure my clients are aware of all aspects of their real estate transaction so they feel comfortable making decisions. In one instance, I had a client who was looking for a home in a specific neighborhood. They were adamant about finding a house within a certain price range, but I knew there weren’t many houses available at that price point. Instead of telling them there wasn’t anything available, I showed them several homes that were slightly over budget but still within their price range. They ended up buying one of those homes.”

What is your experience with working with clients who are looking to sell their home?

This question can help the interviewer determine how you interact with clients and whether you have experience working with a variety of people. Use your answer to highlight your interpersonal skills, communication abilities and problem-solving skills.

Example: “I’ve worked with many different types of clients throughout my career as a real estate agent. I enjoy helping first-time homebuyers navigate the process of buying their dream home while also selling homes for experienced homeowners who are looking to move up in their careers. In both situations, I try to make sure that my clients feel comfortable asking me questions about the entire process.”

Provide an example of a time when you had to negotiate with a buyer or seller.

This question can help the interviewer understand how you handle conflict and challenges. Use examples from your experience to highlight your communication skills, problem-solving abilities and ability to work with others.

Example: “In my previous role as a real estate agent, I had a client who was selling their home. They were asking for $250,000, but there weren’t any offers on the house yet. The buyer’s offer was only $200,000, which they refused to negotiate. I spoke with the seller about their expectations and explained that if we didn’t find another buyer soon, they might have to lower their price. We agreed to wait one more week before lowering the price by $5,000.”

If a client asked you a question about a topic you didn’t know much about, how would you handle that?

This question is a great way to see how well you can handle situations that are outside of your comfort zone. It also shows the interviewer whether or not you’re willing to do research and learn new things. In your answer, try to show that you’re open-minded and eager to learn more about real estate.

Example: “If a client asked me a question I didn’t know the answer to, I would first apologize for my lack of knowledge on the subject. Then, I would tell them that I would find out the answer as soon as possible and get back to them with an answer. If they wanted to wait until I had the information, I would offer to schedule another meeting when I was able to provide them with the information.”

What would you do if you saw a potential client walking through a neighbor’s yard as they looked at the house?

This question is designed to test your ethics and integrity. It also shows the interviewer how you would handle a potentially awkward situation. Your answer should show that you respect private property, but you are willing to help people in need.

Example: “I would politely ask if they needed assistance. If they said no, I would leave them alone. However, if they said yes, I would offer my services as an agent. I would then take them to the front door of the house so they could continue their search for a home.”

How well do you know the local area?

The interviewer may ask this question to see how familiar you are with the local area and its real estate market. To answer, you can list some of the most important aspects of the neighborhood, such as schools, transportation options or nearby businesses. You can also mention any personal experiences that make you more knowledgeable about the area.

Example: “I grew up in this neighborhood, so I know it very well. In fact, my parents still live here, so I visit often. There are several great public schools in the area, including one right down the street from this property. The neighborhood is close to a major highway, which makes commuting easy. There’s also a grocery store within walking distance.”

Do you have any experience with virtual tours?

Virtual tours are a common tool used by real estate agents to showcase properties online. This question helps employers determine if you have experience with this technology and how comfortable you are using it. In your answer, share what virtual tour software you’ve used in the past and explain why you prefer that platform over others.

Example: “I’ve used several different platforms for creating virtual tours, but I find RealtyHop’s 360-degree panoramic photos to be my favorite. They’re easy to use and provide an immersive experience for potential buyers. I also like that they can be embedded into websites or shared on social media.”

When is it appropriate to show a house to a potential buyer?

This question can help the interviewer determine your knowledge of when to schedule showings. Use examples from past experiences where you knew it was a good time to schedule a showing and when you had to wait for a better opportunity.

Example: “I always try to schedule showings during the evening or on weekends, as this is when most people are free. However, I have also scheduled showings in the middle of the day if there’s an important buyer who needs to see the house right away. In my last position, I had a client who needed to move into their new home by a certain date. We were able to find a house that met all of their criteria and they ended up buying it.”

We want our real estate agents to be outgoing and friendly. How would you describe your personality?

This question helps employers determine if you are a good fit for their company. They want to know that you can work well with others and have the personality they’re looking for in an agent. When answering this question, be honest about your personality but also highlight any skills or traits that make you unique.

Example: “I would describe myself as friendly and outgoing. I love meeting new people and getting to know them. This is why I chose real estate because I enjoy helping clients find homes that suit their needs. I am always willing to go above and beyond for my clients and will do whatever it takes to help them find what they’re looking for.”

Describe your writing and communication skills.

This question is an opportunity to show the interviewer that you can write clearly and concisely. You should describe your writing process, including how you organize thoughts and ideas before writing them down.

Example: “I have always been a strong writer, so I started blogging about real estate when I first got my license. My blog was very popular because of my ability to explain complex topics in simple terms. When I am working with clients, I try to use language they understand without talking down to them. I also make sure to answer all their questions thoroughly and completely.”

What makes you the best candidate for this job?

Employers ask this question to learn more about your qualifications and how you can benefit their company. Before your interview, make a list of all the skills and experiences that make you an ideal candidate for this role. Focus on highlighting your most relevant skills and abilities while also mentioning any transferable skills from previous jobs.

Example: “I am passionate about helping people find homes they love. I have been working in real estate for five years now, and during that time I’ve helped many clients buy and sell houses. My experience has taught me what it takes to help my clients achieve their goals, which is why I’m confident I can be successful in this position.”

Which computer programs do you use most often?

This question can help the interviewer determine your computer skills and how you use them in your work. You should mention any programs that you have experience using, especially if they are relevant to real estate.

Example: “I am proficient with Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint. I also know how to use Google Docs and Gmail for my personal email accounts. In my last job, I used these programs daily to create documents, spreadsheets and presentations for clients. I also used Gmail to communicate with other agents and our team leader.”

What do you think is the most important aspect of customer service?

Customer service is an important part of being a real estate agent. The interviewer may ask this question to see how you prioritize customer service in your work. Use your answer to highlight the importance of listening to clients, providing accurate information and maintaining good communication with others.

Example: “I think that the most important aspect of customer service is making sure that I am always available for my clients. When I’m working with someone, it’s my job to make them feel comfortable and help them understand all of their options. To do this, I need to be readily available by phone or email so they can reach me at any time. I also think it’s important to provide accurate information about homes and neighborhoods so that clients know what to expect when looking at houses.”

How often do you update your knowledge of the real estate industry?

This question can help the interviewer determine how committed you are to your career and whether you’re likely to stay in real estate for a long time. Your answer should show that you have an interest in learning about new developments in the industry, such as changes in legislation or technological advances.

Example: “I am always looking for ways to improve my skills as a real estate agent. I regularly attend seminars on topics like marketing and negotiation, and I subscribe to several real estate blogs so I can learn more about what’s happening in the industry. I also take online courses to keep up with any changes in technology that might affect my job.”

There is a miscommunication between you and a client about a showing time. How do you handle it?

This question can help the interviewer determine how you handle conflict and whether you are able to resolve it quickly. Use examples from your previous experience where you were able to successfully communicate with clients and solve problems in a timely manner.

Example: “I once had a client who was expecting me at their home for a showing, but I accidentally scheduled another showing at that time. When I realized my mistake, I called the client immediately to let them know what happened. They understood and rescheduled the showing for later that day. In this situation, I think it’s important to be honest about what happened and apologize if necessary.”