What Should You Ask a Real Estate Agent Before Working With Them?

Buying or selling a home is far more than a transaction—it’s a series of decisions that can influence your finances, your timeline, and your overall peace of mind. Choosing the right real estate agent is just as critical as choosing the right property. If you’re searching for a realtor Seattle buyers and sellers can truly rely on, the questions you ask before committing can shape your entire experience.

A skilled real estate professional won’t rush you or avoid specifics. Instead, they’ll welcome thoughtful questions and answer them with clarity and confidence. The right conversation upfront can prevent costly missteps later.

In this blog, we explore the most important questions to ask a real estate agent before working with them—and why the answers matter more than you might expect.

How Well Do You Know the Local Market?

True market expertise goes beyond quoting last year’s averages. It’s about understanding what’s happening right now. Inventory levels, pricing strategies, and buyer demand can shift dramatically from one neighborhood to the next—even within the same city.

Ask how closely the agent tracks local data and how that insight shapes their recommendations. A strong agent should be able to explain why a home is priced a certain way, how long comparable properties are taking to sell, and what factors are currently influencing demand. This is where working with a professional deeply connected to the local market makes a meaningful difference.

Who Will I Be Working With Day to Day?

Some agents manage every detail personally, while others work with a team. Neither approach is inherently better—but clarity is essential.

Ask who your primary point of contact will be once the process begins. Will you be communicating directly with the agent, or will certain responsibilities be handled by a coordinator or assistant? Understanding this early helps set expectations around communication, response times, and accountability.

A transparent agent will outline their workflow without hesitation.

How Do You Communicate With Clients?

Communication style can define your real estate experience, yet it’s often overlooked. Ask how frequently you can expect updates and which communication channels they prefer—text, email, or phone.

Some clients want consistent check-ins; others prefer concise updates only when action is required. This is also the right moment to ask how urgent situations are handled. Real estate doesn’t always follow a predictable schedule, and delayed communication can mean missed opportunities. Clear alignment here prevents frustration down the line.

What Is Your Experience With Buyers or Sellers Like Me?

Every real estate transaction is unique. A first-time homebuyer, a relocating family, and an investor all come with different priorities and challenges.

Ask the agent about the types of clients they work with most often and how that experience applies to your situation. Look for specific examples, not general assurances. You want to understand how they’ve navigated similar scenarios and solved real-world problems.

Helpful follow-up questions may include:

• Similar transactions they’ve handled recently

• Common obstacles those clients faced

• How the agent helped resolve them

These answers reveal both experience and strategic thinking.

How Do You Approach Pricing and Negotiation?

Pricing and negotiation demand more than confidence—they require a well-informed strategy.

For sellers, ask how the agent determines an initial listing price and how they adjust if market response is slower than expected. For buyers, ask how they structure competitive offers while protecting your financial interests.

A seasoned agent will walk you through their reasoning step by step, using data and market context—not pressure or guesswork. This is where Sankri Realty clients often notice a difference, as the emphasis remains on informed decision-making rather than quick wins.

What Should I Expect Throughout the Process?

The real estate process can feel overwhelming when you don’t know what comes next. Ask the agent to outline the journey from start to finish, including major milestones and potential delays.

This discussion should cover timelines, paperwork, inspections, financing coordination, and closing logistics. The goal isn’t to master every detail—it’s to understand your role, the agent’s responsibilities, and how guidance will be provided at each stage.

Clear expectations build confidence and reduce unnecessary stress.

How Are You Compensated?

Compensation should always be transparent. Ask how the agent is paid and what that means for you financially.

A professional agent will explain commissions clearly and address questions openly. This is also a good time to ask about additional costs you should anticipate, particularly if you’re selling. Transparency at this stage helps avoid surprises later.

What Sets You Apart From Other Agents?

This question isn’t about marketing slogans—it’s about substance.

Listen for answers that focus on process, service quality, and results rather than generic claims. The strongest agents can clearly articulate what differentiates their approach and how it benefits their clients.

When Sankri Realty represents clients, the focus remains on preparation, responsiveness, and long-term trust—not one-size-fits-all solutions.

Choose Questions Before Commitments

Selecting a real estate agent isn’t just about credentials. It’s about alignment, clarity, and confidence. The right questions reveal how an agent thinks, communicates, and advocates on behalf of their clients.

If you’re evaluating a real estate agent in Kirkland, or nearby areas such as Bothell, Redmond, and Sammamish, take the time to have these conversations before moving forward. A well-matched agent doesn’t simply facilitate a transaction—they make the entire experience more informed, efficient, and firmly rooted in your best interests.