Choosing the right realtor can save you time, stress, and real money. A good agent helps you avoid bad deals, spot red flags early, negotiate with confidence, and keep the process moving until closing day. Before you sign anything, ask these questions. The answers will tell you who’s truly working for you.
1) How Long Have You Been Working In This Market?
Experience matters, but local experience matters more. Ask:
- How many years have you worked in this city and neighborhood?
- What price ranges do you specialize in?
- How often do you work with buyers like me?
If you’re buying in a competitive area, you want someone who knows what homes are actually selling for, not just what they’re listed for.
2) Do You Mainly Represent Buyers, Sellers, Or Both?
Some agents lean heavily toward listing homes, while others focus on buyer representation. Neither is “better,” but you should know their default strengths.
Follow up with:
- In the last 12 months, how many buyer-side transactions did you handle?
- How many were in my target area and budget?
3) What’s Your Strategy For Finding Homes Beyond The Big Portals?
The best opportunities don’t always sit on Zillow or Realtor.com for long. Ask how they source options like:
- Coming-soon listings
- Private networks and agent-to-agent connections
- Off-market opportunities (when available)
- Early alerts the moment a listing hits
A strong agent should show you how they’ll help you see homes before the crowd.
4) How Will You Help Me Compete In A Hot Market?
If homes are moving fast, you need a clear plan. Ask:
- How do you structure a firm offer without overpaying?
- When do you recommend escalation clauses, appraisal gap coverage, or flexible terms?
- How do you protect me if competition gets intense?
You’re looking for calm, confident logic, not hype.
5) What Red Flags Do You Watch For During Showings?
Great realtors notice what buyers miss. Ask what they look for in:
- Roof and foundation signs
- Water damage and drainage issues
- Electrical panel age and condition
- HVAC age, permits, additions, and renovations
If their answer is vague, that’s a signal.
6) Who Do You Work With For Inspections, Lenders, And Closing?
A strong network makes your life easier, but you should still have choices. Ask:
- Do you have trusted inspectors, lenders, and title partners?
- Do you receive any referral fees?
- Can I use my own people if I prefer?
Transparency here is non-negotiable.
7) How Do You Communicate And How Often?
Communication problems are one of the biggest reasons buyers feel stressed. Ask:
- Do you prefer text, call, or email?
- What hours are you reachable?
- How fast do you respond?
- Who covers you if you’re unavailable?
If you want quick answers, choose someone who works that way.
8) Can You Walk Me Through Your Negotiation Style?
Negotiation isn’t just about price. It’s also about:
- Repairs and credits
- Timelines
- Appraisal and financing risk
- Contingencies and seller concessions
Ask for an example of a recent negotiation they handled and what they did to protect the buyer.
9) What Will Your Fee Be, And Who Pays It?
In many transactions, the seller may offer compensation to cover the buyer’s agent’s fee, but the structure can vary by market and deal. Ask:
- How are you compensated?
- Could I be responsible for any portion of your fee?
- Will we sign a buyer representation agreement, and what does it say?
Make sure you understand this before touring homes.
10) What’s The Step-By-Step Plan From Today To Closing?
You want a realtor who runs a straightforward process. Ask them to outline:
- Pre-approval and budget strategy
- Home search plan and showing schedule
- Offer strategy and negotiation approach
- Inspection and repair process
- Appraisal and financing milestones
- Closing preparation and final walkthrough
If they can’t explain it, the process may feel chaotic later.
11) What Should I Do Right Now To Increase My Chances Of Getting The Home I Want?
This question reveals how proactive they are. A strong answer might include:
- Tightening pre-approval and strengthening financing
- Setting a realistic offer range using recent comps
- Preparing documents for faster underwriting
- Defining “must-haves” vs “nice-to-haves” to move quickly
12) Can You Share Reviews Or References From Past Clients?
Ask for recent testimonials and, if possible, references from buyers with similar needs. Listen for patterns: responsiveness, honesty, market knowledge, negotiation skills, and a smooth closing.
Quick Checklist: Signs You Found A Strong Realtor
- They ask thoughtful questions about your goals and timeline
- They can explain the process in plain language
- They show real proof of results in your area
- They’re honest about trade-offs and risks
- They communicate fast and clearly
- They protect you during negotiations and inspections
Ready To Buy A Luxury Home In Fort Lauderdale?
If you’re shopping for luxury real estate in Fort Lauderdale, you want a team that understands high-end homes, waterfront lifestyle details, and premium negotiation strategy.
Explore luxury homes in Fort Lauderdale with the DOTOLI Group. Tell them your ideal neighborhood, must-have features (waterfront, new construction, gated, intracoastal views), and your timeline, and they’ll help you find the right property and secure it with confidence.
