Buying or selling a home is a big deal—probably one of the biggest financial moves you’ll ever make. And unless you’re a real estate pro yourself, you’re going to need someone in your corner who knows the ropes. That’s where a real estate agent comes in. But not all agents are created equal, and finding the right one can make or break your experience. So, how do you figure out if you’ve got the right person for the job? Simple: ask the right questions.
Here’s a rundown of key questions to ask a real estate agent—whether you’re buying, selling, or just testing the waters. These will help you gauge their experience, strategy, and whether they’re a good fit for you.
1. How Long Have You Been Doing This?
Experience matters. An agent who’s been in the game for years has likely seen it all—market ups and downs, tricky negotiations, you name it. You definitely want to work with someone who has hustle and fresh idea. Follow up with, “How many clients have you worked with in the past year?” to get a sense of their current workload and success rate.
2. What’s Your Specialty?
Some agents are wizards at selling condos downtown, while others dominate sprawling suburban listings. Ask, “Do you focus on a specific area or type of property?” If you’re selling a quirky fixer-upper or hunting for a rural retreat, you’ll want someone who knows that niche inside out.
3. How Well Do You Know This Area?
Local knowledge is gold in real estate. A great agent doesn’t just know home prices—they can tell you about the schools, the commute, and that one coffee shop everyone raves about. Ask, “What can you tell me about this neighborhood?” If they fumble or give vague answers, they might not be dialed in enough.
4. What’s Your Plan for Me?
Whether you’re buying or selling, you want an agent with a game plan. For sellers, ask, “How will you market my home?” Look for specifics—professional photos, open houses, online listings—not just “I’ll put it on the MLS and see what happens.” For buyers, try, “How will you help me find the right property?” A good agent will ask about your must-haves and deal-breakers, then tailor their search.
5. How Do You Handle Pricing?
Pricing is where the rubber meets the road. For sellers: “How do you determine my home’s listing price?” You want someone who digs into comparable sales and market trends, not just guesses. For buyers: “How do you know if a home is overpriced?” Their answer should show they’ve got a sharp eye for value.
6. What’s Your Communication Style?
Real estate moves fast, and you don’t want to be left in the dark. Ask, “How often will we talk, and how do you prefer to communicate?” Some agents are text-all-day types, others stick to scheduled calls. Make sure their style matches yours, or you’ll be frustrated before the ink’s dry.
7. Can You Share Some References?
A confident agent won’t blink at this. Ask, “Can I talk to a couple of your past clients?” Speaking with someone who’s been in your shoes can reveal a lot—did the agent deliver? Were they easy to work with? If they dodge this question, that’s a red flag.
8. What’s Your Track Record?
Numbers don’t lie. For sellers: “How long do your listings typically stay on the market?” Compare that to the local average. For buyers: “How many offers have you helped clients win recently?” Success stories show they can close the deal.
9. What Are the Costs?
No surprises, please. Ask, “What’s your commission, and are there any other fees I should know about?” Sellers usually pay the agent’s commission (split between buyer’s and seller’s agents), but it’s good to clarify. Buyers, confirm if there’s any cost to you—most agents are paid through the seller, but transparency is key.
10. What Happens If Things Go Sideways?
Real estate isn’t always smooth sailing. Ask, “What’s your approach if a deal falls through or negotiations stall?” A seasoned agent will have a backup plan and won’t just shrug and move on.
Bonus: Trust Your Gut
Here’s the thing—beyond all the questions, pay attention to how they make you feel. Are they listening? Do they seem genuinely excited to help? You’re about to spend a lot of time with this person, so chemistry matters.
Picking a real estate agent isn’t just about credentials—it’s about finding someone who gets you and your goals. Ask these questions, listen closely, and you’ll be well on your way to a smoother, smarter real estate journey. Got a big move coming up? Start the conversation today—you’ll thank yourself later.
