Ask These 10 Questions to Find the Right Realtor

1. How long have you been a Realtor?

Look for someone with a few years in the business. Are you willing to try a rookie? Ask if they'll receive hands-on help from a broker.

2. What neighborhoods do you specialize in?

They must know home prices, schools, safety, public transportation, and cultural amenities.

3. What's your schedule and availability?

Whether full-time or part-time, your Realtor should guarantee that urgent matters will be addressed immediately.

4. Do you work independently or with a team?

Find out if you'll be working exclusively with one person or if others may provide backup. 

5. What's your buying-to-listing ratio?

While most agents help both home buyers and sellers, the best tend to specialize in one or the other. 

6. How many homes did you help buy/sell in the past year?

Ask for specific numbers of closings and negotiation strategies. 

7. How long does it typically take buyers you've worked with to buy/sell a home?

If a Realtor says it typically takes six months to a year, you could end up frustrated.

8. How will you determine what homes match my wish list?

A good buyer's agent provides clients with a questionnaire to pinpoint home-buying criteria. 

9. How many clients are you currently working with?

More than 10 clients might be too many to provide you with high-quality, one-on-one service.

10. How will you keep in contact with me during the process, and how often?

It's best if your Realtor's preferred method of communication aligns with yours. Plus: Find someone who ll check in at least weekly (and daily in a fast-moving market).