Questions Every Homebuyer Should Ask Their Realtor

Buying a home is one of the biggest financial decisions you'll ever make. But many buyers walk into their first agent meeting without knowing what to ask — and it costs them. Here's your go-to guide.

Sources: NAR Consumer Guide • Realtor.com • Windermere Real Estate • Zillow Group Consumer Housing Trends Report

Whether you're buying your first home or your fifth, having the right real estate agent in your corner can make all the difference. The National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) recommends interviewing at least a few agents before committing — and the questions you ask in that first conversation can set the entire tone of your home search.

According to the Zillow Group Report on Consumer Housing Trends, 75% of buyers hire a real estate agent during the buying process. Yet many of those buyers do little to vet the agent before signing on. The good news? A few smart questions upfront can go a long way.

Here are 13 essential questions every buyer should be asking — and why each one matters.

1. Are You a REALTOR®?

Not every licensed real estate agent carries the REALTOR® designation. According to NAR, agents who are REALTORS® are held to a strict Code of Ethics — including the duty to protect and promote your interests as a buyer. It's a simple, one-word question that carries real weight.

2. How Long Have You Been in Real Estate?

Experience matters — but it's not the only thing. Realtor.com recommends looking for agents with at least a few years working with buyers. If you're considering a newer agent, ask whether they work under a seasoned broker who can step in when needed. As Realtor.com puts it: "There's something to be said for being young and hungry!"

3. What Neighborhoods Do You Specialize In?

A great agent doesn't just know real estate — they know your market. Ask whether they have in-depth knowledge of the specific neighborhoods you're eyeing: current listing prices, how quickly homes are moving, school districts, safety, and local amenities.

📊 60% of buyers say evaluating an agent's local market knowledge is one of their top criteria when choosing who to work with. — Zillow Group Report

4. What Percentage of Your Business Is Working with Buyers?

There's a difference between a buyer's agent and a listing agent — and it matters. Realtor.com suggests looking for an agent with a buyer-to-seller client ratio of at least 7 to 3. Someone who spends most of their time on the selling side may not be as tuned in to what buyers need in today's market.

5. What Services Do You Provide from Start to Finish?

Not all agents offer the same level of support. According to Windermere Real Estate, you should ask what your agent provides at each stage — from property searches and showings, to negotiations, inspections, and closing coordination. Also ask if they have trusted lenders, inspectors, or contractors they can refer you to. A well-connected agent can save you serious time and stress.

6. How Many Homes Did You Help Buyers Close This Past Year?

There's a big difference between "working with" buyers and actually getting them to the closing table. Ask for a concrete number. There's no magic threshold — you just want to hear that the agent has a consistent, successful track record. As one broker cited by Realtor.com puts it: "There's a big difference between 'working' with homebuyers and actually selling people homes."

7. How Long Does It Typically Take Your Buyers to Find a Home?

Knowing what to expect timeline-wise helps you plan — and can also reveal a lot about how an agent works. According to Realtor.com, most buyers spend 30 to 60 days home shopping, followed by 14 to 60 days from contract to closing.

📊 The average buyer spends 4.2 months searching for a home and goes on 7 home tours before making a purchase decision. — Zillow Group Report

If an agent regularly tells buyers it takes six months to a year, that's a red flag worth noting.

8. What Are My Options for Paying You?

This is a conversation more buyers need to be having — especially in today's landscape. Following the 2024 NAR settlement, how buyer's agent compensation works has shifted. According to NAR's Consumer Guide, compensation is fully negotiable and can take the form of a flat fee, an hourly rate, or a percentage of the purchase price. You may also have the option to ask the seller to cover it as part of your offer. Don't be shy about having this conversation upfront — it's your right as a buyer.

9. What Will Be Included in Our Written Buyer Agreement?

Before you tour homes together, your agent may be required to enter into a written buyer agreement with you. NAR's Consumer Guide notes that this agreement outlines the services your agent will provide and what they'll be compensated for those services — and that it is fully negotiable. Make sure you understand what you're signing before the home search begins.

10. How Will You Determine What Homes Match My Needs?

A strong buyer's agent doesn't just send you MLS listings — they take time to understand your priorities. Realtor.com recommends asking whether your agent uses a questionnaire or intake process to understand your must-haves, nice-to-haves, and budget. They should also be honest about whether your wish list is realistic for your price range and target area.

📊 Only 46% of buyers get the first home they make an offer on. Having an agent who truly understands your priorities from the start helps you move decisively when the right home appears. — Zillow Group Report

11. How Many Clients Are You Currently Working With?

You want an agent who's active — but not stretched too thin. Realtor.com notes that juggling more than 10 clients at once can make it difficult to provide high-quality, personalized service. If they're part of a team, ask who your day-to-day point of contact will be and how they handle time-sensitive situations.

12. How Will We Communicate — and How Often?

Communication style matters more than most buyers realize. Do they prefer texting, phone calls, or email? How often will they check in? Both Realtor.com and Windermere emphasize that in a fast-moving market, your agent should be in touch frequently — sometimes daily — so you don't miss out on the right opportunity.

📊 78% of buyers expect their agent to respond to an initial inquiry within one day. Make sure your agent's communication habits match your expectations. — Zillow Group Report

13. Can I Speak with Past Clients or See Reviews?

A confident, experienced agent will welcome this question. NAR's Consumer Guide encourages buyers to ask for references from past clients. And the data backs up why this matters:

📊 33% of buyers find their agent through a personal referral, and 50% say they read online agent reviews as part of their evaluation process. — Zillow Group Report

Don't skip this step. Real conversations with past clients can reveal things a sales pitch never will.

The Bottom Line

The right real estate agent can make your home buying journey smoother, smarter, and a lot less stressful. Asking these questions upfront isn't about being difficult — it's about making sure you're in good hands for one of the biggest decisions of your life.

Ready to get started? Reach out to our team — we'd love to answer every one of these questions and more.

Sources

Questions Every Homebuyer Should Ask Their Realtor Before Signing Anything