Questions to Ask Your Real Estate Agent Before Signing a Contract

8 August 2025

Buying or selling a home is one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll ever make. That’s why working with a reliable real estate agent is crucial. But before you commit by signing a contract, you need to be absolutely sure that they’re the right fit for you.

Think of it like dating—you wouldn’t just jump into a long-term relationship without asking some essential questions first, right? The same goes for hiring a real estate agent. So, before you put pen to paper, here are the critical questions you should ask to ensure you're making the best choice.

1. How Long Have You Been in Real Estate?

Experience matters. While every agent has to start somewhere, you want someone who knows the ins and outs of the market.

- Have they been through different market cycles?
- Do they have experience in dealing with difficult negotiations?
- Can they handle unexpected roadblocks?

An agent with years of experience will have faced numerous challenges and will know how to navigate tricky situations.

2. Are You a Full-Time Agent?

Some agents work part-time, but when you’re making such a big investment, you want someone who is fully committed.

- A full-time agent is likely more knowledgeable about market trends.
- They’ll have better availability for showings, open houses, and contract negotiations.
- They’ll be more focused on their clients since real estate is their primary job.

If your agent is only doing this as a side gig, they might not be as committed as you need them to be.

3. What Are Your Fees and Commission Rates?

Money talks, and you need to be clear on how much you're going to pay.

- Typically, real estate commissions range from 5% to 6% of the home's selling price, split between the buyer’s and seller’s agents.
- Are there any additional fees? Some agents charge marketing fees, so be sure to ask.
- Is the commission negotiable? Depending on the market, you may have room for negotiation.

Never assume anything when it comes to costs—get everything in writing.

4. Can You Provide References from Past Clients?

A good agent will have plenty of happy clients willing to vouch for them. If an agent hesitates to provide references, that’s a red flag.

Ask for at least three past clients and follow up with them. Some great questions to ask past clients include:

- Did they communicate effectively?
- Were they easy to work with?
- Did they deliver on what they promised?

If the feedback is overwhelmingly positive, you’re on the right track.

5. How Well Do You Know the Local Market?

Real estate is all about location, location, location—so make sure your agent knows the area like the back of their hand.

- Do they have recent experience with homes in your neighborhood?
- Can they provide a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) for your home?
- How do they stay updated on market trends?

An agent with strong local knowledge will price your home correctly and help you find the best deals.

6. What’s Your Marketing Strategy?

If you're selling a home, you need an agent with a solid marketing plan. Without proper marketing, your home could sit on the market for months.

- Do they use professional photography and videography?
- Are they active on social media and real estate platforms like Zillow and Realtor.com?
- Will they conduct open houses and virtual tours?

A strong marketing plan ensures maximum exposure to potential buyers, increasing your chances of selling quickly and at the best price.

7. How Do You Handle Multiple Offers and Negotiations?

In a competitive market, multiple offers are common. Your agent needs to be a skilled negotiator who can get you the best deal.

- How will they help you evaluate multiple offers?
- What strategies do they use when negotiating?
- Have they handled bidding wars before?

Buying or selling can feel like a high-stakes poker game—you want someone who knows how to play their cards right.

8. What’s Your Availability Like?

Your agent might be amazing, but if they’re constantly tied up with other clients, you could end up feeling neglected.

- How many clients do they typically work with at once?
- What’s their preferred method of communication (phone, email, text)?
- How fast can they respond to inquiries?

If your agent is too busy to give you the attention you need, that could become a major frustration down the road.

9. What Happens If I Want to Cancel the Contract?

Not every agent-client relationship works out. Before committing, find out how you can terminate the agreement if things go south.

- Is there a cancellation fee?
- What’s the process for ending the contract?
- Do they offer any sort of satisfaction guarantee?

A good agent won’t trap you in a contract you can’t get out of.

10. What Are the Biggest Challenges You See in My Situation?

Every home sale or purchase comes with its own set of challenges. A great agent will be honest about potential hurdles.

- Are there market challenges affecting your price or timing?
- Will financing be an obstacle?
- Are there any red flags in your home that might turn buyers away?

By discussing challenges upfront, you’ll be better prepared to handle any bumps along the way.

11. How Do You Handle Inspections and Appraisals?

Home inspections and appraisals can make or break a deal, so your agent needs to know how to navigate these steps smoothly.

- What’s their plan if major repairs are needed?
- How do they assist with price negotiations after an appraisal?
- Do they have experience dealing with low appraisals?

An agent who knows their way around these crucial steps can save you time, money, and stress.

12. What's Your Plan for Closing Day?

Closing day is the grand finale of your real estate transaction, and you don’t want any surprises.

- Do they coordinate with the lender and title company?
- Will they be present at closing?
- What should you bring to the closing meeting?

A well-organized agent ensures a smooth and drama-free closing process.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right real estate agent can mean the difference between a stress-free transaction and an absolute nightmare. By asking these key questions before signing a contract, you'll gain confidence in your agent's abilities and avoid potential headaches later on.

Don't be afraid to interview multiple agents before making your final decision. Remember, this is one of the most important investments you'll ever make—so make sure you're working with someone you trust.