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.