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Estate agent Interview Questions

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10 min read

Whether you are preparing to interview a candidate or applying for a job, review our list of top Estate agent interview questions and answers.

  1. How do you build rapport with a new client? See answer
  2. How do you prepare a property for an open house viewing? See answer
  3. What are the most critical skills to be a successful estate agent? See answer
  4. What education or training do you have that makes you suitable for the role of an estate agent? See answer
  5. What are the essential pieces of information for a property listing? See answer
  6. Describe a time you had a demanding buyer. See answer
  7. What is your experience with the commercial property market? See answer
  8. What process do you follow when first meeting with a buyer? See answer
  9. Describe a time you lost a sale after considerable effort. See answer
  10. What unique qualities would you bring to our estate agency? See answer
  11. How do you organise your workday as an agent?
  12. How do you stay up to date with current trends and best practices?
  13. In a buyer’s market, how do you ensure the best selling price for your client?
  14. What criteria do you use when assessing a property’s estimated value?
  15. What is the most effective advertising method for the private property market?
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15 Estate agent Interview Questions and Answers

How do you build rapport with a new client?

An estate agent must quickly build a professional relationship with their clients. The goal of this question is to evaluate the candidate's ability to build rapport and trust with a new client. What to look for in an answer:

  • Interest in connecting on a personal level with clients
  • Communication skills to ask questions and build rapport
  • Interpersonal skills to be relatable and friendly
Example:

"When I first meet with a new client, I allow them to lead the discussion. I ask questions to understand how I can help them, what they're looking for, and their absolute must-haves. By listening to the client, I'm able to build rapport and trust because I understand what they want."

How do you organise your workday as an estate agent?

An estate agent typically has a busy daily schedule between meeting with clients, administrative tasks and property showings. The goal of the question is to evaluate the candidate's approach to organisation and time management. What to look for in an answer:

  • Ability to stay organised with multiple clients and listings
  • Time management skills to be punctual and mindful of other's time
  • Ability to prioritise important tasks, especially those with a deadline
Example:

"I use a paper calendar planner that details everything I've got going on, including deadlines, appointments and my running to-do list. I always try to book myself enough time to get to my next appointment on time."

How do you prepare a property for an open house viewing?

An estate agent must have a protocol for best preparing a property for viewing to maximise the selling price. The goal of the question is to determine the candidate's approach to property preparation. What to look for in an answer:

  • Knowledge of open house preparation best practises
  • Interest in wanting to get the best selling price for a seller
  • Communication skills to arrange any preparation required with the sellers
Example:

"I've developed a checklist that I give to my sellers before an open house, so they understand my expectations. I'll usually visit the property a few days before the open house to ensure things are ready. For example, I..."

What are the most critical skills to be a successful estate agent?

A successful estate agent has a combination of various critical competencies, such as communication, organisation and negotiation skills. The goal of the question is to evaluate the candidate's opinion of the essential skills that create success for the position. What to look for in an answer:

  • Awareness of the full scope of duties and responsibilities of the role
  • Interest in continually improving their professional skills
  • Ability to identify the most critical skills for their career
Example:

"In my opinion, the most critical skills for a successful real estate agent include attention to detail, negotiation and communication skills. Attention to detail is crucial to ensuring everything is accurate on documentation, listings and correspondence. Negotiation is vital to getting the best price for either the buyer or seller. And..."

What education or training do you have that makes you suitable for the role of an estate agent?

While there are no formal qualifications required to become an estate agent in the UK, potential candidates may have relevant experience or a degree in areas such as business studies or property management. The goal of the question is to determine the candidate's suitability for the role. What to look for in an answer:

  • Relevant degree or experience
  • Interest in becoming a member of a professional body, if not already a member
  • Desire to take part in ongoing professional development
Example:

"I completed my bachelor's in business studies and passed my exams several months ago. I'm also a member of the professional body for the property sector and regularly attend CPD events continue my learning and skills development."

How do you stay up to date with current trends and best practises?

An estate agent needs to stay up to date with local trends, economic developments and industry practises. The goal of the question is to evaluate the candidate's approach to professional development. What to look for in an answer:

  • Interest in taking part in professional development opportunities
  • Ability to stay connected with regional news that may affect the property market
  • Ability to implement their knowledge to the benefit of their position
Example:

"To stay up to date, I became a member of a few local property networking groups. We meet regularly to discuss trends, best practises and other news that can impact the market. The groups also offer professional development training and guest speakers."

What are the essential pieces of information for a property listing?

A competent estate agent must understand the critical information needed for a successful property listing, or multiple listings, used by an estate agency. The goal of the question is to evaluate the candidate's knowledge of the requirements for a property listing. What to look for in an answer:

  • Awareness of the
Example:

"material information" required when buying or selling property

  • Ability to identify other vital pieces of information to include in a successful listing
  • Attention to detail to accurately describe the property
  • "I've been listing properties on property sites for several years and understand the necessary requirements to have a listing approved. However, there are also other details I like to include that entice buyers to want to view the property in person, such as..."

