10 Questions to Ask Your Real Estate Agent Before Hiring Them

Choosing the right real estate agent is one of the most important decisions you’ll make when buying or selling a home. It’s not just about finding someone who knows the market—it's about finding someone who truly understands you. Someone who listens to your goals, works tirelessly on your behalf, and helps you navigate the complex world of real estate with ease. At Cyrene Dellinger Properties, we pride ourselves on providing a personal, professional touch for every client. That means you’ll always feel supported, understood, and empowered throughout the entire process.

But how do you know if you’ve found the right agent for your needs? Asking the right questions is the key. Here are 10 thoughtful, and sometimes unconventional, questions you should ask before hiring your real estate agent. These questions will give you a better understanding of not only their qualifications but also how well they align with your unique needs and expectations.

1. What’s Your Experience in This Specific Market?

Real estate is hyper-local, meaning market conditions can differ greatly even between neighborhoods in the same city. When choosing an agent, it’s essential to ensure they’re familiar with the specific area where you're buying or selling. Ask about their experience in the neighborhoods you're interested in and whether they’ve handled transactions in your price range.

Why It Matters: You want an agent who knows the local market inside and out. They’ll be able to provide you with accurate pricing, identify potential issues, and anticipate market trends, making your buying or selling experience more successful.

Cyrene’s Insight: I’ve spent years working in this community, building relationships with local businesses and gaining a deep understanding of the market. When we work together, you’re not just hiring an agent, you’re gaining an advocate who knows the ins and outs of your specific area and is always a step ahead.

2. How Do You Tailor Your Approach for Each Client?

No two clients are alike. Every buyer and seller has different needs, goals, and preferences. It’s essential to know how your agent will adapt their strategies to best serve your unique situation. Ask about how they customize their approach for each client and whether they’re willing to adjust based on your changing needs throughout the process.

Why It Matters: A one-size-fits-all approach won’t cut it in real estate. You need someone who is flexible, listens carefully, and develops a strategy that is tailored to your specific needs, whether you’re a first-time homebuyer or a seasoned investor.

Cyrene’s Insight: I believe that every client deserves a personalized experience. Whether you’re looking for a quiet suburban retreat or a downtown condo, I take the time to understand what matters most to you. Your goals become my goals, and I work tirelessly to create a strategy that’s as unique as you are.

3. What’s Your Communication Style and Availability?

Clear communication is crucial when navigating the fast-paced world of real estate. Whether you’re buying or selling, there will be questions, updates, and decisions to make, sometimes on short notice. Ask your agent how they prefer to communicate, how often you can expect updates, and how available they are throughout the process.

Why It Matters: You want an agent who is responsive and easy to reach, especially during critical moments. Real estate deals often move quickly, so knowing how your agent communicates and their availability can help reduce stress.

Cyrene’s Insight: I understand that communication is key to a smooth transaction. I’m always just a phone call, email, or text away, and I make sure to provide timely updates every step of the way. If there’s ever an urgent issue or important decision, you’ll hear from me right away. Your peace of mind is my priority.

4. Can You Provide References?

A trustworthy agent should have no problem providing you with references from past clients. But don’t just take their word for it, take the time to call their references and ask about their experiences working with the agent. Find out how they handled challenges, whether they were responsive, and how satisfied they were with the outcome.

Why It Matters: Hearing directly from past clients gives you a firsthand account of how the agent works and whether they truly deliver on their promises.

Cyrene’s Insight: I’m proud of the relationships I’ve built over the years, and I’m happy to provide references from past clients. Their feedback is important to me, and I’m always eager to hear about their experiences. When you work with me, you can rest assured that I’m dedicated to making your real estate journey a positive one.

5. What’s Your Plan for Marketing My Property?

If you’re selling a home, marketing is everything. Listing your home on MLS is just the beginning, ask your agent what additional strategies they use to get your property noticed. Do they use professional photography, virtual tours, drone footage, social media ads, or staging services? The right marketing plan can make all the difference in attracting serious buyers.

