Questions to Ask a Spokane Realtor Before Hiring: Your Interview Checklist

Choosing the right real estate agent in Spokane can make a major difference in how smoothly your home sale or purchase goes. That’s why it’s critical to develop your interview checklist ahead of time, with smart questions to ask realtor Spokane—so you can compare candidates and feel confident in your choice. I’m a Spokane real estate agent and that’s why I’m writing this blog.

Why Asking the Right Questions Matters in Spokane

In the Spokane market you’ll face unique dynamics—local neighborhoods (e.g., North Hill, Garland, South Hill, Spokane Valley), inventory levels, seasonal timing, and buyers who may be relocating from out‑of‑town. A strong agent will have local‑specific strategies. By preparing a list of questions, you ensure you’ll uncover how effectively each agent:

• understands the greater Spokane area home‑market,

• communicates with you throughout the process, and

• aligns with your goals (whether you’re selling, buying, or both).

Step 1: Background & Local Expertise

When you interview agents, begin with questions that establish their foundation.

✅ Example questions to ask realtor Spokane:

• How many years have you been working as a real estate professional in the Spokane market?

• Which Spokane neighbourhoods and price ranges do you specialise in (for example: Liberty Lake, Spokane Valley, South Hill)?

• Can you provide recent examples of homes you’ve sold in the Spokane region and what the list‑to‑sale price ratio and days‑on‑market were?

• How well do you know current trends in the greater Spokane County area—inventory, buyer demand, and sales velocity? These mirror nationally recommended agent‑interview questions. By asking them, you’ll quickly see which agent has deep local Spokane expertise versus a generalized approach.

📌 Why Local Spokane Market Knowledge Matters in a Realtor.

Step 2: Process & Communication

The next set of questions should uncover how the agent plans to work with you, how they communicate, and how they manage the process from listing to closing (or from offer to settlement).

✅ Key questions:

• What is your typical process when working with a seller (or buyer) in the Spokane area? Step‑by‑step, what happens from our initial meeting through to closing?

• How will you keep me updated during the sale/purchase? What is your preferred method (phone, text, email) and how often can I expect updates?

• Will I work directly with you or with a team? If with a team, who will be my main point of contact?

• How do you handle showings, feedback, open houses (if selling) or tours and offer strategies (if buying) in Spokane’s market?These reflect advice like “What is your typical process once we start working together?” and “How quickly do you respond?” An agent who cannot clearly map out their process or communication plan may leave you feeling in the dark later.

Step 3: Strategy & Marketing (or Buying Approach)

Here you’ll dig into how the agent intends to get results for you in Spokane—including pricing strategy, marketing for sellers, or competitive offer strategy for buyers.

✅ Sellers‑specific questions:

• How will you determine the listing price for my Spokane home? What comparable sales will you use?

• What marketing tactics do you use beyond just the MLS? (e.g., professional photography, video tours, social media, local print outreach)

• Would you provide a sample timeline or chart/graphic showing key milestones from listing to closing in Spokane?

✅ Buyers‑specific questions:

• How will you help me when the inventory is limited in Spokane (or when multiple offers happen)?

• What’s your approach to showings, offer timing and negotiations in the local Spokane context?

• Can you show me recent examples of how you secured homes for clients in the Spokane area? These strategic questions help reveal not just experience but how well‑matched the agent’s tactics are for the Spokane market.

Step 4: Support, Network & Local Resources

An effective Spokane real estate agent brings more than just listing or show‑home skills—they bring a network and support system.

✅ Ask:

• What professional contacts (e.g., local inspectors, contractors, staging services, photographers) in the Spokane region do you work with regularly?

• How will you handle unexpected issues—for example inspection surprises, appraisal challenges, or delays—in the Spokane transaction process?

• How many clients are you currently working with and how do you ensure each receives adequate attention (especially in busy markets like Spokane)? These questions tie back to the broader list of what full‑service agents provide. You want an agent equipped with local resources and the bandwidth to serve you well.

Step 5: Fit & Final Comparison

After you’ve asked questions of two or three Spokane‑area agents, it’s time to compare and decide.

✅ Use a simple comparison checklist:

1. Did the agent answer clearly, with concrete local Spokane examples?

2. Did they provide a tailored plan specific to your home or your buying goal in Spokane?

3. Did their communication style match yours (response time, preferred channel)?

4. Did you feel comfortable and confident in their professionalism and local market knowledge?

5. Does their strategy align with your timeline and goal (e.g., sell by X date, find a home in Y neighborhood)? If you check all these boxes and feel confident in their plan, then you can move ahead knowing you asked the right questions to ask realtor Spokane and chose well.

Conclusion

Interviewing potential real estate agents is not just a formality—it’s one of the most important steps you’ll take in your home sale or purchase in the Spokane region. By using this guide of questions to ask realtor Spokane, you’ll gain clarity, compare effectively, and choose a partner who understands the local nuances and is committed to your success. As a Spokane real estate agent, I’m here to answer all these questions for you and help you move forward with confidence.

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

• What are the best questions to ask realtor Spokane when selling my home? Focus on their pricing strategy, marketing plan specific to Spokane, experience in your neighborhood, and how they plan to manage showings and feedback.

• What questions to ask realtor Spokane when buying a home in this market? Ask about their experience with local inventory, offer‑strategy in multiple‑offer situations, familiarity with Spokane‑neighborhoods you’re targeting, and how they will keep you updated.

• How do I vet which questions to ask realtor Spokane are most important? Prioritize agents who provide data‑backed answers (neighborhood sales, days on market, list‑to‑sale ratios in Spokane), clear communication timelines, and a process tailored to your goals.

• Can I rely solely on one list of questions to ask realtor Spokane and sign with the first agent I meet? While it’s tempting to choose quickly, it’s best to interview at least two or three agents using your list of questions to ask realtor Spokane—so you can compare their responses, strategies, and fit for your unique situation.

📌 Related Blog: How to Choose the Right Realtor in Spokane

About Me

My name is Nick Briggs

Being born and raised in Spokane I grew up knowing what a special place this city is, and it was my dream to help others create a life in this wonderful community by guiding them in real estate. I spent many years in the customer service industry, the experience of listening and communication showed me how much I truly loved helping people. I attended Gonzaga University and earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration to add to my knowledge of guiding, managing, negotiating, and listening to individuals, helping them achieve their real estate goals.

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