Why These Questions Matter Before You Sign

Hiring a real estate agent is one of the most consequential decisions in any property transaction. This person will negotiate on your behalf, guide you through contracts, and influence outcomes that involve significant sums of money. Yet many buyers and sellers sign representation agreements after only a brief conversation.

A structured set of questions helps you assess whether an agent has the experience, local knowledge, and communication style that fits your needs — before you're legally bound to work together. This checklist is designed to make that evaluation systematic rather than anecdotal.

Once you've found an agent you trust, you'll be better prepared to move through later steps. See our listing review checklist to prepare for in-person tours, and explore real estate listings across the US to sharpen your market awareness alongside your agent search.

Credentials and Experience

Verify the agent's license is active in your state by checking your state's real estate regulatory body online. Must
Ask how many transactions the agent has completed in the past 12 months, and what percentage involved properties similar to yours in type and price range. Must
Inquire about any additional designations or certifications, such as Accredited Buyer's Representative (ABR) or Certified Residential Specialist (CRS). Nice to have
Request two or three references from past clients who had transactions similar to yours, then follow up with those references directly. Should

Local Market Knowledge

Ask the agent to describe current conditions in your specific target neighborhoods — average days on market, list-to-sale price ratios, and inventory trends. Must
Request examples of recent comparable sales they've personally worked on, not just market reports they pulled from an MLS database. Should
Ask how long they have been working in this specific market, and whether they live or have lived in the area. Should

Representation and Conflicts of Interest

Ask directly whether the agent practices dual agency — representing both buyer and seller in the same transaction — and how they handle it if it arises. Must
Confirm who the agent legally represents in your transaction: you, the other party, or both. Must
Ask whether the agent receives any referral fees, incentives, or compensation from third parties such as lenders, inspectors, or title companies. Should

Compensation and Contract Terms

Ask the agent to explain their full compensation structure — including who pays their commission and how recent regulatory changes may affect that in your transaction. Must
Review the representation agreement length and ask whether there is a performance-based exit clause if you are not satisfied with the service. Must
Confirm whether the agreement is exclusive or non-exclusive, and what obligations it places on you during the contract period. Must

Communication and Availability

Ask how and how often the agent will communicate with you, and who covers for them when they are unavailable. Must
Establish whether you'll be working primarily with the named agent or with members of their team, and what each person's role will be. Should
Ask the agent to describe a past situation where a deal became difficult and how they navigated it on behalf of their client. Nice to have

Strategy and Process

Ask the agent to outline their specific strategy for your situation — whether buying or selling — including how they'll price, market, or identify properties. Must
Ask how they approach offers and negotiations, and what their track record looks like for clients in competitive market conditions. Should
Confirm what happens if the transaction falls through — what support, next steps, or obligations remain on either side. Should

How to Use This Checklist

Bring these questions to an initial consultation or a phone screening. Most experienced agents will welcome the conversation — it signals you're a serious, prepared client. Pay attention not just to what they say, but to how they respond: vague answers, defensiveness, or reluctance to commit to anything in writing are themselves useful data points.

Don't Skip Reading the Representation Agreement

A verbal understanding with an agent has limited legal weight. The written representation or listing agreement governs the relationship, including how long it lasts, what you owe if you find a property on your own, and under what conditions either party can exit. Read the full document before signing — not just the summary an agent provides. If any clause is unclear, consider having an attorney review it.

After you've vetted an agent, review any representation agreement carefully. Pay particular attention to the contract duration, exclusivity clauses, and whether there's a performance-based exit provision. In some transactions, you may also want independent legal guidance — our overview of when to work with a real estate attorney explains when that step is optional and when it's essential.

For a fuller picture of the homebuying process — from reading a listing to submitting an offer — see our guide on interpreting a real estate listing.

Required

State Real Estate Regulatory Authority Website

Verify an agent's license status, disciplinary history, and any complaints on record before signing any agreement.

Optional

Multiple Listing Service (MLS) Access or Public Portal

Research recent comparable sales in your target area to cross-check the agent's stated market knowledge.

Required

Representation Agreement (Buyer's or Listing Agreement)

Review all terms — duration, exclusivity, compensation, and exit provisions — before committing to any agent.