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Find a Top Real Estate Agent Near You
How do i know what real estate agent to work with?
I have looked at the profiles of many agents and I'm ready to start talking to some. What do I ask? What are the questions to ask a real estate agent before hiring? is there a list of quetions or must know things?
Asked By Lima K | Kalamazoo, MI | 23 views | Working With An Agent | Updated 1 day ago
Answers (8)
Chris Nevada
Nevada Real Estate Group - LPT Realty
There is a simple list you can use to interview agents and see who feels right for you.
Good questions to ask:
• How long have you been an agent, and do you mainly work with buyers like me in this area/price range?
• How many buyers have you helped buy a home in the past year, and can you share a couple recent client references or reviews?
• What is your communication style and availability—how quickly do you reply, and do you prefer text, call, or email?
• How do you approach offers and negotiation in this market, and can you walk me through your step‑by‑step process from first showing to closing?
• Do you require a buyer’s agency agreement, how long is it for, and how do your fees/commission work—will I ever owe you money directly?
As you talk to them, pay attention not just to their answers but to how comfortable you feel, how clearly they explain things, and whether they really listen to what you need.
Good questions to ask:
• How long have you been an agent, and do you mainly work with buyers like me in this area/price range?
• How many buyers have you helped buy a home in the past year, and can you share a couple recent client references or reviews?
• What is your communication style and availability—how quickly do you reply, and do you prefer text, call, or email?
• How do you approach offers and negotiation in this market, and can you walk me through your step‑by‑step process from first showing to closing?
• Do you require a buyer’s agency agreement, how long is it for, and how do your fees/commission work—will I ever owe you money directly?
As you talk to them, pay attention not just to their answers but to how comfortable you feel, how clearly they explain things, and whether they really listen to what you need.
- 1 day ago
Helpful (0)
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Tricia Jacobs
REMAX Gateway
Hi Lima! It’s exciting that you’re ready to move from browsing profiles to having real conversations. A profile can tell you about an agent's past sales, but an interview tells you about your future results.
The best way to find a top-tier agent is through a referral from another professional in the business—especially from another real estate agent who has high standards. Since your agent will be protecting your interests and your equity, you want someone who treats this as a full-time profession, not a part-time hobby.
Here are the "Must-Ask" questions to bring to your interviews:
"Are you a full-time agent?" You need someone who is in the market every single day. If things moving quickly, you can't afford to wait for an agent to get off their "other" job to write an offer or answer a question.
"How do you prefer to communicate, and how often?" This is huge. If you prefer phone calls but they only text, or if you want daily updates but they only check in weekly, it won't be a good match.
"How will you help me reach my specific goals?" Don't just settle for a generic sales pitch. Ask them how they plan to navigate the current Kalamazoo market to get you the price or the home you want.
"What is your strategy for protecting my interests during a negotiation?" You want to hear about more than just "getting the deal." You want to know how they handle inspections, appraisals, and tricky contract language.
My Advice:
Interview at least 2–3 agents. You are hiring a "team lead" for one of the biggest financial transactions of your life. If they don't ask you deep questions about your goals, they aren't the right fit.
I have an extensive network of high-standard professionals across the country. If you’d like a recommendation for a couple of experienced, full-time agents in the Kalamazoo area to start your interviews with, I would be more than happy to provide those!
Tricia Jacobs
Managing Broker/REALTOR®
The best way to find a top-tier agent is through a referral from another professional in the business—especially from another real estate agent who has high standards. Since your agent will be protecting your interests and your equity, you want someone who treats this as a full-time profession, not a part-time hobby.
Here are the "Must-Ask" questions to bring to your interviews:
"Are you a full-time agent?" You need someone who is in the market every single day. If things moving quickly, you can't afford to wait for an agent to get off their "other" job to write an offer or answer a question.
"How do you prefer to communicate, and how often?" This is huge. If you prefer phone calls but they only text, or if you want daily updates but they only check in weekly, it won't be a good match.
"How will you help me reach my specific goals?" Don't just settle for a generic sales pitch. Ask them how they plan to navigate the current Kalamazoo market to get you the price or the home you want.
