Questions to Ask a Real Estate Agent Before You Work with Them
Dec 01, 2024
Buying a home is exciting—but choosing the right real estate agent can make or break the experience. As a mortgage lender licensed in all 50 states, I work with hundreds of agents across the country, and I’ve seen the good, the bad, and the downright ugly.
The truth? The right agent is worth gold. The wrong agent? Terrible for you—and terrible for me as your lender. Here’s how to make sure you end up with a professional who actually has your back.
Why You Shouldn’t Start with Zillow or Real.com
If I were buying a home today, I would never click on a website to find an agent. Here’s why:
- Sites like Zillow and Realtor.com don’t send you the best agent; they send you the one who pays for the lead.
- You are literally being bought and sold as a lead.
- The strongest agents don’t need to pay for leads, and they won’t waste their time on buyers who aren’t pre-qualified.
Even if a team has hundreds of reviews, the person showing you the home could be a brand-new agent or someone who only gets leads by paying. And guess what? You still pay the same.
Tip: Always go for an agent with proven performance, not just flashy reviews.
Key Questions to Ask a Real Estate Agent
The way an agent responds to these questions reveals how they’ll treat you throughout the transaction. Ask upfront, not after you’re already stuck in a toxic relationship.
- Do You Pull Comparable Sales Before Writing an Offer?
- If you like a house listed at $400,000, will the agent run a comparative market analysis (CMA)?
- This takes less than 30 minutes and shows what similar homes in the area sold for.
- If an agent says, “I know the market,” or “That’s the appraiser’s job,” run.
A good agent arms you with data, giving you confidence that your offer is solid.
- Will You Go Through the Purchase Contract with Me Before I Find a House?
- Understanding contingencies and risks before you fall in love with a property is critical.
- Most states allow agents to walk you through the contract, except New York (attorney state).
- If they refuse, it’s a red flag. You want someone who explains everything, so you’re never blindsided.
Knowledge is power. Buyers who don’t understand contracts often end up calling me from a stressful situation. Avoid that entirely.
- How Many Homes Have You Sold in the Last Year?
- Focus on recent activity, not years in the business.
- An agent who closed 30 homes last year is likely more in tune with the current market than someone who’s been licensed 20 years but only sold two homes last year.
- Check data on Zillow or other local sources to verify their claims.
New agents can be amazing if they’re aggressive, well-researched, and plugged into the local market. Years of experience alone don’t guarantee expertise.
Red Flags to Watch For
- Slow responses: If an agent doesn’t get back to you within a few hours during business hours, they likely won’t advocate for you when it counts.
- Refusal to share data or explain contracts: If they won’t, imagine what else they’ll skip once you’re in a binding contract.
- Overpromising or exaggerating sales experience: Verify what they say. Reputation matters.
Why This Matters
The real estate agent you choose is negotiating the biggest financial transaction of your life. You need someone who:
- Understands the market
- Communicates clearly
- Will fight for your interests
- Makes you feel comfortable and confident
Your goal is a stress-free buying experience—not tears, confusion, or regret.
How My Team Can Help
We even have a team member dedicated to helping buyers find trustworthy real estate agents, no kickbacks, no bias, just data-driven recommendations. Our goal is to pair you with agents who will deliver results, minimize stress, and make the process smooth.
If you’re ready for a fully underwritten pre-approval and guidance through the buying process, reach out. My team and I will make sure you’re taken care of—whether this is your first home or your fifth.
Need help finding an agent? Call us! 786-933-2077
Want to plan ahead? Book a call with Jennifer: https://calendly.com/jennifer-beeston
https://zerostressmortgage.com
