Questions to Ask a Realtor, and What Great Answers Sound Like

Anyone can print a list of questions. What matters is knowing what a GOOD answer sounds like — because average agents have rehearsed answers to the standard list. Here are the questions for each side of the deal, the strong answer, and the red flag.

If you are selling: the eight that matter

How many listings have you closed within a few miles of me in the last year? Strong: specific addresses and outcomes. Red flag: career totals instead of recent local ones.
What would you list my home for, and against which comps? Strong: a range built from three to five recent, genuinely comparable sales, walked through one by one. Red flag: the highest number in the room with nothing behind it.
What does your marketing actually include? Strong: professional photography, syndication scope, and examples from recent listings. Red flag: “I'll put it on the MLS and hold an open house.”
What is your average days-on-market and sale-to-list ratio? Strong: knows their numbers and the market's - compare against your county's on our scorecards.
How do you handle a low appraisal or a rough inspection report? Strong: a process, with a story of a deal they saved.
What will selling actually net me? Strong: walks you through every line - or runs it with you on a real calculator like our seller net proceeds calculator.
What is your fee, and what happens with the buyer's side? Strong: a clear written proposal and a plain explanation of how buyer-agent compensation gets negotiated on offers now.
When would you list? Strong: reasons from data - our best-time-to-sell data shows the month-by-month record for your county.

If you are buying: the seven that matter

How many buyers have you closed in my target area and price range this year?
Walk me through your last multiple-offer win - what made the difference?
How will you tell me what a home is actually worth? Strong: comps and data, not vibes - ask to see it live.
What does your buyer agreement say? Since 2024, you sign before touring: ask about its length, scope, fee, and exit terms - and read our buyer's agent guide first.
What do you know about insurance and taxes here? Strong in Florida: brings up the property-tax reset and insurance quoting unprompted.
How do you handle new construction? Strong: knows the builder's agent represents the builder, and comes with you on the first visit.
What will I actually need at closing? Strong: a real number - or our buyer closing costs calculator together.

Three questions for either side

Who exactly will I be working with? Teams can be great - just know whether the person interviewing is the person answering your calls.
Can I talk to two clients who closed in the last six months? Then actually call.
What would make me a bad fit for you? A thoughtful answer signals honesty; flattery signals a pitch.

The rest of the hiring-an-agent series

Ready to interview? Our Florida agent directory covers every Florida county and city with recorded-data agent guides, and matching with a Momentum specialist is free and no-obligation.

Common questions

What questions should I ask a realtor before hiring them?

Recent local sales volume, pricing method with real comps, specific marketing plan, negotiation process, communication cadence, references from recent closings, and a written fee proposal - with follow-ups until you get specifics.

What questions should I ask a realtor when selling my house?

Focus on recent local listings closed, the comps behind their suggested price, exactly what their marketing includes, their days-on-market record, and what you'll net - line by line.

What should I ask a buyer's agent after the NAR settlement?

Ask what their buyer agreement covers, its duration and fee, how compensation gets negotiated in offers, and how they'll handle homes where the seller offers little or nothing toward it.

General guidance on hiring and working with real estate professionals, current as of 2026-06-16 - not legal advice; agreements vary, so read yours and consult a Florida real estate attorney for specific situations. All commissions and fees are negotiable on every transaction; no fixed or uniform rate exists, and none is implied. Equal Housing Opportunity.