By preparing for real estate interview questions, you can clearly communicate your competencies to recruiters and make a memorable impression. It also helps reduce interview anxiety by giving you a stronger sense of control and familiarity with the conversation.
In this guide, we walk you through ten interview questions for realtors, explain why interviewers ask them, and provide strong sample answers to these. After all, while your resume and cover letter may get you through the door, it is the interview that ultimately seals the deal, so you should do your best to prepare effectively.
Key Takeaways
To answer real estate interview questions confidently, you should be ready to talk about your motivations, values, hard and soft skills, and industry-specific strategies.
Many interview questions for realtors are behavioral, situational, and technical; the easiest way to answer them is by using the STAR method.
You can improve your interview performance by practicing with a friend or family member and avoiding repeating what is already on your resume or cover letter.
10 Real Estate Agent Interview Questions with Sample Answers
Here are ten real estate interview questions and the examples of how you should answer these:
#1. Why did you choose a career in real estate?
This is a general question that provides insights into your motivations and values. These allow interviewers to assess whether you align with their mission, vision, and goals, are likely to stay with them for a long time, and truly understand what the job involves.
A strong answer starts with a clear reason, shows that you are aware of the not-so-pretty sides of real estate, connects to your skills, and ends with long-term intent.
Here is a good example answer:
Sample Answer
I chose real estate because I enjoy working with people on high-impact decisions, and I like roles where results come from consistent effort. I understand that long sales cycles, follow-ups, and rejections are part of the responsibilities this role brings, but that’s something I’ve grown to be comfortable with. My background in communication sets me up for success as a realtor, and I’m excited about growing within this company.
#2. What do you know about our company and the real estate market we operate in?
Interviewers ask this question to see if you have done your research; if you haven’t, it can signal low commitment. Working as a realtor also requires strong research skills, per se, so if your answer can’t demonstrate this, along with market awareness, you won’t be able to win over interviewers.
Additionally, this question indicates whether you can hit the ground running if hired; candidates who are capable of contributing from day one are preferred over those who require extensive training.
A good answer might be phrased like this:
Sample Answer
As much as I gathered from my research, your company focuses on residential leasing and stands out in the area by offering data-driven insights. In our local market, tenants are increasingly price-sensitive, so landlords need to provide accurate pricing and clear communication to reduce vacancy periods.
#3. How do you stay updated with the latest trends in the real estate industry?
Based on your answer to this common real estate interview question, recruiters can see:
If you can keep yourself informed without being told to do so
If you understand what trends matter
How commercially aware you are
How you communicate with clients
Your answer should include the mentions of the sources you follow, as well as how often you review them and how you apply what you learn in practice; for example:
Sample Answer
I stay updated by regularly checking local market reports and listings, following industry publications, and paying attention to what is happening on the ground through open homes and conversations with clients.
I focus on trends that affect decision-making, such as pricing and policy changes, and then reference them when communicating with landlords, tenants, or buyers. This way, my advice always stays practical.
#4. Tell me about a time when you closed a difficult deal
This is a behavioral interview question for real estate agents evaluating performance under pressure. Here, recruiters want to hear that you can think through obstacles and adapt your approach, so this is your chance to present some essential real estate skills, such as problem-solving, industry-specific negotiation, and resilience.
You should recount a situation using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result); for instance:
Sample Answer
I once worked on a deal where the buyer and seller had drastically different expectations on price, so negotiations stalled several times (Situation). But I needed to close the deal before the holidays (Task).
I clarified priorities on both sides, shared data to align their expectations, and made an effort to keep communication consistent so no one felt pressured or ignored (Action). Eventually, the deal closed because trust was maintained (Result).
#5. Give an example of a time you exceeded your sales goals
Interviewers ask this question to understand how you consistently exceed targets and what drives those results. While it seems simple enough, this is one of the most common questions that stumps freshers and juniors because they tend to concentrate on the numbers only.
You should highlight measurable outcomes on your real estate resume and cover letter, but they shouldn’t be the sole focus during interviews; explaining how you achieved them is more important. You can talk about the skills you leveraged, such as planning and prioritization, and conversion tactics.
Below is a strong example:
Sample Answer
I used to exceed my monthly sales target by up to 15% regularly in my last role. My approach centered around regular follow-ups and higher-intent leads. I also tracked where prospects were dropping off and adjusted my approach to address objections sooner rather than later.
#6. How do you build long-term relationships with clients?
Real estate is largely repeat- and referral-driven; according to statistics, 88% of buyers would reuse or recommend their agent. Therefore, the ability to build relationships with clients is definitely a skill that employers expect.
When answering this question, you should show that you understand trust develops over time through consistent communication. Here, you need to highlight habits such as regular follow-ups, post-transaction check-ins, and timely reminders around milestones like lease renewals.
You can also strengthen your answer by explaining how you tailor communication to each client rather than using a one-size-fits-all approach. This might mean changing how often you check in or the communication channel that you use.
Here is a good sample answer:
Sample Answer
I stay in touch after every transaction to make sure there are no loose ends, then I follow up at appropriate times. For instance, I might check in ahead of a lease renewal or share an update when market conditions change. This way, clients don’t see me as someone reaching out to sell, but as a resource.
#7. What strategies do you use to market a property effectively?
This question allows recruiters to grasp how you think about selling a property beyond simply listing it. A strong answer shows you understand the different strategies that work together to attract the right buyers or tenants.
As a result, employers can easily assess whether you are capable of identifying a property’s strengths, choosing marketing channels, and tailoring your techniques based on the audience and market conditions.
