Choosing a REALTOR® is an important part of buying or selling a home. You may be working together for weeks or even months, making decisions that involve a significant amount of money.
So, how do you know if a REALTOR® is the right fit for you?
It helps to ask a few questions before deciding who you want to work with. The answers can tell you a lot about their experience, communication style, knowledge of the market, and how they approach the process.
Here are some questions worth asking.
1. How Well Do You Know the Local Market?
Real estate can vary significantly from one neighborhood to another.
A REALTOR® who understands the local market can provide insight into recent sales, pricing, neighborhood trends, competition, and what buyers are currently looking for.
If you're buying or selling in areas like Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills, or elsewhere in Oakland County, working with someone familiar with those communities can be especially helpful.
2. How Will We Communicate?
Communication is one of the most important parts of a good REALTOR®-client relationship.
Ask how your REALTOR® typically communicates with clients. Do they prefer phone calls, texts, or emails? How often should you expect updates?
There isn't necessarily a right or wrong answer. The important thing is making sure their communication style works for you.
3. What Experience Do You Have With Buyers or Sellers Like Me?
Every real estate situation is different.
A first-time buyer may need different guidance than someone downsizing after living in the same home for 30 years. A seller preparing a luxury property may have different priorities than someone who needs to sell quickly because of a move.
Ask about your REALTOR®'s experience with situations similar to yours.
4. What Should I Expect From the Process?
A good REALTOR® should be able to explain what happens next without making the process feel overwhelming.
If you're buying, ask about everything from the home search and showings to making an offer, inspections, appraisal, and closing.
If you're selling, ask about preparing the home, determining a price, marketing, showings, reviewing offers, and getting to the closing table.
You should leave the conversation with a clearer idea of what lies ahead.
5. How Will You Help Me Make Decisions?
Your REALTOR® shouldn't simply tell you what to do.
Their role is to provide information, explain your options, point out potential concerns, and help you understand the possible consequences of each decision.
Ultimately, the decisions are yours.
Ask how they typically help clients evaluate properties, offers, pricing, inspections, and negotiations.
6. What Is Your Approach to Negotiation?
Buying or selling a home often involves more than negotiating the price.
Closing dates, inspection issues, repairs, contingencies, occupancy, and other terms can all become part of the conversation.
Ask your REALTOR® how they approach negotiations and how they would represent your interests if a difficult situation came up.
7. What Fees or Costs Should I Understand Before We Start?
It's always a good idea to discuss compensation and potential costs early in the relationship.
Ask your REALTOR® to explain how their compensation works, what services are included, and whether there are other costs you should anticipate during the transaction.
Don't be afraid to ask questions until everything is clear.
8. What Happens If Something Goes Wrong?
Real estate transactions don't always go exactly according to plan.
An inspection may uncover a problem. An appraisal may come in lower than expected. Financing can hit a snag. A buyer or seller may suddenly want to change something.
Ask how your REALTOR® handles unexpected situations.
Experience matters, but so does the ability to remain calm, communicate clearly, and help you understand your options.
9. Can You Provide References or Reviews From Past Clients?
Past client experiences can give you another perspective on what it's like to work with a REALTOR®.
Pay attention to what clients say about communication, responsiveness, local knowledge, negotiation, and support throughout the transaction—not just whether the home ultimately sold or was purchased.
10. Are We a Good Fit?
This may be the most overlooked question.
Credentials and experience matter, but so does trust.
You should feel comfortable asking questions, expressing concerns, and being honest about what you want. Your REALTOR® should listen to you rather than pressure you into making a decision.
Sometimes the right fit becomes obvious simply through the conversation.
Choosing the Right REALTOR® Is About More Than a Resume
You don't need to interview a REALTOR® like you're conducting a job interview with a checklist in hand.
Have a conversation.
Ask questions. Pay attention to how clearly they answer them. Notice whether they listen to what matters to you.
The right REALTOR® should help you feel more informed and prepared—not more confused or pressured.
If you're thinking about buying or selling a home in Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills, or Oakland County, I'd be happy to answer these questions and any others you may have before you decide what your next step should be.
Shaun Shaya
REALTOR®
(248) 408-6656
shaun@shaunshaya.com
