When you're looking to buy or sell a home, one of the most important decisions you'll make is choosing the right realtor. It's easy to get caught up in the excitement or the pressure, but this isn't a small favor you’re asking for—this is someone who will shape the outcome of a major transaction. So, instead of nodding along through a sales pitch, it's smarter to ask the right questions before making it official. These questions aren't just for getting to know them—they're your filter. Use them well.

Questions to Ask a Realtor Before You Sign Anything

1. How Long Have You Been Doing This, and What's Your Track Record?

Start here, and don’t shy away from being specific. Years in the industry can say a lot, but it’s not everything. Someone might have 15 years under their belt and still struggle to close. On the flip side, a newer agent with a sharp eye and recent wins might outperform.

Ask for the number of transactions they've handled in the past year. Then go one step further—ask how many of those were in your price range or neighborhood. An agent who knows your area well is already one step ahead of someone who’s trying to figure it out as they go. You can also throw in: “What’s your list-to-sale price ratio?” This shows you’re watching for performance, not promises.

2. Are You a Full-Time Agent?

This one often gets overlooked, but it matters more than you think. An agent who’s doing this on the side might not be available when you need them. You don’t want to be waiting around for callbacks while someone else’s offer just went through.

There’s no need to be rude about it. Just ask directly. “Are you doing this full-time, or do you also manage other work?” If they say it’s their main gig, ask how available they are for showings, calls, or last-minute changes. The way they answer will tell you a lot about how seriously they take their work.

3. Who Will I Actually Be Dealing With?

Sometimes, you meet someone during the pitch, but someone else ends up doing all the real work. This is common in teams where a lead agent brings in business and then passes it on to junior staff. If that's the setup, it's not necessarily a red flag—but you need to know upfront.

Ask, "Will you personally be handling my case, or will someone else be my point of contact?" Then, ask to meet that person. The last thing you want is to be assigned to someone you've never spoken to, with no idea about their style or communication habits.

4. How Will You Communicate With Me?

We’ve all had that experience—waiting for someone to respond while your inbox stays empty and your phone stays quiet. That can’t happen when there’s real estate on the line. So it’s fair to ask: “How often will I hear from you, and what’s your preferred method of communication?”

Some agents are all about texts. Others like phone calls or emails. Some are great at keeping you in the loop; others will only reach out when there’s news. Get clarity. You don’t want to be chasing updates while they assume silence means things are fine. Also, ask what hours they're typically available. You want to know if you can reach them after 5 p.m., on weekends, or during crunch times.

5. What’s Your Strategy?

This one separates the order-takers from the thinkers. Whether you're buying or selling, you should ask them to explain their strategy clearly. That means what they'll do when they'll do it, and why it works.

If you’re selling, ask how they plan to market your home. Will there be professional photography? Open houses? Online listings? What platforms will they use? Do they use social media, and how often?

If you're buying, ask how they plan to find you properties you might not come across on your own. Are they plugged into off-market listings? Will they send daily updates? Do they preview properties first or send everything your way? If the answer is vague or sounds like something you could do yourself, keep looking.

6. What’s Your Commission, and Are There Any Extra Fees?

Don’t save this question for the end. It’s not rude to bring up money—it’s smart. A clear discussion now can prevent surprises later. Ask them what their commission is and whether it's negotiable. Then get into the fine print: Are there any additional marketing fees? Administrative charges? Staging costs? You want the full picture, not a half answer wrapped in friendliness.

Also, make sure you understand how the commission is split if you're buying. Typically, the seller pays both agents, but it's still worth knowing how things are structured. If anything sounds off or fuzzy, push for clarity.

7. How Will You Handle Offers and Negotiations?

Some agents are masters of negotiation. Others simply pass along what you say and hope it all works out. If you want someone who’ll actually advocate for you, ask how they handle offers.

If you’re a seller, ask: “What’s your approach to pricing and responding to offers?” If you’re a buyer, ask: “What do you do when a property has multiple offers?” Their answers should reflect experience and a confident, professional approach.

Also, ask how often they win in competitive situations. Don't just rely on vague stories. If they're good at this, they'll have examples to share.

Wrapping Up

Choosing a realtor isn’t about clicking with the friendliest person in the room. It’s about picking someone who can deliver. These questions aren’t just for show—they reveal how an agent works, what they prioritize, and how seriously they take your situation. So go in prepared. Take notes. And trust your gut—because the right questions tend to make the answers speak louder than the pitch ever could.