Questions You Should Ask Before Hiring a Realtor

Hiring a Realtor is one of the most important decisions you will make when buying or selling a home, and the questions you ask upfront can shape the entire experience.

A good Realtor welcomes questions. In fact, the right questions help you feel confident and informed before moving forward.

How Will You Price My Home or Help Me Write a Strong Offer?

Pricing is not guesswork. A Realtor should be able to clearly explain how they determine pricing using recent sales, current market conditions, and buyer behavior.

Whether you are selling or buying, understanding the strategy behind pricing helps avoid costly mistakes and missed opportunities.

How Will My Home Be Marketed or How Will You Find the Right Home for Me?

Not all agents approach marketing the same way. Some rely only on the MLS, while others use a broader strategy that includes online exposure, professional presentation, and direct outreach.

As a buyer, this question helps you understand how proactive your agent will be when identifying homes and opportunities that fit your goals.

How Often Will We Communicate?

Clear communication matters. You should know how often you will receive updates and how questions will be handled throughout the process.

A Realtor who sets expectations early helps reduce stress and confusion along the way.

What Experience Do You Have in This Local Market?

Real estate is local. Neighborhood trends, pricing patterns, and buyer behavior can vary widely even within the same county.

Working with a Realtor who understands the local market helps you make better decisions and avoid surprises.

How Do You Handle Negotiations?

Negotiation involves more than agreeing on a price. It includes timelines, inspections, repairs, credits, and contingencies.

A Realtor should be able to explain how they protect your interests and guide you through negotiations calmly and confidently.

What Happens If Issues Come Up During Inspections or Appraisals?

Most transactions face challenges at some point. Inspections and appraisals are common stages where questions or concerns arise.

Knowing how your Realtor handles these moments can make a big difference in keeping the transaction on track.

What Support Will I Have From Contract to Closing?

The process does not end once an offer is accepted. Deadlines, paperwork, and coordination continue all the way to closing day.

A Realtor should clearly explain how they support you after the contract is signed.

Why Asking the Right Questions Matters

Hiring a Realtor is about more than credentials or experience alone. It is about finding someone who listens, communicates clearly, and provides guidance you can trust.

The answers to these questions can help you feel confident in your decision and prepared for the road ahead.

If you are thinking about buying or selling and want to learn more about what working with a trusted local Realtor looks like, visit my
<a href=”YOUR_SELLER_RESOURCES_LINK_HERE”>Seller Resources page</a> for helpful guides and tools.

You can also explore general housing trends and consumer information through the
<a href=”https://www.nar.realtor”>National Association of Realtors</a>.