15 Questions to Ask a Realtor Before Hiring Them in Calgary

Quick Answer: Before hiring a Calgary realtor, ask about their recent local sales, exact marketing plan, communication style, commission structure, and what happens if your home doesn't sell. Their answers — and how directly they give them — tell you as much as the answers themselves.

Questions About Experience & Track Record

• How many homes have you sold in my specific neighborhood in the last 12 months?
• What's your average list-price-to-sale-price ratio recently?
• Can you share two or three references from recent clients I can actually contact?
• Are you licensed and in good standing with RECA — and how long have you been licensed?

Questions About Marketing & Pricing

• How did you arrive at this suggested list price, and what comparable sales are you using?
• What does your marketing plan actually include — photography, video, paid promotion, open houses?
• How will my listing reach buyer's agents, not just public search sites?
• What's your plan if the home doesn't get offers in the first two to three weeks?

Questions About Communication & Availability

• How often will you update me, and through what channel?
• Will I be working directly with you, or handed off to a team member?
• How do you typically handle showings and feedback from buyers?

Questions About Fees & Contract Terms

• What's your commission structure, and is it negotiable?
• How long is the listing agreement, and can I exit it early if I'm not satisfied?
• Are there any fees I'd owe even if the home doesn't sell?

Red Flag Answers to Watch For

Be cautious if an agent suggests a price well above your own research just to win the listing, can't name specific recent local sales, or gets vague or defensive about fees and contract terms. The interview is the lowest-pressure interaction you'll have with this person — if it feels evasive now, it won't improve after you've signed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most important question to ask a realtor before hiring?

How they arrived at your suggested list price and what comparable sales support it — pricing strategy has the biggest impact on your outcome.

Can I get out of a listing agreement if I'm unhappy with my realtor?

It depends on the contract terms, which is exactly why you should ask about the agreement length and exit terms before signing, not after.

Should I ask a realtor for references?

Yes. A confident, experienced agent will readily provide two or three recent client references you can contact directly.