"What is your strategy for protecting my interests during a negotiation?" You want to hear about more than just "getting the deal." You want to know how they handle inspections, appraisals, and tricky contract language.
My Advice:
Interview at least 2–3 agents. You are hiring a "team lead" for one of the biggest financial transactions of your life. If they don't ask you deep questions about your goals, they aren't the right fit.
I have an extensive network of high-standard professionals across the country. If you’d like a recommendation for a couple of experienced, full-time agents in the Kalamazoo area to start your interviews with, I would be more than happy to provide those!
Tricia Jacobs
Managing Broker/REALTOR®
- 10 hours ago
- Helpful (0)
- Unhelpful (0)
Are you ready to find a top agent near you?
Browse profiles of the highest ranked agents in your area and find one that meets your specific needs.
Ashleigh Camberg
PCS Home Group
I recommend interviewing a few agents before deciding who to work with. You can also look up their profile here on FastExpert.com to learn more about their experience, reviews, and recent sales. When you speak with them, asking a few questions can help you better understand their knowledge of the market and how they work with clients.
Some helpful questions to ask include:
• How long have you been a real estate agent?
• How many homes did you sell in the past year?
• Have you worked in my price range or neighborhood before?
• What is happening in the local market right now?
• How do you typically communicate with your clients?
• How quickly do you usually respond to calls or texts?
• Will I be working directly with you or with members of your team?
• How do you help clients handle negotiations or challenges during a transaction?
• How are you paid and are there any additional fees?
• How long is the agreement if I decide to work together?
• How would you market my home?
• What do you do differently from other agents?
Speaking with two or three agents and asking these types of questions can help you compare their experience, communication style, and approach so you can choose someone you feel confident working with.
Some helpful questions to ask include:
• How long have you been a real estate agent?
• How many homes did you sell in the past year?
• Have you worked in my price range or neighborhood before?
• What is happening in the local market right now?
• How do you typically communicate with your clients?
• How quickly do you usually respond to calls or texts?
• Will I be working directly with you or with members of your team?
• How do you help clients handle negotiations or challenges during a transaction?
• How are you paid and are there any additional fees?
• How long is the agreement if I decide to work together?
• How would you market my home?
• What do you do differently from other agents?
Speaking with two or three agents and asking these types of questions can help you compare their experience, communication style, and approach so you can choose someone you feel confident working with.
- 1 day ago
- Helpful (0)
- Unhelpful (0)
Haley Doeppers
Sotheby's International Realty Wine Country
Choosing the right real estate agent can make a big difference in how smoothly your purchase or sale goes. When you start talking to agents, the goal is to understand their experience, strategy, and communication style. Here are some of the most important questions to ask. 🏡
1. How long have you been working in real estate?
Experience helps agents handle negotiations, paperwork, and unexpected issues.
You can also ask:
How many transactions have you completed?
How many homes did you sell last year?
2. Do you specialize in my area?
Local knowledge matters a lot.
Ask if they:
Frequently work in your neighborhood
Know recent comparable sales
Understand local pricing trends
Agents who work locally often price homes more accurately and market them better.
3. What is your marketing strategy? (for sellers)
A good agent should explain exactly how they plan to sell your property, including:
Professional photos
Online listings
Social media promotion
Open houses
Email lists of buyers or agents
4. What is your availability and communication style?
You want an agent who communicates clearly and promptly.
Ask:
Will I be working with you directly or a team member?
How quickly do you respond to calls or messages?
What is the best way to reach you?
5. What is your commission?
For sellers, ask:
What is the total commission?
What services are included?
Commission is often negotiable, but experience and results matter more than the lowest fee.
6. Can you provide references?
A strong agent should have recent clients who are willing to recommend them.
You can ask:
Can I speak to a few past clients?
Do you have recent reviews?
7. What makes you different from other agents?
This helps you understand their approach and strengths.
Good answers might include:
Strong negotiation skills
Marketing expertise
Deep knowledge of the local market
8. What price do you think my home will sell for? (if selling)
Ask them to explain why they believe that price is realistic. A good agent should provide data from comparable homes.
✅ Tip: Interview 2–3 agents before deciding. Compare:
Communication style
Market knowledge
Confidence and honesty
The best agent is usually the one who educates you clearly and doesn’t pressure you.
