What to ask realtors
The questions that reveal whether an agent is actually right for you.
Choosing a buyer's agent is a hiring decision. Treat it like one. A good agent works for you (not the seller), knows your target area cold, and never steers you toward or away from a neighborhood based on protected characteristics (that last one is the law, not just etiquette). Talk to two or three agents and ask the questions that matter to you; add the ones you'll use to your list and skip the rest.
Checklist
- How many buyers have you helped in my area and price range in the last year?
- Do you represent buyers only, or do you also list homes?
- How well do you know my target neighborhoods — what's selling, what's sitting?
- How will we communicate, and how quickly will you reply?
- How exactly do you get paid — and could I ever owe anything out of pocket?
- Can I talk to a recent buyer client as a reference?
This step is general educational guidance, not legal, financial, or real estate advice. Your contract terms, deadlines, and local requirements always take precedence, so confirm specifics with your licensed professionals. Read our full disclaimer.