What Questions Should I Ask Before Hiring a Real Estate Agent?

Choosing the right real estate agent can directly impact your pricing, negotiation results, timeline, and overall experience. Before hiring anyone, you should ask clear questions about their experience, communication style, local market knowledge, and how they protect your interests throughout the process.

What questions should I ask before hiring a real estate agent?

• How well do you know the local Statesboro market?
• How do you communicate and how often?
• What is your pricing or negotiation strategy?
• What happens if something goes wrong during the transaction?
• How do you represent my interests specifically?

These questions help you move past surface-level promises and understand how an agent actually works when real decisions need to be made.

Why asking the right questions matters more than choosing the “most popular” agent

Many people hire a real estate agent based on familiarity, advertising, or a referral without asking meaningful questions. While referrals and reputation matter, they don’t automatically tell you how an agent will handle your transaction.

Real estate decisions involve pricing strategy, contract terms, inspections, deadlines, and negotiation pressure. An agent’s job isn’t just to open doors or list a property — it’s to guide you through complex decisions while protecting your financial interests.

Asking thoughtful questions helps you identify whether an agent is proactive or reactive, transparent or vague, and whether they operate with your priorities in mind.

How much experience do you have in Statesboro?

Local experience matters. Statesboro neighborhoods, pricing trends, buyer demand, and typical contract challenges can vary significantly from one area to another.

You’re not just looking for years in the business — you’re looking for relevant experience in the local market. Ask how often they work in Statesboro, what types of clients they typically represent, and how familiar they are with recent market conditions.

An agent who understands the local market can help you avoid overpricing, recognize red flags early, and adjust strategy when conditions shift.

“We had a great experience working with Deb Hagan to sell our home. She was professional, knowledgeable, and easy to work with. She kept us well informed throughout the entire process, and offered great advice. She had our best interests in mind, and the results spoke for themselves. We highly recommend Debbie to anyone looking to buy or sell a home!”

How will we communicate throughout the process?

Communication issues are one of the most common complaints in real estate transactions. Before hiring an agent, clarify how updates will be handled.

Ask how often you should expect communication, whether they prefer phone, text, or email, and who you’ll be speaking with day-to-day. You should also ask how quickly they typically respond to questions.

Clear communication expectations reduce stress and prevent small issues from turning into major problems.

What is your strategy for pricing, offers, and negotiation?

Every agent should be able to clearly explain how they approach pricing and negotiation — without relying on vague promises.

For sellers, ask how they determine pricing and how they adjust if the market response is slower than expected. For buyers, ask how they structure offers in competitive situations and how they protect you from overpaying.

An experienced agent will explain their reasoning, not just their recommendation.

What happens if something goes wrong?

Inspections uncover issues. Appraisals can come in low. Financing can hit delays. These moments are where professional guidance matters most.

Ask how the agent handles challenges, communicates risks, and keeps transactions moving forward when plans change. You’re not looking for guarantees — you’re looking for preparedness.

An agent who can explain how they handle problems calmly and clearly is often the one who prevents bigger issues later.

“Deb was great to work with on the sale of our house. She worked fast to get pictures up of the house and coordinated well with us on upcoming showings. She was very involved throughout the closing process and made the entire process a breeze. Would definitely recommend her and use her again in the future!”

FAQ

Is it okay to interview more than one real estate agent?
Yes. Interviewing multiple agents helps you compare communication styles, strategies, and experience before making a decision.

Should I choose the agent who suggests the highest price?
Not always. Pricing should be supported by market data and strategy, not just optimism. Overpricing can lead to longer market time and price reductions.

Do I have to sign an agreement right away?
You should fully understand any agreement before signing. Ask questions about length, cancellation terms, and obligations on both sides.

Next Steps

If you’re considering hiring a real estate agent in Statesboro and want clarity before making a decision, you can reach out directly:

• Cell: (912) 737-4863
• Office: (912) 489-0067
• Email: [email protected]