10 Questions to Ask a Real Estate Agent

A great real estate agent is more than just someone with a license. They’re a dealmaker, a strategist, and a trusted guide through one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll make. But not all agents are up to the task. Some hustle to get you the best deal, while others barely show up. That’s why you need to ask the right questions before committing. These questions will reveal their expertise, communication style, and commitment to your success. Here are ten questions to ask a real estate agent that will help you separate the experts from the rookies.

How Long Have You Been in Real Estate?

Experience in real estate can make a huge difference. An agent with several years in the industry has likely encountered various market conditions and challenging transactions, which means they’ll know how to handle any obstacles that arise. While newer agents may still be capable, those with at least three to five years of active experience tend to have a stronger grasp of pricing strategies, negotiations, and market trends. If they’ve closed at least a dozen transactions per year, that’s a good sign they’re actively working and in tune with the market.

Do You Work Full-Time or Part-Time?

A full-time real estate agent is generally more dedicated and available than someone who works part-time. Real estate transactions move quickly, and if your agent is unavailable when an offer comes in, or a new listing hits the market, you could miss out on key opportunities. A full-time agent is typically someone who dedicates 40+ hours a week to their business, including client meetings, showings, marketing, and continuing education. When considering questions to ask a real estate agent when buying, it’s important to find out if they have the time and commitment to stay on top of fast-moving deals and provide the level of attention you need.

How Many Homes Have You Sold in the Past Year?

The number of homes an agent has sold is a good indicator of their experience and success in the current market. If they’ve sold multiple homes, it means they’re actively working and understand market conditions. On the other hand, if they haven’t closed many transactions, it could be a red flag that they lack experience or are struggling to attract clients. This is one of the most critical questions to ask a real estate agent when buying a home, as their track record can give you confidence in their ability to close deals.

What Neighborhoods Do You Specialize In?

Real estate is highly local. An agent who specializes in your target area will know the neighborhoods inside and out—whether a certain street tends to flood after heavy rain, which school zones are most sought after, or where a new shopping center is about to break ground. They can tell you if a home is priced competitively based on recent sales or if a neighborhood is trending up or down. Local expertise also means they likely have strong connections with trusted inspectors, contractors, and mortgage lenders, making the entire buying or selling process smoother.

What’s Your Marketing Strategy for Selling a Home?

If you’re selling a home, marketing is critical to attracting potential buyers. A strong marketing plan should include professional photography, online listings, social media promotion, email campaigns, and open houses. Asking about marketing is one of the essential questions to ask a real estate agent when selling, as their approach will determine how quickly and effectively your home attracts interest.

How Do You Handle Multiple Offers and Negotiations?

In a competitive market, multiple offers are the norm, and a skilled negotiator can make all the difference. A great agent will know how to help buyers stand out—whether it’s using an escalation clause, waiving contingencies wisely, or writing a compelling offer that sellers can’t ignore. For sellers, they’ll know how to spark bidding wars, push for better terms, and negotiate counter offers to get top dollar. When considering questions to ask a real estate agent when selling, be sure to ask how they’ve handled multiple-offer situations before—because the right strategy can turn a decent deal into a winning one.

How Will You Communicate with Me, and How Often?

Real estate transactions involve a lot of moving parts, and clear communication is essential. Some agents prefer phone calls, while others rely on emails or text messages. Make sure their communication style aligns with yours and that they are available when you need them. If an agent is slow to respond during your initial conversations, it could be a sign of future frustrations. Asking about communication is one of the fundamental questions to ask your real estate agent, as their responsiveness can impact the entire process.

Do You Work Independently or with a Team?

Some agents work alone, while others are part of a team, and this can shape your entire experience. With a solo agent, you get one consistent point of contact, which can be great for personalized service—but if they’re busy or out of town, you might face delays. A team-based agent has more hands on deck, so responses might be faster, but you may find yourself dealing with different people for different parts of the process. This can be efficient or frustrating, depending on how well the team communicates. When considering questions to ask your real estate agent, be sure to inquire upfront about who you’ll be working with day-to-day, especially during key moments like negotiations and closing.

Can You Provide References from Recent Clients?

Talking to past clients gives you a real-world perspective on the agent’s professionalism, work ethic, and success rate. A reputable agent should have no problem providing references. When speaking to past clients, ask about their overall experience, how well the agent handled challenges, and whether they would hire them again. If an agent hesitates to provide references, that’s a red flag.

What Happens if I’m Not Satisfied with Your Service?

It’s important to know what happens if things don’t go as planned. A good agent will be upfront about their policies and willing to work with you if issues come up. Maybe that means tweaking their marketing strategy, improving communication, or bringing in extra support from their team. Having this conversation early ensures you won’t feel stuck if things aren’t going the way you expected.

Choosing the right agent starts with asking the right questions. REMAX, is here with honest answers, expert guidance, and the resources to make your transaction seamless. Whether you’re buying or selling, a REMAX agent knows the market and how to get results. Contact RE/MAX today and get the answers to all your questions to ask a real estate agent—because you deserve transparency, trust, and a partner who puts your needs first.