Buying or selling a home is one of the biggest decisions most people make. Whether it’s your first time or your fifth, choosing the right real estate agent matters. A good agent will guide you, protect your interests, and help you navigate the highs and lows of the process. So, how do you know if you’ve found the right one? Start by asking the right questions.
In this guide, we’ll break down what questions to ask a realtor when buying and what questions to ask a realtor when selling, so you can go into your next move feeling confident and prepared.
What Questions to Ask a Realtor When Buying
If you’re buying a home, especially in a fast-moving market, you want an agent who communicates well, knows the area, and can help you stay competitive. Here are some key questions to ask:
- How familiar are you with the neighborhoods I’m interested in?
You want someone who understands the local market inside and out—from school zones to traffic patterns to which streets have the best resale value. An agent’s local knowledge can save you from costly mistakes and guide you toward the best investment opportunities. - What’s the first step in the home buying process?
A strong agent will walk you through everything from pre-approval to closing so you know what to expect and when. Especially if you’re a first-time buyer, this step is crucial. They should explain timelines, paperwork, and how to get financially prepared. - What’s your availability like for showings?
Homes can go under contract quickly, especially in hot markets. Ask how flexible they are and how they handle last-minute showing requests. If they’re part of a team, find out if others can assist with showings when they’re unavailable. - How do you help buyers compete in a competitive market?
Whether it’s escalation clauses, quick offers, or writing strong personal letters, you want an agent with a game plan. Ask for examples of how they’ve helped recent buyers win in multiple-offer situations. - What’s your negotiation strategy?
Buying a home isn’t just about finding the one—it’s about winning it at the right price. Find out how they approach negotiations with sellers and if they’ve helped buyers save money or win key repairs during inspection periods. - Do you have a list of trusted vendors?
Good agents have a go-to list of lenders, inspectors, and contractors. Bonus points if they’ve worked with them for years. Having reliable partners means smoother transactions and fewer surprises. - Can you break down all the costs involved?
Aside from the down payment, buyers should be prepared for inspections, appraisals, insurance, closing costs, and more. To avoid budget surprises, a well-informed agent can help you estimate these upfront. - How do you handle inspection and appraisal issues?
Not every transaction goes smoothly. In this case, ask how they manage hiccups like low appraisals or inspection concerns. Their answer can tell you how experienced they are with problem-solving. - How many clients do you work with at a time?
This helps gauge how much attention they can dedicate to your home search. On the one hand, too many clients may mean less responsiveness. On the other hand, a smaller client base might allow for more one-on-one support. - How long does it typically take your clients to find a home?
This can vary, but their answer should reflect a thoughtful, efficient process that adapts to your timeline, not a one-size-fits-all approach.
What Questions to Ask a Realtor When Selling
Selling your home isn’t just about putting a sign in the yard. A strategic, well-connected agent can help you maximize your profit and minimize stress. Ask these questions before signing any agreements:
- What’s your pricing strategy for my home?
Pricing too high can scare off buyers. Pricing too low leaves money on the table. A good agent should provide a comparative market analysis (CMA) to justify their price point and talk through different pricing approaches based on market activity. - How will you market my home?
From professional photos and video to social media, email blasts, and open houses, their marketing plan should be comprehensive. For example, ask if they use paid ads, reels, 3D tours, or staging services to stand out online. - What should I do to prepare my home for sale?
Should you paint? Replace the carpet? Stage the living room? Ask what updates will give you the best return. A good agent will walk through your home and provide a personalized prep list. - How do you handle showings and feedback?
You’ll want to know how showings are scheduled, whether there will be open houses, and how quickly you’ll get feedback from buyers. Some agents use digital tools to streamline communication, which can make your life easier. - What’s your average days on market and list-to-sale price ratio?
These numbers give you an idea of how effective the agent is at pricing and negotiating. Look for agents who consistently sell at or above list price and have shorter days on market. - How often will you update me on the sale process?
Whether it’s weekly calls or text check-ins after each showing, communication is key. Clear updates on feedback, offers, and next steps make for a less stressful experience. - What are the total costs of selling my home?
From commissions to closing costs to repairs, ask for a full breakdown so you’re not surprised at the closing table. A good agent should also help you estimate your net proceeds. - How will you handle multiple offers?
In a competitive market, multiple offers are common. Ask how they review and compare offers, and what strategies they use to get you the best terms, not just the highest price. - What happens if my home doesn’t sell quickly?
A great agent has a plan B. Ask how they pivot—for instance, whether it’s a price adjustment, refreshed marketing, or updated staging. - Do you have any recent case studies or success stories?
Hearing real-life examples of their past listings can help you understand their style, creativity, and effectiveness. Equally important, it gives insight into how they’ll handle your transaction.
Bonus Questions to Ask a Realtor Whether You’re Buying or Selling
These questions help you get to know the agent and how they operate:
- How long have you been in real estate?
- Do you work full-time or part-time?
- Are you part of a team or solo?
- What areas do you specialize in?
- Can I read some recent reviews or testimonials?
- How will we communicate, and how quickly do you respond?
- How many transactions do you handle each year?
- What sets you apart from other agents?
Before You Choose Your Realtor
Asking the right questions gives you clarity and gives your agent a chance to show how they work. Altogether, whether you’re buying your dream home or selling your first, you deserve someone who knows the market, communicates well, and puts your needs first.
Don’t hesitate to interview more than one agent. You’re hiring someone to guide you through one of the biggest financial moves of your life, so it makes sense to feel confident in their experience, strategy, and communication style.
If you’re looking to buy or sell in Central Florida, our team at The Nickley Group is here to help. We’ll guide you through every step and answer every question—even the ones you didn’t know to ask. Let’s talk.