Questions to Ask Before You Hire a Real Estate Agent in the San Fernando Valley

Choosing the right real estate agent is one of the most important decisions you will make in a home transaction. The right agent can help you buy with confidence, negotiate effectively, and avoid costly mistakes. The wrong one can cost you time, money, and a lot of stress.

Here are the questions worth asking before you commit to working with someone.

How many transactions have you completed in this specific neighborhood? General Valley experience is good. Specific neighborhood experience is better. An agent who has sold 10 homes in Sherman Oaks in the past year knows things about that market that a generalist does not.

What is your average list-to-sale price ratio? For sellers, this tells you how close to asking price the agent's listings actually sell for. For buyers, ask about their success rate on offers — how often do their buyers win in competitive situations?

How do you communicate, and how often? Some agents prefer email. Others text. Some call. There is no wrong answer, but it should match how you want to be kept informed. Ask how often you will hear from them during a search or a transaction.

Who else is on your team, and who will I actually be working with? Some agents hand off clients to assistants or buyer's agents after the initial meeting. Know upfront whether you are hiring the person you are talking to or their team.

Can you share references from recent clients in this area? A good agent will have clients who are happy to speak with you. If someone hesitates on this question, pay attention.

What is your honest assessment of my situation? For buyers: what price range can I realistically compete in? For sellers: what do you think my home is actually worth, and what would you recommend I do before listing? An agent who tells you what you want to hear is not serving you well.

The best agent for you is someone who knows the Valley deeply, communicates clearly, and gives you honest guidance — even when it is not what you were hoping to hear. If you would like to have that kind of conversation, I am always happy to talk.