Five questions to ask before hiring an agent

The script

Bring these to any first call. The answers matter, but so does how patiently they are given.

• How do you want to communicate, and how fast do you reply?
• Walk me through your process from first call to closing.
• How many clients like me have you worked with this year?
• How are you paid on my transaction?
• Who will I work with day to day?

What a good answer sounds like

Look for specifics: names of neighborhoods, ranges of timelines, examples of tricky moments. A good agent will be honest about what they do not know and will be curious about your goals.

Red flags worth walking away from

Pressure to sign immediately, vague answers about fees, and an agent who talks more than listens are all signs to keep looking. You are hiring a professional, not auditioning for one.