1. How long have you been working in real estate?
Experience helps agents handle negotiations, paperwork, and unexpected issues.
You can also ask:
How many transactions have you completed?
How many homes did you sell last year?
2. Do you specialize in my area?
Local knowledge matters a lot.
Ask if they:
Frequently work in your neighborhood
Know recent comparable sales
Understand local pricing trends
Agents who work locally often price homes more accurately and market them better.
3. What is your marketing strategy? (for sellers)
A good agent should explain exactly how they plan to sell your property, including:
Professional photos
Online listings
Social media promotion
Open houses
Email lists of buyers or agents
4. What is your availability and communication style?
You want an agent who communicates clearly and promptly.
Ask:
Will I be working with you directly or a team member?
How quickly do you respond to calls or messages?
What is the best way to reach you?
5. What is your commission?
For sellers, ask:
What is the total commission?
What services are included?
Commission is often negotiable, but experience and results matter more than the lowest fee.
6. Can you provide references?
A strong agent should have recent clients who are willing to recommend them.
You can ask:
Can I speak to a few past clients?
Do you have recent reviews?
7. What makes you different from other agents?
This helps you understand their approach and strengths.
Good answers might include:
Strong negotiation skills
Marketing expertise
Deep knowledge of the local market
8. What price do you think my home will sell for? (if selling)
Ask them to explain why they believe that price is realistic. A good agent should provide data from comparable homes.
✅ Tip: Interview 2–3 agents before deciding. Compare:
Communication style
Market knowledge
Confidence and honesty
The best agent is usually the one who educates you clearly and doesn’t pressure you.
- 1 day ago
- Helpful (0)
- Unhelpful (0)
Brandy Tilo
Presidio Real Estate
That’s a great place to be in the process. Talking with a few agents and asking thoughtful questions can really help you find someone who’s the right fit for you.
Some things many buyers like to ask about are the agent’s experience in the local market, how they help clients find homes in a competitive market, their communication style, and what the buying process will look like from start to finish. It’s also helpful to ask how available they are for showings, how they handle negotiations, and what kind of support they provide through inspections, contracts, and closing.
You may also want to ask about their current level of activity. An agent who is consistently closing around one to two transactions per month is typically very engaged in the market and actively helping clients. It’s also a good idea to ask for recent references so you can hear directly from past clients about their experience working with them.
If you’d like, I’d be happy to send you my “Questions to Ask When Hiring a Realtor” guide. It’s completely free and walks through the most important questions to ask so you can feel confident choosing the right agent. It’s helped many people who are at the same stage you’re in now. Just let me know and I’ll send it over.
Some things many buyers like to ask about are the agent’s experience in the local market, how they help clients find homes in a competitive market, their communication style, and what the buying process will look like from start to finish. It’s also helpful to ask how available they are for showings, how they handle negotiations, and what kind of support they provide through inspections, contracts, and closing.
You may also want to ask about their current level of activity. An agent who is consistently closing around one to two transactions per month is typically very engaged in the market and actively helping clients. It’s also a good idea to ask for recent references so you can hear directly from past clients about their experience working with them.
If you’d like, I’d be happy to send you my “Questions to Ask When Hiring a Realtor” guide. It’s completely free and walks through the most important questions to ask so you can feel confident choosing the right agent. It’s helped many people who are at the same stage you’re in now. Just let me know and I’ll send it over.
- 3 hours ago
- Helpful (0)
- Unhelpful (0)
Will Gardner
Century 21 Morrison Realty
If I were moving to another area of the country and hiring an agent, here is what I would ask:
(1) Are you a full time agent? --- CORRECT ANSWER: Yes. Do you want a part time lawyer? Part time painter. Part time anything? No, you want someone who eats, sleeps and breathes real estate.
(2) How much heads up time do you need to see a house --- CORRECT ANSWER: Immediately. (minutes or hours) The good ones go fast. Tomorrow is unacceptable unless you are doing an initial tour just to get your feet wet.
(3) Do you have any lenders you would recommend? --- CORRECT ANSWER: They should be able to give you 3 lenders and should ask you questions to know who you should talk to.
