10 Questions You Must Ask Before Signing With a Realtor

Buying or selling a home is one of the biggest financial decisions most people will ever make. Yet, I’m always surprised how often people choose a Realtor the same way they choose a restaurant—based on a recommendation, a vibe, or whoever answered the phone first.

I get it. Real estate feels overwhelming. When emotions are high and timelines are tight, it’s tempting to just “pick someone and move on.”

But here’s the truth I’ve learned after years in this business:
The Realtor you choose will directly impact how much money you make or lose, how stressed you feel, and how smoothly this process goes.

And in today’s market—higher interest rates, cautious buyers, longer decision cycles—choosing the right agent matters more than ever.

So before you sign anything, ask these 10 questions. Not to interrogate… but to protect yourself.

1. How Do You Actually Price Homes (or Write Offers) in Today’s Market?

Why this question matters

Pricing and offer strategy used to be simpler. Look at the comps, split the difference, and go.

That world is gone.

Today, pricing is part math, part psychology, part timing.

A personal story

I once met with a seller who had already interviewed two agents. Both told him exactly what he wanted to hear:
“Your home should sell for this number.”

The problem? That number was based on sales from six months earlier—when rates were lower and buyers were far more aggressive.

We priced slightly below that number, created urgency, and ended up with multiple offers that pushed the price higher than what the other agents promised.

The lesson: Pricing isn’t about being optimistic. It’s about being strategic.

What a strong answer sounds like

  • They talk about current buyer behavior, not just comps

  • They mention absorption rate, days on market, and showing activity

  • They explain why a price works—not just what it is

Red flag? “We can always reduce later.” That usually means they don’t have a plan.

2. What Is Your Marketing Strategy Beyond Putting It on the MLS?

Let’s be honest: every agent puts homes on the MLS. That’s the baseline.

What really matters

  • How is your home positioned online?

  • Does the agent understand how buyers scroll, search, and compare?

  • Are they creating desire, not just exposure?

For sellers

Ask about:

  • Professional photography and video

  • Online marketing strategy

  • Open houses (and how they’re actually run)

  • Agent-to-agent networking

For buyers

Flip the question:

  • How do you help me win in multiple-offer situations?

  • Do you find off-market or “coming soon” opportunities?

Marketing isn’t about being flashy. It’s about being intentional.

3. How Do You Communicate—and How Often?

This is one of the biggest pain points I hear from clients who worked with another agent before me.

“They were nice… I just never knew what was going on.”

Ask this directly:

  • How often will I hear from you?

  • Will you proactively update me?

  • What’s the best way to reach you?

My rule of thumb

If you ever find yourself wondering, “Should I be worried?”—communication has already failed.

Great agents don’t wait for you to ask. They keep you informed so you can breathe.

4. What Happens If the Home Doesn’t Sell (or the Offer Isn’t Accepted)?

This is where experience really shows.

Anyone can handle the smooth transaction.
The pros shine when things don’t go as planned.

Ask about:

  • Backup strategies

  • Timeline checkpoints

  • What happens after 7 days… 14 days… 30 days?

I always tell clients:
“Hope is not a strategy. We plan for success—and we plan for reality.”

5. How Many Clients Do You Work With at One Time?

Busy doesn’t always mean better.

An agent juggling too many clients can mean:

  • Slower responses

  • Missed details

  • Less proactive strategy

On the flip side, a well-run team can offer:

  • Coverage

  • Systems

  • Consistency

The key is clarity.

6. Who Will I Be Working With Day-to-Day?

This question prevents frustration later.

Will it be:

  • The agent you met?

  • A showing agent?

  • A transaction coordinator?

There’s no right or wrong—only transparency.

I’ve seen deals go sideways simply because the client didn’t know who to call when something urgent came up.

7. How Do You Handle Negotiations When Things Get Emotional?

Real estate is emotional. Full stop.

Inspections, appraisals, low offers—this is where stress spikes.

A real example

I once had a deal where the inspection came back brutal. The seller was offended. The buyer was scared. Everyone wanted to “win.”

My job wasn’t to argue—it was to slow things down, reframe the conversation, and keep both sides focused on the outcome.

A good agent manages emotions. A great agent manages decisions.

8. What Do You See as the Biggest Risk in This Market Right Now?

This is one of my favorite questions.

It tells you instantly if the agent is paying attention.

Good answers mention:

  • Overpricing

  • Buyer hesitation

  • Financing issues

  • Appraisal gaps

Be cautious of anyone who says,
“There really aren’t any risks right now.”

There are always risks. The best agents help you navigate them, not ignore them.

9. How Are You Paid, and What Am I Getting for That?

This doesn’t need to be awkward.

Ask:

  • What services are included?

  • What am I really paying for?

  • How do you earn your fee?

The cheapest option often costs the most in the end.

You’re not paying for access to Zillow—you’re paying for:

  • Strategy

  • Protection

  • Negotiation

  • Experience

10. Why Should I Hire You Over Every Other Agent?

This is the moment of truth.

Listen closely.

You want:

  • Confidence, not arrogance

  • Clarity, not clichés

  • Focus on you, not their awards

If their answer sounds generic, defensive, or rushed—trust your gut.

Final Thoughts: The Right Agent Changes Everything

The right Realtor doesn’t just open doors or write contracts.

They:

  • Simplify complexity

  • Protect your money

  • Help you think clearly when emotions are loud

Even if you never work with me—or any agent I know—asking these questions will make you a smarter, calmer, more confident buyer or seller.

And if you ever want a second opinion before signing anything?

That conversation alone can save you time, money, and stress.

Ready to take the next step? Reach out to Reliance Real Estate Team today!

https://www.reliancerealestateteam.com/contact/

414-659-6965 / jsingsheim@kw.com