Whether you're buying or selling, your real estate agent becomes a key partner through one of the biggest financial decisions of your life. Taking a few minutes to interview potential agents before committing can save a lot of frustration later.
Ask About Their Experience in Your Specific Market
General experience matters, but local knowledge matters more. An agent who knows your target neighborhood — its typical price range, how fast homes move, what contingencies tend to appear — can give you a realistic picture of what to expect. Ask how many transactions they've completed in your area recently, not just overall. A follow-up worth asking: What's been the most common issue buyers or sellers face in this market right now?
Understand How They'll Communicate with You
Miscommunication during a transaction is stressful and sometimes costly. Ask how your agent prefers to stay in touch — phone, text, email — and how quickly they typically respond. Find out whether you'll hear from them regularly with updates or whether you should expect to reach out when you need something. Neither approach is wrong, but knowing which style fits yours prevents friction.
Find Out What They'll Handle and What Falls to You
Different agents offer different levels of support. Some coordinate everything: professional photography, staging consultations, contractor referrals. Others are more transactional — they help you write and negotiate contracts and rely on you to manage the rest. Knowing this upfront helps you plan your own time and set accurate expectations.
For Sellers: Ask About Their Marketing Approach
Beyond the MLS listing, ask what platforms they use, whether they run social media promotion, and how they handle open houses versus private showings. For luxury properties or unique homes, ask if they have any targeted outreach strategies beyond standard channels.
For Buyers: Ask How They Structure Showings
Efficient agents can often schedule several homes in a single afternoon, saving you multiple trips. Ask whether they'll pre-screen homes before showing them to you, and how they handle situations where a home you're interested in gets an offer before you can see it.
A good agent welcomes these questions — it shows you're a prepared client, which makes their job easier too.
Once you've found the right agent and you're ready to move forward, having your financing in order makes everything faster. Start your pre-approval here so you're ready when the right home or buyer comes along.