(4) What are the top things to look for when you are looking for a house --- CORRECT ANSWER: (Feel free to PM me for my list. Their list should include location as their #1 priority.
(1) Are you a full time agent? --- CORRECT ANSWER: Yes. Do you want a part time lawyer? Part time painter. Part time anything? No, you want someone who eats, sleeps and breathes real estate.
(2) How much heads up time do you need to see a house --- CORRECT ANSWER: Immediately. (minutes or hours) The good ones go fast. Tomorrow is unacceptable unless you are doing an initial tour just to get your feet wet.
(3) Do you have any lenders you would recommend? --- CORRECT ANSWER: They should be able to give you 3 lenders and should ask you questions to know who you should talk to.
(4) What are the top things to look for when you are looking for a house --- CORRECT ANSWER: (Feel free to PM me for my list. Their list should include location as their #1 priority.
- 18 minutes ago
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- Unhelpful (0)
Hersh Shah
Hersh Shah Group
To find the right agent, you should interview at least two or three people to compare their styles. Focus on these key areas to see if they are a good match for your needs:
Key Questions to Ask
Experience: How long have you been an agent, and how many homes did you help buyers or sellers with in the last year?
Local Knowledge: Have you handled many transactions in my specific neighborhood and price range?
Communication: What is your preferred way to stay in touch, and how quickly can I expect a response to texts or calls?
Availability: Will I be working with you directly or handed off to a team member?
Strategy: How do you handle tough negotiations or unexpected hurdles during the closing process?
Ultimately, you want someone who treats this as a full-time profession and makes you feel heard. If they don't ask you deep questions about your own goals, they probably aren't the right fit.
Key Questions to Ask
Experience: How long have you been an agent, and how many homes did you help buyers or sellers with in the last year?
Local Knowledge: Have you handled many transactions in my specific neighborhood and price range?
Communication: What is your preferred way to stay in touch, and how quickly can I expect a response to texts or calls?
Availability: Will I be working with you directly or handed off to a team member?
Strategy: How do you handle tough negotiations or unexpected hurdles during the closing process?
Ultimately, you want someone who treats this as a full-time profession and makes you feel heard. If they don't ask you deep questions about your own goals, they probably aren't the right fit.
- 6 hours ago
- Helpful (0)
- Unhelpful (0)
Blake Ginther
Keller Williams Realty Elite
"Do you operate solo, or do you have a dedicated support team?" - If an agent has leveraged specialized roles—like Transaction Coordinators and Inside Sales Agents—so they can focus entirely on the client's needs, that is good information to have.
"How many clients do you successfully assist each year?" What success looks like for everyone is different, so a great follow up question might be: "What does success look like for your clients? What types of transactions have you helped them win?"
"How do you handle stressful situations or unexpected hurdles?" There is no such thing as a 100% perfect real estate transaction. You want an agent that makes what can be an intimidating or stressful process feel smooth, manageable, and organized. No matter what.
"What is your communication style and expected response time?" Client testimonials consistently praise or criticize realtors based on how responsive, attentive, and patient they are. What would make you feel like communication is on point may not align with every agent.
In the case that youare going to list your home, "What are your team's current marketing strategies?" This is very important. For example, good photography can attract buyers and highlight features that are especially attractive to buyers. If they don't invest in that, I would find an agent who does.
"How many clients do you successfully assist each year?" What success looks like for everyone is different, so a great follow up question might be: "What does success look like for your clients? What types of transactions have you helped them win?"
"How do you handle stressful situations or unexpected hurdles?" There is no such thing as a 100% perfect real estate transaction. You want an agent that makes what can be an intimidating or stressful process feel smooth, manageable, and organized. No matter what.
"What is your communication style and expected response time?" Client testimonials consistently praise or criticize realtors based on how responsive, attentive, and patient they are. What would make you feel like communication is on point may not align with every agent.
In the case that youare going to list your home, "What are your team's current marketing strategies?" This is very important. For example, good photography can attract buyers and highlight features that are especially attractive to buyers. If they don't invest in that, I would find an agent who does.
- 1 day ago
- Helpful (0)
- Unhelpful (0)
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