Questions To Ask Real Estate Agents

Whether you’re preparing to sell your current home, buy your next one, or navigate both at once, the right real estate agent can make the process dramatically less stressful — and significantly more successful. But how do you know who’s genuinely up to the task? There are a series of questions to ask real estate agents that will reveal who those people are.

This guide walks you through the questions to ask your real estate agent when interviewing someone selling your home, as well as questions to ask a buyer’s agent. These questions aren’t surface-level curiosities. They will reveal how well an agent aligns with your needs, financial strategy, and communication style.

Questions to ask a listing (seller’s) agent

If you’re selling, your agent should do more than post a sign and hope for the best. You want someone who knows your market, understands your goals, and has a plan to deliver results.

1. What experience do you have with homes like mine?
   A seasoned listing agent can anticipate market reactions and pricing sensitivities. This is especially important if your home falls within a unique or high-value segment. They should be familiar with how to market distinct features. Their experience can influence pricing, staging, and even the timing of the listing. Request recent comps or examples that closely mirror your situation.
2. What’s your marketing strategy for this property?
   Selling a home is more than visibility. It’s about attracting the right buyers. A strong marketing plan should combine digital outreach, professional visuals, and local market tactics. You want to know how they’ve showcased other homes. Ask for examples of past campaigns they’ve run; their plan should reflect your home’s.
3. How do you decide on a listing price, and when should you adjust it?
   Overpricing can lead to stagnation; underpricing may leave money on the table. Your agent should walk you through comparable sales and active listings. Ask how often they revisit pricing strategy based on market response. Understand what signals they need before adjusting—look for a data-driven approach.
4. How many days do your listings typically stay on the market?
   Without drastic price cuts, a shorter-than-average time on the market signals strong pricing and marketing instincts. Ask them to compare their results to the area average. Look for patterns across their recent listings. Time on the market affects your planning, especially if you’re buying next. You want someone who can sell with both speed and precision.
5. How will you communicate with me throughout the process?
   Frequent, clear communication reduces stress and helps you respond quickly to offers or shifts in buyer interest. Ask how they typically share updates. Is it email, text, or phone? (The correct answer is the one that works for you.) Will you get regular check-ins even when there’s no major news? How fast do they respond to inquiries from buyers and agents? Clarity builds trust and sets expectations.
6. What is your commission structure? Are there any additional fees?
   Transparency around costs helps align expectations. Get a breakdown of services included in their commission. Ask whether they charge extra for staging, photography, or premium marketing. Understanding total costs upfront helps you budget. It also reduces friction later in the process.

Questions to ask a buyer’s agent

Buying a home requires more than just browsing listings. A great buyer’s agent guides you through a competitive market, helps you spot red flags, and negotiates on your behalf.

1. How well do you know the neighborhoods I’m interested in?
   Neighborhood expertise can reveal both hidden value and hidden risks. A knowledgeable agent can flag zoning issues, traffic patterns, or school district changes. They may also be aware of future development plans that could influence your decision. Ask how often they’ve represented buyers in the area. Local fluency leads to stronger advocacy.
2. How do you find properties, including off-market opportunities?
   In hot markets, off-market access can make all the difference. Some agents have networks that give clients a first look at homes before they hit the MLS. Ask how often they find deals through agent networks or private channels. What tools or alerts do they use? A proactive strategy expands your options.
3. What’s your strategy for negotiating the best deal?
   The difference between an okay deal and a great deal can be tens of thousands of dollars. Ask how they prepare for offer submissions—do they include escalation clauses, appraisal gaps, or pre-inspections? What’s their approach to competitive offer scenarios? Look for someone who can tailor tactics to market conditions and your financial priorities.
4. Can you coordinate inspections, appraisals, and other due diligence?
   A full-service agent should help manage logistics across the many moving pieces of a home purchase. You don’t want to juggle contractors, paperwork, and deadlines on your own. Ask who’s on their preferred vendor list. Do they attend inspections with you? Their organizational skills and vendor relationships can significantly impact your buying experience.
5. Have you helped clients sell and buy simultaneously?
   Timing the sale of one home with the purchase of another can be a financial and emotional tightrope. Your agent should be able to walk you through options like rent-backs, extended closings, and temporary housing. Ask how they handle bridge loans or contingency planning. Their coordination is key to minimizing risk and stress. You need someone who can navigate multiple timelines without dropping the ball.
6. Do you offer discounts if I use you as my listing and buyer’s agent?
   This practical question can save you money, especially if you’re managing closing costs on both sides. Ask if they offer bundled commissions or reduced fees. Some agents will pass on marketing savings if they represent you in both transactions. Be sure to understand what’s included and whether service levels remain consistent. Cost savings are significant, but only with the provision of continued high-quality service.

Real estate transactions are often the largest financial decisions people make. The agent you choose becomes your advocate, negotiator, and project manager during a high-stakes life event. Asking the right questions isn’t just smart — it’s essential.

If you’re navigating a move and want help aligning your real estate decisions with your broader financial life, your Brighton Jones advisor is here to support you.

This content is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be construed as individualized advice or a recommendation for any specific product, strategy, or course of action. Brighton Jones, its affiliates, and employees do not provide personalized investment, financial, tax, or legal advice through this communication. This material is not intended to, and does not, create a fiduciary relationship under ERISA or any other applicable law. For individualized advice tailored to your specific circumstances, please consult with your adviser.