Hiring the right REALTOR® can save you time, money, and stress, especially in Carlsbad’s fast-moving neighborhoods. Use this local checklist to interview agents with confidence, and compare answers against our data-backed list of the Top REALTORS® in Carlsbad, CA.
Quick List: The Best Questions to Ask (Carlsbad Edition)
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How many homes have you closed in my Carlsbad neighborhood (and price point) in the last 12 months?
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What’s your plan to price (or win) a home like mine in today’s market?
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What’s your communication cadence, and who’s on your support team?
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How will you handle inspections, repairs, and appraisal gaps?
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For sellers: What’s your listing prep and marketing plan beyond MLS?
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For buyers: What’s your strategy for multiple offers and low inventory?
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Can you show recent comps, list-to-sale price ratio, and days on market for similar homes?
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Why should I choose you over another Carlsbad agent?
Questions to Ask Before You Hire
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Local track record: “How many closings have you had in my neighborhood in the last year?” Ask for addresses and outcomes.
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Neighborhood expertise: “Which areas do you know best?” Look for deep familiarity with schools, amenities, and commute patterns.
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Capacity & communication: “How quickly do you respond? Who handles showings, marketing, and contract-to-close?”
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Proof of performance: “What’s your list-to-sale price ratio and average days on market for homes like mine?”
Seller Checklist: Carlsbad Listing Questions
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Pricing framework: “Which comps are you using, and why?” Ask for a net sheet and scenario planning.
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Listing prep: “What should I do in week 1 to get market-ready?” Look for a prioritized plan (repairs, staging, curb appeal).
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Marketing plan: “Beyond MLS, what is your media + distribution?” Expect pro photos/video, property websites, email, and targeted digital campaigns.
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Showings & feedback: “How will you drive traffic and summarize buyer feedback each week?”
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Negotiation: “What’s your strategy for multiple offers, repairs, and appraisal gaps?”
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Timeline control: “How will you keep us on track from offer to closing?”
Buyer Checklist: Carlsbad 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 on terms, timing, and contingencies.
Due diligence: “How will we handle inspections and repair requests?”
New construction: “How do you protect buyers with builder contracts and timelines?”
Red Flags to Watch For
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Vague pricing advice with no comps or net sheet.
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“List it and pray” marketing (no media plan, weak follow-up).
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Slow replies during your interview, expect the same during escrow.
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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 Carlsbad’s proven performers and compare answers side-by-side with Colucci & Co. Realty Group, led by Nadia Colucci, one of San Diego’s most trusted and award-winning REALTORS®.
Serving Carlsbad, Oceanside, Solana Beach, and greater San Diego, Colucci & Co. is known for concierge-level service, deep local knowledge, and strategic marketing that gets results.
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