What Should You Ask a Real Estate Agent Before Hiring Them?

When you hire a real estate agent, you’re choosing someone to guide you through decisions that affect your finances, your home, and your next chapter. You deserve to understand how that person works before you commit.

I’ve been a Realtor in Central Ohio since March 2001, and I welcome questions from prospective clients. An initial conversation gives us both an opportunity to discuss your goals, the challenges you might face, and the kind of support you need.

Whether you’re buying your first home, selling a longtime family home, or preparing to downsize, here are the questions I recommend asking before hiring a real estate agent.

1. How Much Experience Do You Have in My Area?

An agent’s years in business matter, but ask how that experience relates to your neighborhood and the type of property you want to buy or sell.

You might ask: “Have you sold homes near mine?” or “What would you consider when pricing a property in this neighborhood?” Listen for specific explanations rather than a broad promise that the agent knows the market.

My experience includes Columbus and surrounding communities such as Dublin, Worthington, Upper Arlington, Westerville, Hilliard, Powell, and New Albany. Over my career, I’ve sold approximately 300 homes representing more than $35 million in real estate.

That experience helps me evaluate comparable properties, recognize potential obstacles, and develop a plan suited to each client’s situation.

2. Have You Helped People in a Situation Like Mine?

Your circumstances should shape your agent’s approach. A first-time buyer may need detailed explanations throughout the process. Someone selling a parent’s home may need help coordinating an estate cleanout. A homeowner downsizing after decades in the same house may need time and practical support to prepare.

I work with first-time buyers, investors, downsizers, empty nesters, and Baby Boomers. I’ve also helped families manage sales during difficult life transitions.

For example, a client’s daughter once contacted me because her mother urgently needed to sell her Worthington home and move into assisted living. The property needed substantial attention, and the family needed someone to coordinate the preparation.

I arranged help from cleaners, junk removal professionals, painters, auctioneers, and movers. We cleared the home, prepared it for an as-is sale, and sold it in under 20 days.

Ask an agent for an example that relates to your needs. It can reveal how they respond when a transaction requires more than listing a property.

3. How Will You Help Me Set a Realistic Price?

If you’re selling, ask the agent to explain their suggested listing price and show you the information behind it.

What comparable homes have sold? How does your home’s condition affect its position? What competing properties will buyers consider?

Overpricing and inadequate preparation are two of the biggest mistakes I see sellers make. I want my clients to understand how I arrive at a recommendation so we can make an informed decision together.

If you’re buying, ask how the agent will help you evaluate an asking price and develop an offer. You should understand the reasoning before deciding what you’re comfortable paying.

4. What Should I Do Before Listing My Home?

A good listing consultation should give you useful direction. Ask which improvements deserve attention, what can be handled through cleaning or staging, and which projects may offer little benefit for your particular sale.

I walk through a property with my sellers and make specific recommendations. That may include clearing clutter, rearranging furniture, painting, or addressing maintenance concerns. When work is needed, I can provide names and contact information for professionals.

I have formal training in staging and help my clients prepare their homes for photography and showings. For vacant properties, I also use virtual staging when appropriate.

The goal is to help buyers see the home clearly and appreciate its possibilities.

5. What Is Your Marketing Plan for My Home?

Ask for an explanation of how the agent will present your property and reach prospective buyers.

My approach includes professional photography, aerial drone photos, and preparation before the home goes on the market. Buyers often first encounter a property through its online photos, so the presentation deserves careful attention.

I also promote listings through social media, including Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn, along with email marketing to clients and prospects. My involvement in local Realtor meetings, networking events, and property tours gives me additional opportunities to introduce a listing to other agents. Depending on the property and timing, I may also hold an open house.

Ask how the agent would apply those methods to your home. You should leave the conversation with a clear sense of the plan.

6. How Will We Communicate?

Ask how you’ll receive updates, whom you’ll contact with questions, and what happens when an issue needs prompt attention.

It’s also helpful to explain your preferences. Do you prefer calls, texts, or email? Do you want detailed explanations, or a brief update followed by a conversation when a decision is needed?

Communication is an important part of my work. My background includes public relations and marketing, and I believe clients should understand what is happening and what comes next.

A useful update should explain its meaning. If a showing produces feedback or an inspection raises a concern, you need to know how that information affects your choices.

7. How Do You Handle Negotiations and Problems?

Ask an agent to describe a challenging transaction and how they handled it. Their answer can tell you how they assess problems, explain options, and keep a sale moving.

I’m a Certified Negotiation Expert, and I work to negotiate in my clients’ best interests. That begins with understanding their priorities. Price matters, but timing, possession, repairs, and other terms can also affect whether an agreement works for you.

You want an agent who listens carefully and can explain the tradeoffs before you make a decision.

8. What Support Will You Provide Through Closing?

An accepted offer leaves several steps to complete. Ask what help you can expect with inspections, deadlines, documents, the final walkthrough, and possession.

You may also need referrals for moving services, insurance, or other resources. Find out how the agent helps coordinate those needs and how they work with lenders, inspectors, and title professionals.

I see my role as helping clients through the full process. That includes keeping track of the next steps, helping address concerns, and connecting clients with resources when needed.

9. What Are Your Fees and What Am I Agreeing To?

Before signing an agreement, ask the agent to explain the services included, the fees, the length of the agreement, and your responsibilities.

Take time to read the documents and ask about anything you don’t understand. You should feel comfortable discussing the business relationship as openly as you discuss the property.

Let’s Talk About Your Next Move

The right agent should be able to explain their approach, support their recommendations, and listen to what matters to you.

When I meet with a prospective client, I want to understand their goals before recommending a plan. With more than 25 years of real estate experience in Central Ohio, I bring local knowledge, marketing experience, negotiation training, and practical help to that conversation.

If you’re considering buying or selling a home in Columbus or a surrounding community, contact me to discuss your plans. Bring your questions—I’ll be happy to answer them.