What Questions Should I Ask My Real Estate Agent?

Know Before You Buy, Sell, or Invest!

 

Before you put yourself in a very serious and big situation, our instinct as human beings is to make sure everything is safe. This time, it’s about if it is safe to spend a lot of money. To do that, you need confirmation. And to confirm things that they are indeed safe, not just in real estate but in other aspects and situations in life as well. We confirm things by asking questions.

Yes, the answer is simple: ask questions!

The right real estate agent would never mind you asking questions because it is just natural. In fact, real estate agents must entertain questions for you to feel at ease and confident about your decision. This will make you feel you are in safe hands.

Here’s a helpful guide to what you should ask your agent, based on whether you’re a buyer, a seller, or an investor.

 

Questions to Ask If You’re a Buyer

As a buyer, you are not just simply looking for a home; you are picking the next location where you are going to spend a lot of years living and where you will be making memories. Both of which are not refundable or something you can take back if you don’t like it. To make sure there aren’t regrets in the future, you need a real estate agent who understands the importance of this and someone you can rely on.

Here are some great questions to ask:

1. How long have you worked in real estate?

This helps you know how much experience they have. The more people they have helped before the more likely they are going to help you succeed.

2. Do you know the area I want to live in?

An ideal agent is a local expert. Someone who has been in the area for a considerable amount of time. Someone who knows neighborhoods, schools, parks, amenities, etc.

3. Do you work full-time or part-time?

It is imperative you find someone who focuses on only one trade. If they are distracted then it is a red flag.

4. Do you have any special training or education in real estate?

Some agents take extra classes or get special certificates. That means they’ve gone the extra mile to learn how to serve clients better.

5. What’s it like to work with you?

This helps you understand their style. Are they friendly? Fast to reply? Good at explaining things? That’s all important.

6. What kind of info will you share about homes and neighborhoods?

A great agent won’t just send you listings. They’ll tell you about schools, crime rates, local shops, and more.

7. Can I talk to people you’ve helped before?

Good agents should have happy clients. Ask for names of three buyers they’ve worked with recently.

8. How does today’s market affect my home search?

Markets go up and down. You want someone who can help you buy smart in the current conditions.

9. What tools do you use to help me find homes?

Some agents use apps, emails, and special databases to show homes fast. That can give you an edge in a hot market.

10. How will we stay in touch?

Do they text? Call? Email? Make sure their way of communicating works well for you.

 

Questions to Ask If You’re a Seller

Basically the opposite of being a buyer. But the goal is the same. To help you with the transaction and that is to sell your home as quickly as possible and at the best price the market can offer.

1. What’s your experience with selling homes?

It’s important to know if they’ve sold homes like yours before.

2. How will you market my house?

Selling a house is more than putting up a sign. Ask what online tools, photos, open houses, and ads they’ll use.

3. Are you a full-time or part-time agent?

You want someone who will focus on your sale every day, not just now and then.

4. What price do you suggest—and why?

Good agents will explain how they chose the price based on other homes that have sold nearby.

5. How long will it take to sell my home at this price?

Some homes sell fast, and some take longer. Your agent should be honest and back it up with facts.

6. How is the current market going to affect my sale?

Markets change, and your agent should help you plan based on what’s happening right now.

7. What will your commission be?

Agents earn money through commission when they sell your house. Ask how much they’ll charge and what’s included.

8. How often will I hear from you?

You deserve to know what’s happening with your home. Will they call weekly? Send email updates? You need to know.

9. Can I talk to people you’ve sold homes for recently?

Talking to past clients gives you a better idea of what to expect.

10. What happens if my house doesn’t sell?

Sometimes, things don’t go as planned. Ask what options you’ll have if your home doesn’t sell by the time your contract ends.

 

Questions to Ask If You’re an Investor

Investors buy homes not to live in, but to make money—either by renting or fixing and reselling. That takes a different kind of agent—one who understands deals, numbers, and risks.

Here are smart questions to ask:

1. Do you have access to foreclosure listings?

Homes in foreclosure can be good deals, but you need inside access. Ask if they use tools like RealtyTrac or know about bank-owned properties.

2. How do you research investment properties?

You want someone who knows how to spot a deal and check if it’s worth the price.

3. Do you work with government property programs?

Some agents have connections to homes owned by HUD, Fannie Mae, or Freddie Mac. That gives you more options as a buyer.

4. What types of investments do you recommend right now?

An experienced agent will have smart ideas. They’ll know which areas are growing and what kinds of homes are good for rentals or flipping.

 

Don’t Be Afraid to Ask!

It does not matter if you are an investor, buyer, or seller, you need to always ask questions no matter how little it may seem. Just don’t repeat your questions because any person would be annoyed by that, and the real estate agent might think you are wasting their time.

Remember:

• You’re hiring this person to help with something big.
   
• You should feel comfortable, respected, and informed.
   
• If something doesn’t feel right, you can keep looking.
   

A little honesty and a few good questions now can save you time, stress, and money later.

So go ahead—ask away!