    In a buyer's market, how do you ensure the best selling price for your client?

    An estate agent represents their client to negotiate the best price and terms. The goal of the question is to evaluate the candidate's ability to negotiate and come to an acceptable selling price. What to look for in an answer:

    • Desire to protect their client's interest in getting the best price
    • Awareness of how the economy shifts the buying and selling prices of property
    • Communication and negotiation skills to arrive at an agreeable price
    Example:

    "In a buyer's market, the buyer has more control to dictate the price they're willing to pay. When I'm representing a seller during this time, I provide reasonable expectations to my client of what the market will likely pay. I also..."

    What criteria do you use when assessing a property's estimated value?

    Although they're not a chartered surveyor, a real estate agent assists their client in determining a selling price for a property. The goal of the question is to evaluate the candidate's approach to assessing property value. What to look for in an answer:

    • Critical thinking and analytical skills to assess all aspects of a property
    • Awareness of other similar properties to evaluate against
    • Understanding of critical features that can increase property value
    Example:

    "When providing an assessment for property value, I use a form to record all of the property's details. This includes the number of rooms, construction materials and special features such as a fireplace or walk-in warbrobe. I also ask for a copy of the property taxes. Then I..."

    Describe a time you had a demanding buyer.

    An estate agent must work effectively with all types of clients. The goal of the question is to evaluate the candidate's ability to handle a complex or demanding client. What to look for in an answer:

    • Interpersonal skills to build rapport and trust with the client
    • Communication skills to fully understand the client's needs and wants
    • Interest in providing a positive client experience, regardless of demeanour
    Example:

    "I've had several buyers who were very demanding in their requirements. For example, one wanted a particular type of property, and regardless of what I showed them, they didn't want to see any of my suggestions. I made sure to ask lots of questions to get a sense of what items were essential and what were nice-to-haves. Once I understood that..."

    What is the most effective advertising method for private property?

    An estate agent needs to know the most effective and efficient forms of advertising properties. The goal of the question is to evaluate the candidate's level of experience with advertising methods. What to look for in an answer:

    • Knowledge of various advertising sources and return on investment
    • Interest in trying new avenues of advertising 
    • Ability to analyse and assess the effectiveness of advertising methods in their market
    Example:

    "In the private property sector, the most effective method of advertising for me has been a combination of online listings, newspaper ads and open house promotions. This combination has been cost-efficient and helped me sell over twenty houses in the past three months."

    What is your experience with the commercial property market?

    An estate agent may specialise in private or commercial properties, as the clients' needs are considerably different. The goal of the question is to evaluate the candidate's expertise in commercial properties. What to look for in an answer:

    • Knowledge or experience with buying and selling commercial property
    • Interest in learning about the needs of commercial clients, if unfamiliar
    • Understanding the unique needs of the commercial property market
    Example:

    "I have several years experience working on the commercial side of the market. It presents a unique challenge, as the requirements of commercial properties are somewhat different to residential ones. I also continue to stay up to date on the latest trends and best practises for commercial property."

    What process do you follow when first meeting with a buyer?

    An estate agent needs to thoroughly understand their buyer's needs and requirements. The goal of the question is to evaluate the candidate's approach to assessing a client's needs to provide appropriate property recommendations. What to look for in an answer:

    • Interpersonal skills to build rapport and trust with a new client
    • Communication skills to ask questions and actively listen
    • Critical thinking and analytical skills to understand what's important to a client
    Example:

    "When I first meet with a new client, I take them through a series of questions so that I can fully understand what they're looking for in a home. I also need to know their financial budget, preferred locations and other critical information to make the best recommendations."

    Describe a time you lost a sale after considerable effort.

    An estate agent needs to accept failures along with their successes. The goal of the question is to evaluate the candidate's approach to losing after working hard to secure a sale. What to look for in an answer:

    • A positive and enthusiastic attitude about their career
    • Self-awareness to analyse where they can improve their process
    • Ability to handle failure gracefully and learn from the opportunity
    Example:

    "I work hard for every client, so I take my losses personally, although I understand I can't win them all. After a lost sale, I review everything about the client interaction and how I can improve for next time. Taking this approach has allowed me to grow professionally."

    What unique qualities would you bring to our estate agency?

    A competent estate agent has many skills and abilities that contribute to their success. The goal of the question is to evaluate the candidate's professional strengths and qualities that would benefit their position within the company. What to look for in an answer:

    • Awareness of the duties and responsibilities of the position
    • Ability to identify their unique qualities and strengths
    • Ability to adapt their experience to benefit the team
    Example:

    "I've won several awards for top sales in my area and have a great network of estate agency professionals to work with. I also have considerable knowledge about rural properties in the area, so that I could support the team in that specific type of property market."

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