You can answer like this, for instance:
Sample Answer
I start by determining who the property is best for and what makes it a standout in the market. Then, I ensure the pricing is competitive, and the listing presents the property in its best light, with detailed descriptions and photos. Additionally, I also use MLS analytics for tracking views, saves, and inquiries to gauge interest early and respond quickly.
#8. Have you ever lost a deal, and how did you handle it?
This is one of the hardest real estate interview questions for freshers and seniors alike, as it requires you to talk about your mistakes and weaknesses. However, when answered well, it demonstrates professionalism, accountability, and an ability to learn from experience.
Instead of trying to downplay the loss or justify the situation, you should acknowledge it, explain how you handled it, and highlight what you took away from it. It is best to talk about an example that was not too damaging, like a deal that fell through because of financing issues or a change in client priorities.
For example:
Sample Answer
Yes, I have lost a deal before. In one case, a transaction fell through due to financing issues late in the process. I communicated with the client as soon as the issue came up, explained their options, and helped them think about next steps.
Afterward, I reviewed what could have been flagged earlier and adjusted how I qualify buyers and timelines going forward to ensure I prevent such issues in the future
#9. How do you create a client base?
Interviewers ask this question to assess your self-sufficiency and proactiveness, which are critical for stronger, sustained performance in real estate.
In your answer, you must show that you are comfortable with taking initiative, creating opportunities, and maintaining momentum over time. It is best to walk interviewers through your process from start to finish; listing tactics at random isn’t recommended because it can suggest a lack of strategy.
Here is an example of how you can answer this question:
Sample Answer
I build my client base by focusing on a defined area and working it consistently. In my most recent role, I concentrated on one neighborhood and treated it as my primary market. I tracked homeowners and renters in that area in my CRM and segmented them by timeline, such as ‘actively looking’ or ‘six to 12 months out’.
Each week, I blocked time for outbound calls, emails, and check-ins tied to something relevant, like recent sales in the area. Every conversation was documented, with notes and a scheduled next touchpoint. Afterward, I stayed in touch through quarterly check-ins. Over time, most of my new clients came from repeat business and referrals.
#10. How do you manage in- and out-of-office tasks?
Since real estate requires constant task switching, interviewers want to understand how organized and self-directed you are. A strong answer should show that you plan your time intentionally rather than reacting to the day as it unfolds.
You can talk about how you prioritize tasks and the systems you rely on to stay organized, such as using a CRM to track follow-ups or mobile apps that allow you to update notes between showings.
For instance:
Sample Answer
I use Google Calendar to schedule time for showings and client meetings, and I block other windows for administrative work like updating listings. While I am out on appointments, I update notes and follow-ups in Follow Up Boss. So, when I return to the office, I can focus on higher-priority work.
16 More Real Estate Interview Questions
Here are a few more general real estate interview questions:
General Real Estate Interview Questions
What qualities do you think a successful realtor needs?
What type of real estate are you most interested in and why?
What do you look for in a brokerage?
How do you stay motivated during slow periods?
You should also prepare for behavioral interview questions, such as:
Behavioral Interview Questions
How do you guide clients when they are unsure about what they should do next?
Can you tell me about a time you had to manage multiple deadlines?
Describe a situation where you had to adapt your communication style to a client.
How do you handle stress when things get busy?
Additionally, interviewers might also ask you situational questions like:
Situational Questions
What would you do if a client disagrees with your pricing?
What would you do if a deal stalled unexpectedly?
How do you respond when a client goes quiet mid-process?
What would you do if a listing is not generating interest?
And finally, below are some extra real estate interview questions you should prepare for that are important for highlighting your technical skills:
Extra Interview Questions to Highlight Technical Skills
How do you set a listing price?
What factors affect property value in our local market?
How do you qualify buyers or tenants?
What documents are required during a transaction?
3 Great Tips for Answering Real Estate Interview Questions
Keep these three tips for answering interview questions for real estate agents in mind:
Use the STAR method. One of the best ways to handle real estate interview questions and answers, and avoid rambling or skipping details, is to use the STAR method. It walks the interviewer through the situation, explains what the task was and how you resolved the issue, and what you achieved.
Practice with mock interviews and record them for reflection. You can sit down with a friend, family member, or mentor who can act as the interviewer. Video-taping and then rewatching the sessions will help you identify areas for improvement, such as your tone, pacing, and clarity of responses.
Avoid repeating what’s already on your real estate cover letter and resume. The interview is your chance to elaborate on your competencies and provide context around your achievements. So, don’t waste it on restating information that the interviewer could already see.
Ready to Secure Your Next Real Estate Interview?
Create a seamless job application with our resume builder.Closing Thoughts
Knowing what real estate interview questions to expect and preparing structured answers can reduce interview anxiety and help you stand out. Don’t forget to use the STAR method and be candid about how you handle real situations with clients and transactions; with a bit of practice, you will ace every real estate interview that comes your way.
Still, before you can ace a real estate interview, you need to land one, and a well-written, role-targeted resume plays a critical role in this. Luckily, reviewing our strong real estate resume examples can help you understand how to highlight the right skills and experience and position yourself as a competitive candidate!
Real Estate Interview Questions FAQs
#1. How can I stand out in a real estate job interview?
You can stand out in a real estate job interview by showing that you understand what the job involves, possess the required professional skills, and know how to apply them in practice. The STAR method can help you structure your answers to achieve this.
#2. What is the most asked question in real estate?
One of the most asked questions in real estate interviews is “How do you build a client base?” Because real estate is largely self-driven, employers want to understand how you create opportunities and maintain relationships.
#3. What skills do real estate employers look for in candidates?
Real estate employers look for both hard and soft skills. Examples of the former include market research and analysis, as well as knowledge of real estate contracts and legal requirements, while the latter can include communication, organization, time management, and initiative.
