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8 Essential Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Real Estate Agent

8 Essential Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Real Estate Agent

  • Bernard Team
  • 06/9/25

Whether you’re buying your dream home or selling a property that’s been in the family for years, choosing the right real estate agent is one of the most important decisions you’ll make in the process. A good agent is more than just a middleman—they’re your advocate, your strategist, and your guide through what can be a complex, emotional, and high-stakes experience.

But how do you know if someone’s the right fit? Beyond just reading reviews or checking a bio online, having a direct conversation and asking the right questions is key. Here are eight questions that will help you really get a sense of who you're dealing with—and whether they’re the right person to help you move forward with confidence.

1. What kind of experience do you bring to the table?

Real estate is a fast-paced, ever-changing field. It helps to work with someone who has a deep understanding of the process and the local market. Ask how long they’ve been licensed, how many transactions they’ve handled, and what types of properties they typically work with.

Don’t just look at years in the business—some agents rack up more hands-on experience in two years than others do in ten. Newer agents can be excellent partners too, especially if they’re well-supported by a strong brokerage or mentor, and have a proactive, client-first approach.

The key is to get a sense of how prepared they are to handle the nuances of your particular situation, whether that’s selling a custom home, buying in a competitive neighborhood, or navigating a unique set of personal circumstances.

2. How well do you know the neighbourhood I’m buying or selling in?

Real estate is hyper-local. Market conditions, buyer expectations, and pricing trends can vary dramatically from one neighbourhood to the next—even from one street to another.

An agent who’s worked extensively in your area will know what homes have recently sold for, how long listings are staying on the market, and what kind of buyer activity to expect. They’ll also understand the lifestyle features that matter most in the community: school zones, walkability, traffic patterns, development plans, and more.

Whether you're buying or selling, that kind of granular knowledge can give you an edge.

3. Is real estate your full-time profession?

This question isn’t just about hours on the clock—it’s about commitment, responsiveness, and capacity. Full-time agents tend to be more available, more in tune with the daily shifts in the market, and better connected to other professionals in the industry.

That said, there are part-time agents who are highly professional and offer outstanding service. The real goal here is to understand how available your agent will be to answer questions, book showings, handle negotiations, and deal with any bumps in the road. In a fast-moving market, timing can be everything.

4. How many transactions do you handle in a typical year?

This gives you a snapshot of how active and in-demand the agent is. Someone handling a high number of deals might be great at navigating different scenarios efficiently—but could also be stretched thin. On the flip side, an agent who takes on fewer clients may have more time to dedicate to you, offering a more personalized experience.

It’s not about finding someone with the “right” number—it’s about understanding how their workload aligns with your expectations for communication and hands-on support.

5. Do you work independently or as part of a team?

Some agents are solo operators, while others work as part of a team with administrative support, buyer agents, marketing coordinators, and more.

Solo agents can offer a very consistent, personal touch—everything goes through them. But teams can often move faster and provide more coverage, which can be a plus if time-sensitive decisions arise or your schedule is unpredictable.

Find out who you’ll be communicating with most frequently, and make sure that aligns with your communication style and comfort level.

6. How many clients are you working with right now?

This question helps you gauge how much attention your sale or purchase will realistically get. Some agents thrive with a large client roster and are highly organized; others work best with a more selective workload.

What you’re looking for is assurance that your needs won’t fall to the bottom of the priority list—and that your agent has the bandwidth to be responsive and proactive, especially during critical stages of the process like offer nights or listing launch weeks.

7. Do you have a network of other professionals you recommend?

Great agents don’t work in a vacuum. They build strong relationships with trusted professionals—mortgage brokers, lawyers, home inspectors, stagers, photographers, contractors, and more—who can help you get from start to finish more smoothly.

Ask whether they can refer you to people they trust, and whether they’ve worked with them before. An experienced agent who’s well-connected can save you from scrambling last minute to find reliable experts—or worse, ending up with someone unvetted.

8. What sets you apart from other agents?

This question may seem broad, but it’s one of the most revealing. Listen closely to how the agent answers. Do they talk about their approach to strategy and negotiation? Their understanding of the local market? Their commitment to service? Do they seem to genuinely care about helping clients make informed decisions?

You want to hear more than just, “I’m passionate about real estate.” Look for specific qualities, approaches, or success stories that feel meaningful to you. This is also a good opportunity to see how well your communication styles and values align.

Final Thoughts

Hiring a real estate agent isn’t just about credentials—it’s about chemistry, trust, and whether you feel supported through one of life’s biggest decisions.

These eight questions give you a framework to move past surface-level impressions and get real insight into how an agent works. The right agent will welcome these questions, answer them transparently, and take the time to understand what you need—because at the end of the day, your success is theirs too.

Partner with the Bernard Team

When it comes to navigating the real estate market in Oakville, Burlington, and beyond, the Bernard Team brings the experience, local knowledge, and client-first approach that truly sets us apart. We’ve built our reputation on results, but more importantly, on relationships—offering personalized service, strategic guidance, and a trusted network of professionals to support you at every step. Whether you're buying, selling, or just exploring your options, we’re here to provide clear advice and confident direction. Let’s connect and talk about what matters most to you—because great results start with the right conversation.

 

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As a leader in the residential real estate sector, we understand the importance of providing service at every level of today’s highly complex transactions. Our ability to interpret market information, balanced with strong intuition, will give you a leg up on the competition.

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