Should You Interview Multiple Real Estate Agents? (Maybe… but Maybe Not)

Buying or selling a home is one of the biggest financial transactions most people will ever make. With so much on the line, it only makes sense to carefully consider who you hire to guide you through the process. After all, a great agent can make all the difference when it comes to pricing, marketing, negotiations, and ultimately, getting the best outcome.

But how do you go about choosing the right agent?

If you don’t hire people all that often—let alone real estate agents—it can be hard to know exactly what to look for or how to make the best decision. Which is why a recent article from Realtor.com suggests that sellers should always interview multiple agents before deciding on one. In fact, they recommend meeting with at least three agents from different brokerages, with varying backgrounds, to compare perspectives and make an informed choice.

Sounds like good advice, right? Maybe. But it might not be necessary—or even the best approach in every situation.

Most Buyers and Sellers Don’t Interview Multiple Agents—and They’re Still Happy

According to an annual survey conducted by the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®, most people don’t go through an extensive interview process when selecting their agent:

For Home Buyers:

• 77% of repeat buyers and 67% of first-time buyers only interviewed one agent before deciding.
• 88% of home buyers said they would use the same agent again or recommend them to others.

For Home Sellers:

• 81% of sellers contacted just one agent before choosing who to work with.
• 87% of sellers said they would definitely (72%) or probably (15%) recommend their agent for future services.

So, if most people aren’t interviewing multiple agents and are still satisfied with their choice, what does that tell us? It suggests that many buyers and sellers already have someone in mind before they even begin the process.

You’ve Probably Been Interviewing Agents Without Realizing It

While it might feel like you’re making a quick decision when hiring an agent, the reality is that you’ve likely been assessing your options for a long time—whether you realize it or not.

Many people end up working with an agent they already know personally, or one who has been consistently present in their community. Even if they aren’t a close friend or family member, they may be someone you’ve encountered through local events, social media, or word-of-mouth recommendations. Over time, you’ve probably formed an impression of their expertise, personality, and reputation.

For many agents, their marketing isn’t just about flashy ads; it’s about building trust. Maybe you’ve seen them post insightful market updates, share success stories, or provide helpful homeownership tips online. Maybe you’ve heard them passionately talk about their work or seen positive testimonials from past clients. All of these add up, so by the time you need an agent, you already have a strong sense of who might be the right fit.

The Risks of Interviewing Multiple Agents Just for the Sake of It

While it’s never a bad idea to explore your options, interviewing multiple agents just to compare pricing opinions or strategies can sometimes create more confusion than clarity—especially if one of them isn’t particularly skilled at pricing homes accurately.

Conflicting advice can be frustrating, and it’s not always easy to tell who’s giving you the most accurate information. If one agent suggests a higher listing price, it might seem appealing—until you realize it’s unrealistic and could cause your home to sit on the market longer than necessary. On the flip side, an agent who underprices your home could leave money on the table.

In addition, when you interview multiple agents, you may end up sharing personal details about your motivations, timeline, or financial situation with people who don’t ultimately end up representing you. In some cases, these agents might later work with buyers interested in your home. While ethical agents won’t misuse that information, it’s still something to keep in mind.

Should You Interview More Than One Agent? It Depends

None of this is to say that interviewing multiple agents is a bad idea—just that it’s not always necessary. If you already have someone in mind who you trust and feel confident in, there’s no reason to second-guess yourself just because an article told you to.

That being said, if you do decide to interview multiple agents, make sure you’re upfront about it. Let each agent know that you’re considering other options, and set clear expectations about what you want to see from them. Be prepared to evaluate their experience, marketing strategies, and approach to communication. And most importantly, once you’ve made your decision, have the courtesy to inform the other agents rather than leaving them hanging.

The Takeaway:

If you already have a real estate agent in mind—someone you’ve known, followed, or trusted for a while—don’t feel obligated to interview multiple agents just for the sake of it. Many people naturally find their agent through long-term exposure and reputation rather than a formal interview process.

However, if you have any doubts, there’s nothing wrong with meeting with a few agents to ensure you’re making the right choice. Just be intentional about it—focus on what truly matters, be clear about your expectations, and don’t let conflicting advice create unnecessary confusion.

Ultimately, the best agent for you is the one who makes you feel confident, comfortable, and well-represented throughout the process.