Homes With Hannah
When purchasing a home, having the right buyer’s agent by your side can make a world of difference. Asking the right questions ensures you find a knowledgeable, trustworthy professional who aligns with your needs. This blog outlines 12 key questions to guide your decision-making process:
How long have you been in real estate?
One key question to ask a buyer’s agent is about their experience, but it’s not always a matter of “more is better.” Newer agents bring energy, determination, and personalized attention, while seasoned agents offer wisdom, confidence, and expertise in handling complex scenarios. The right choice depends on your priorities—whether you value fresh drive or proven experience. Thoughtful questions will help you find the perfect fit.
How well do you know the markets I am searching in?
Your agent must be licensed in the area where you’re buying a home and should have the local market knowledge to guide you effectively in your search.
What do you like about living here and what do you do for fun?
This question is a great way to learn more about the area and learn more about your agent as a person.
Do you work mostly with buyers or sellers?
Ideally, your agent should work with both buyers and sellers. An agent who also represents sellers understands their mindset and priorities, which can be invaluable in crafting offers that stand out and appeal to the seller’s needs. This perspective provides an edge during negotiations, as they can anticipate the other party's strategies and expectations, ultimately helping you secure the home you want.
What types of services can you provide me?
Agents provide a variety of services, including identifying homes that match your criteria, accompanying you to showings, offering market and property analysis, negotiating on your behalf, and much more to support your home-buying journey.
Do you work full-time or part-time as an agent?
Full-time agents are generally able to dedicate more time and attention to your needs compared to those who work real estate part-time.
How will you represent my best interests?
Make sure your agent is dedicated to advocating for your best interests throughout the home-buying process. While your agent provides guidance, they should always respect your decisions and follow your instructions. It's important that they have a clear, transparent process in place to ensure your interests are represented fairly and without bias at every step.
How do you get paid?
With the new NAR settlement, the way a buyer's agent gets paid has shifted. Traditionally, the seller covered the commission for both the buyer’s and seller’s agents. Now, buyers may need to directly negotiate and pay their agent’s commission, as the seller is no longer obligated to provide compensation through the listing agreement. It’s essential to discuss commission expectations upfront with your agent to understand how and when payment will be handled in your specific transaction.
How do you typically communicate with your clients?
Most agents will ask you the same question and will do their best to accommodate your preferred method. Do you prefer texting, phone calls, or email? Personally, I use phone calls and emails for more detailed updates, while text messages and messaging apps are ideal for quick questions or urgent matters. The goal is to ensure smooth and efficient communication throughout the process.
Are you available in the evenings and on weekends?
I respect an agents right to take personal time, however, I also understand that finding time to view homes or discuss details during the workday can be challenging, so I make it a priority to accommodate my clients' schedules, whether it’s after hours or over the weekend (within reason). Check with your agent to see what their availability is.
What is your process for handling showings?
It's important to understand how showings are scheduled and conducted. Your agent should have a clear process in place for organizing and arranging showings that fits your schedule. This process should be both convenient for you and efficient in helping you identify potential homes that meet your criteria.
What are the most common mistakes buyers make?
By learning from others' experiences and avoiding common pitfalls, you can navigate the home-buying process with greater ease and success.
The most important thing is to find a buyer’s agent you trust, connect with, and feel confident in. They should understand your needs and have the experience and skills to help you achieve your goals. Take the time to ask these questions and set yourself up for success in finding your dream home.
