Hiring the right REALTOR® can save you time, money, and stress, especially in San Diego’s fast-moving coastal neighborhoods. Use this local checklist to interview agents with confidence, and compare answers against our data-backed list of the Top REALTORS® in San Diego.
Quick List: The Best Questions to Ask (San Diego Edition)
- How many homes have you closed in my San Diego neighborhood (and price point) in the last 12 months?
- What’s your plan to price, or win, a home like mine in today’s market?
- What’s your communication cadence, and who’s on your support team?
- How will you handle inspections, repairs, and appraisal gaps?
- For sellers: What’s your listing prep and marketing plan beyond the MLS?
- For buyers: What’s your strategy for multiple offers and low inventory?
- Can you show recent comps, list-to-sale price ratio, and days on market for similar homes?
- Why should I choose you over another San Diego agent?
Questions to Ask Before You Hire
Local track record:
“How many closings have you had in my neighborhood in the last year?” Ask for addresses and outcomes.
Neighborhood expertise:
“Which areas do you know best?” Look for deep familiarity with schools, amenities, beaches, commute patterns, and lifestyle appeal across La Jolla, Solana Beach, Encinitas, Del Cerro, Del Mar, and the broader coastal region.
Capacity & communication:
“How quickly do you respond? Who handles showings, marketing, and contract-to-close support?”
Proof of performance:
“What’s your list-to-sale price ratio and average days on market for homes like mine?”
Seller Checklist: San Diego Listing Questions
Pricing framework:
“Which comps are you using, and why?” Ask for a net sheet and scenario planning.
Listing prep:
“What should I do in week one to get market-ready?” Look for a prioritized plan (repairs, staging, curb appeal).
Marketing plan:
“Beyond MLS, what is your media + distribution?” Expect:
- professional photography + video
- luxury-level property websites
- high-end print + digital materials
- targeted social + online campaigns
- coastal luxury network exposure
Showings & feedback:
“How will you drive traffic and summarize buyer feedback each week?”
Negotiation:
“What’s your strategy for multiple offers, repairs, and appraisal gaps?”
Timeline control:
“How will you keep us on track from offer to closing?”
Buyer Checklist: San Diego Homebuyer Questions
Readiness:
“What lender options fit my goals, and how do we strengthen my pre-approval?”
Acquisition strategy:
“How do we compete in multiple-offer situations?” Look for tactics around terms, timing, escrow, and contingencies.
Due diligence:
“How will we handle inspections, repair requests, and coastal property considerations?”
New construction:
“How do you protect buyers with builder contracts and timelines?”
Red Flags to Watch For
- Vague pricing advice with no comps or net sheet.
- “List it and pray” marketing (minimal media, no strategy, weak follow-up).
- Slow replies during your interview, expect the same during escrow.
- Overpromising without a step-by-step plan or timeline.
Next Steps
Interview 2–3 agents, compare their plans, and choose the one who can clearly explain the path to your goal.
If you want a shortcut, start with San Diego’s proven performers and compare answers side-by-side with Maxine & Marti Gellens, the trusted coastal experts with 2,100+ homes sold and $3.625B in career sales.