What Questions Should I Ask a Real Estate Agent Before Hiring?

Hiring a real estate agent is one of the most important financial decisions you'll make. In Laguna Beach, where prices and personalities run high, the right questions weed out generalists and surface true professionals. Use this 12-question script for your next agent interview.

1. How long have you been licensed and active in Laguna Beach?

You want active, not just licensed. Look for full-time agents with consistent local production.

2. How many homes have you sold in this neighborhood in the last 12 months?

Volume in your specific micro-market is the strongest signal of relevance—not citywide totals.

3. What's your average list-to-sale ratio?

This tells you whether they price homes accurately and negotiate well. Compare it to the local market average.

4. How will you price my home (or help me price an offer)?

Look for a structured CMA, not a gut number. Ask to see a sample report.

5. What's your marketing plan?

Expect a written marketing strategy: photography, video, MLS distribution, social, paid ads, broker outreach, open houses, and luxury portals where relevant.

6. Who exactly will I be working with?

Will it be the lead agent, a team member, or a transaction coordinator? Clarify roles up front.

7. How and how often will you communicate?

Set expectations on phone, text, email, and weekly updates. Communication gaps cause most client complaints.

8. What's your commission and what does it include?

Get the full picture: percentage, who pays what, included marketing, and any flat fees.

9. Are there any extra fees I should know about?

Transaction fees, marketing fees, photography upgrades—ask, in writing.

10. What's your strategy if my home doesn't sell in 30/60/90 days?

A good agent has a tiered plan: price review, marketing refresh, re-staging, and feedback collection.

11. Can I cancel the listing agreement if I'm unhappy?

Look for fair termination terms. Top agents stand behind their service.

12. Can you share recent client references?

Two or three recent clients, with permission to contact. Call them.

Bonus questions for buyers

• "How will you find off-market properties?"
• "How do you write competitive offers in a multiple-bid scenario?"
• "Which inspectors and lenders do you recommend in Laguna Beach?"

Interview Derek LeBon at BONLIFE Real Estate

Put these questions to a true local. Derek LeBon is a Laguna Beach native and a top 1% producing agent/broker at BONLIFE Real Estate. Every question above—he'll answer with data, not deflection. Schedule a no-obligation interview and put him to the test.

• Direct line: (949) 422-5937
• Email: [email protected]

Bring the list. Derek welcomes every one of them.