Hiring a realtor is one of the most important financial decisions you’ll ever make. In a competitive, fast-moving market like BC — especially in places like Langley, Surrey, and South Surrey — you need more than just someone with a license. You need a trusted partner who will guide, protect, and advocate for you at every step.
Whether you’re preparing to sell or buy, here are the top 11 essential questions to ask when interviewing agents, plus exactly how Collab Realty Group sets ourselves apart.
1. How long have you been working in real estate here?
Experience matters — but local experience matters even more. Ask how many homes they’ve helped clients buy or sell specifically in your area. A Surrey expert may not be as dialed in to Willoughby or White Rock nuances.
2. What’s your strategy in this current market?
Markets shift quickly. A great agent will have a clear, tailored strategy for your goals — whether that’s creating multiple offers on your listing, or finding off-market opportunities for buyers. Be wary of generic answers.
3. Can you show me recent client success stories or reviews?
Top agents are proud to share Google reviews, video testimonials, or case studies that show how they’ve helped people like you overcome challenges and succeed.
4. What do your services include?
For sellers, do they cover:
âś… Professional photography, floorplans, drone & 3D tours
âś… Targeted digital ads, social media, print marketing
âś… Open houses & private tours
For buyers, will they proactively send you listings, connect you with trusted lenders, and negotiate strongly on your behalf?
5. How do your fees work?
Most commissions in BC are 7% on the first $100,000 + 3% on the balance, split with the buyer’s agent. Ask them exactly how it breaks down, what it pays for, and what happens if the deal falls through.
6. How will you keep me updated throughout the process?
Communication is everything. Will they check in weekly by call or text? Provide showing feedback? You want proactive updates — not just someone who says, “Call me if you have questions.”
7. What happens if I’m not happy with your services?
Ask about their cancellation policy. A strong agent should work to earn your trust every day — not trap you in a contract.
8. How do you handle buyer leads and conflicts of interest?
This is one of the most overlooked — and most critical — questions.
Dual agency (one agent representing both buyer & seller) is heavily restricted in BC because it creates obvious conflicts. But what about when someone clicks on Realtor.ca or our ads asking about your property?
Ask your agent:
Will you try to redirect that buyer to other homes so you can earn both sides of the deal?
How do you ensure my best interests always come first?
At Collab Realty Group, we take it a step further:
✅ If a buyer lead comes in on your home — from Realtor.ca, our website, or our marketing — we assign them to a separate agent in our office, not on your listing team.
✅ This ensures you always have dedicated representation, with no pressure to “double end.”
We even put this promise directly into our listing agreement so you’re fully protected.
9. How do you handle negotiations?
This is where thousands (or tens of thousands) can be gained or lost. Do they aggressively push, or take a more strategic, collaborative approach? Make sure it matches your comfort level and goals.
10. What do you think my home is worth (or what can I expect in my price range)?
If selling, they should prepare a comparative market analysis (CMA) that’s thorough and backed by local data — not just guesswork. If buying, they should set realistic expectations on what your budget gets you today.
11. Why should I hire you over another agent?
Listen for more than clichés. Look for passion, proven systems, local expertise, and a commitment to putting your goals ahead of their own commission. At Collab Realty Group, we like to say:
We care deeply about your “why” — and we’re fiercely committed to helping you achieve it.
đź’ˇ Bottom line
The right realtor will earn your trust by answering these questions openly, not just with rehearsed sales lines.
If you want a transparent, no-pressure conversation about your next move — whether buying, selling, upsizing, downsizing, or investing — we’d love to help.
📲 Contact Collab Realty Group today for a friendly consultation.
We’ll show you exactly how our local knowledge, tailored strategies, and ethical policies set us apart.