What Questions Should I Ask My Real Estate Agent?
Whether you’re buying or selling a home, choosing the right real estate agent is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. The right agent can guide you through a complex process, protect your interests, and help you make informed decisions. The wrong one can leave you feeling confused, pressured, or unsupported.
Asking the right questions upfront helps you understand how an agent works, what they prioritize, and whether they’re the right fit for you.
This guide outlines the most useful questions to ask, and why they matter.
How Long Have You Been Working in Real Estate?
This helps you understand the agent’s experience level and familiarity with the process.
Listen for:
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Experience in different market conditions
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Familiarity with your city, neighbourhood, or property type
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Comfort handling challenges, not just easy transactions
Experience doesn’t guarantee quality, but it often brings perspective and problem-solving skills.
How Well Do You Know My Local Market?
Real estate is highly local. An agent who understands your specific area can provide better pricing guidance, negotiation strategy, and market context.
You may want to ask:
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What trends are you seeing in this area?
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How do homes typically perform here compared to nearby areas?
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What types of buyers are active in this neighbourhood?
This reveals whether the agent truly understands your market, or only speaks in generalities.
How Will You Communicate With Me?
Clear communication prevents misunderstandings and stress.
Ask:
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How often will you update me?
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What’s the best way to reach you?
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Who will I be speaking with most often, you or a team member?
You want expectations to match your preferred communication style.
How Do You Help Buyers or Sellers Make Decisions?
Good agents don’t just provide information, they help interpret it.
Ask:
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How do you help clients evaluate options?
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How do you handle situations where emotions run high?
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How do you balance guidance with respecting client decisions?
This gives insight into their decision-making approach and whether it aligns with your style.
How Do You Approach Pricing and Negotiation?
Pricing and negotiation are core parts of the job.
Ask:
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How do you determine an appropriate price to offer?
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How do you handle multiple offers or negotiations?
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How do you protect your client’s interests?
Look for thoughtful explanations, not guarantees.
What Is Your Process From Start to Finish?
Understanding the full process reduces uncertainty.
Ask:
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What are the main steps involved?
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What should I expect at each stage?
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What are common challenges and how are they handled?
This helps you feel prepared and supported rather than surprised later.
What Costs or Fees Should I Expect?
Transparency is important.
Ask:
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What fees are involved?
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What services are included?
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Are there any optional or additional costs I should know about?
Clear answers build trust and prevent confusion later.
How Do You Handle Difficult Situations?
Every transaction has the potential for unexpected issues.
Ask:
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How do you handle inspections that uncover problems?
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What happens if a deal falls through?
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How do you manage conflict between parties?
This shows how the agent handles pressure, problem-solving, and professionalism.
How Will You Support Me Beyond the Transaction?
Some agents focus only on closing, while others aim to build long-term relationships.
Ask:
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Do you stay in touch after closing?
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Do you provide ongoing market updates or support?
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How do you help clients in the long term?
This can help you decide what kind of relationship you’re looking for.
Final Thoughts
Asking thoughtful questions helps you choose an agent who aligns with your goals, values, and communication style.
You’re not just hiring someone to facilitate a transaction, you’re choosing a professional to guide you through a major life decision. Taking the time to ask the right questions helps ensure that relationship is a good one.
This content is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or professional advice.
