Hiring the right REALTOR® can save you time, money, and stress, especially in Torrance’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 Torrance, Hermosa Beach, and Redondo Beach, CA.
Quick List: The Best Questions to Ask (Torrance Edition)
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How many homes have you closed in my Torrance 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 Torrance 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.
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Hermosa Beach, Redondo Beach, and the South Bay region, including 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: Torrance 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: Torrance Homebuyer Questions
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Readiness: “What lender options fit my goals, and how do we strengthen my pre‑approval?”
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Acquisition strategy: “How do we compete in multiple‑offer situations?” Look for tactics on terms, timing, and contingencies.
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Due diligence: “How will we handle inspections and repair requests?”
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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 Torrance’s proven performer, Dennis Hartley, one of the Top 5 REALTORS® in Redondo Beach, and a Real Trends Nation’s Best, Los Angeles Magazine Real Estate All Star, and Best of Zillow honoree.
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