5 Questions You Have to Ask Before Hiring a Real Estate Agent

Buying a home is a big deal—financially, emotionally, and logistically. So choosing the right agent to guide you through it? That decision matters. But most buyers don’t ask the right questions before committing to work with someone. Here are five questions you should always ask before hiring a buyer’s agent:

1. How many homes have you sold in the last year?
This gives you a sense of their experience and current market activity. Someone who’s actively working with buyers in today’s climate is better equipped to navigate the fast pace and challenges of the market.

2. How do you help your buyers win in multiple offers?
If you’re in a competitive market, this is critical. A great agent will have proven strategies that go beyond just “offering more money.” From escalation clauses to creative terms, you want someone who knows how to position your offer to stand out without sacrificing your best interests.

3. How do you structure offers to protect your buyers?
Your agent should explain how contingencies work, how earnest money is handled, and what safety nets are in place in case something goes sideways during inspections or financing. A good offer isn’t just competitive—it’s smart and protective.

4. What is your list-price-to-sale-price ratio for buyer transactions?
This stat tells you how good they are at helping buyers negotiate. Are their clients consistently overpaying, or are they getting solid deals—even in tough markets? It’s a small question that reveals a lot.

5. What does working together actually look like—and what if it’s not a fit?
You deserve to know what kind of communication and support to expect. Are you working directly with them or being passed to a team member? And if things just don’t click—what’s the process for parting ways? A confident, ethical agent won’t hesitate to answer this one.

These questions help you avoid buyer’s remorse before you’ve even made an offer. Want a full list of smart buyer questions, tips, and tools to guide you through every step? Download our Buyer’s Guide for instant access.

--Stacey

P.S. If your agent’s only pitch is “I love helping people,” that’s nice. But let’s dig deeper—you’re not hiring a golden retriever, you’re hiring a negotiator.