How to Choose the Right Real Estate Broker

Between July 2023 and June 2024, 88% of home sales were made through a real estate agent or broker. To find the right one for your next home purchase or sale, you should speak with a few and ask them some key questions, such as what experience they have and what their listing strategy is.

6 Questions for a Real Estate Broker or Agent

Before hiring a real estate agent or broker, it’s important to vet them. Otherwise, hiring them could result in a negative experience. According to Florida-based real estate agent Jessica Peterson, these are the most important questions to ask a real estate agent before working with them:

1. What Are Your Experiences?

Real estate agents come from a wide range of backgrounds. You’ll find seasoned professionals with hundreds of transactions under their belt as well as those who are just starting out. Some are full-time professionals, while others are part-timers.

As a result, you should first question an agent about their real estate experience. For example, ask how long they’ve been a licensed agent, what experiences set them apart from other agents, and whether they have experience in your chosen neighborhoods.

2. Will I Work Directly With You or With a Team?

Many real estate agents and brokers work as part of a larger team. While this can offer more efficiency, it can also be less personalized. So clarify who exactly you’ll be working with and ensure you’re comfortable with the arrangement.

Additionally, verify when your agent (or real estate team) will be available for showings and consultations, what communication channels they use, and how quickly you can expect updates and responses. Ultimately, the best agents will cater to your communication preferences.

3. What Strategy Do You Have to Sell My Home for Top Dollar?

As a homeowner, you want your agent to sell your house fast and for a high price. To that end, ask them about their marketing and listing strategy. For example, will they host open houses, run online property ads, or share your listing with an exclusive buyer group? 

Keep in mind that most homebuyers use the internet to search for properties these days. Consequently, your agent’s digital marketing strategy will be key to a successful home sale.

4. What Questions Do You Ask Clients to Help Them Find the Right Home?

As a homebuyer, you want your agent to help you find the best home for your budget and needs. Among other things, this means they should have a list of questions ready to help narrow the search. These could include queries about your lifestyle, must-haves vs. nice-to-haves, commute, and long-term goals. 

Your agent’s understanding of what questions to ask—including those you wouldn’t think of—shows their ability to help you find a home that’ll truly fit.

5. Do I Need to Sign a Contract?

Many agents require you to sign a contract to work with them. This helps protect their commission if they help you buy or sell real estate. However, contracts vary in terms of duration, cancellation policies, exclusivity, and associated fees. Before signing, make sure you understand the terms by carefully reviewing the contract, including all fine print and disclosures.

6. What Are Some Fun Facts About You?

This question helps you get to know your agent on a more personal level. After all, buying or selling a house is a major financial decision, so you’ll want to find some common ground and build rapport with the agent representing you.

Checklist for Real Estate Agents or Brokers

In addition to asking the above questions, consider the following criteria when choosing a real estate agent or broker:

• Find someone you can easily contact: Real estate deals can move fast, especially in a competitive market. As such, it’s important that your agent is easy to reach and quick to respond to new buying or selling opportunities.
• Find someone who takes the initiative: A proactive agent doesn’t wait for you to send them listings. Instead, they suggest properties, negotiation strategies, and other ways to strengthen your offers.
• Find someone who knows the areas you’re considering: Your real estate agent should have a deep understanding of the local housing market and trends. That way, they can help you set competitive prices, avoid common mistakes, and connect you with other real estate professionals in the area (e.g., title companies, home insurance providers, real estate attorneys, etc).

The Bottom Line

Choosing the right real estate agent or broker is one of the most important decisions you’ll make as a homebuyer or seller, so don’t settle for the first one you meet. Instead, interview several to gauge which one would be the best fit. The right agent or broker will not only guide you through the transaction but also protect your best interests at all times.