Why It Matters: A comprehensive marketing strategy not only gets your home noticed but can also help you sell for the best possible price. The right agent will use their resources and creativity to ensure your home stands out in a crowded market.

Cyrene’s Insight: When you list with me, you’re getting a marketing strategy that goes beyond the basics. I invest in high-quality photography, professionally designed listings, and targeted social media campaigns to ensure your home gets the exposure it deserves. Every home is unique, and I tailor my marketing approach to highlight its best features and attract the right buyers.

6. What’s Your Success Rate in Closing Deals?

Don’t be afraid to ask about the agent’s track record. How many deals have they successfully closed in the past year? What is their average days on market for listings? What is their list-to-sale price ratio? These numbers give you a clear picture of their ability to deliver results.

Why It Matters: An agent who has a strong success rate will likely bring the same level of dedication and expertise to your transaction, helping you achieve your real estate goals more efficiently.

Cyrene’s Insight: I’m proud of my consistent success in the market. My commitment to understanding my clients' needs and my proactive approach have led to a high rate of successful transactions. Whether you’re buying or selling, you can trust that I’ll work tirelessly to help you achieve your desired outcome.

7. What Challenges Do You Foresee in My Situation?

A seasoned agent will anticipate potential challenges and be prepared with a plan to overcome them. Whether it’s a tough market, a home in need of repairs, or navigating a complicated financing situation, you want an agent who is proactive and realistic about what might come up during the process.

Why It Matters: Real estate isn’t always smooth sailing, and it’s important to know that your agent is equipped to handle any obstacles that might arise.

Cyrene’s Insight: I take pride in being realistic with my clients. I’ll never sugarcoat things, but I will provide you with a clear plan to tackle any challenges. From negotiating in a competitive market to working through potential inspection issues, I’m here to guide you every step of the way.

8. Do You Work Alone or with a Team?

Some agents work solo, while others have a team behind them. Both approaches can be effective, but it’s important to know how things will work from your perspective. Will you be working directly with the agent, or will you be interacting with other team members along the way?

Why It Matters: Understanding who you’ll be working with and who will be handling what can help you feel more comfortable and ensure that you receive the attention and support you deserve.

Cyrene’s Insight: While I handle most of my transactions personally, I do work with a trusted team of professionals to ensure everything runs smoothly. You’ll always know exactly who you’re working with, and I’ll be your primary point of contact. I’m always here for you.

9. What Sets You Apart from Other Agents?

Ask your agent what makes them stand out from the competition. What do they do differently that adds value to their services? Whether it’s their negotiation skills, local knowledge, or commitment to your satisfaction, this is a chance for them to showcase what makes them unique.

Why It Matters: You want to work with someone who has a clear vision and a distinctive approach to real estate that aligns with your needs and goals.

Cyrene’s Insight: What sets me apart is my unwavering dedication to my clients. I’m not just here to help you buy or sell a home—I’m here to build a lasting relationship and support you through every phase of your real estate journey. From the first consultation to the closing table, I’ll always put your needs first.

10. What Are Your Core Values as an Agent?

Real estate is about trust, and your agent’s core values should align with your own. Ask your agent to explain their guiding principles whether it’s integrity, transparency, persistence, or client satisfaction and how those values shape the way they do business.

Why It Matters: Working with an agent who shares your values ensures that you’ll have a positive, collaborative experience.

Cyrene’s Insight: Integrity and honesty are at the heart of everything I do. I’m committed to providing you with the best possible experience, from being transparent about the market to negotiating with your best interests in mind. Your satisfaction is my ultimate goal, and I work hard to make sure you feel supported and informed every step of the way.

Bonus Question: What’s One Thing You Wish Clients Knew About the Process?

This often brings out invaluable insights that can help you understand the complexities of buying or selling a home. It’s a great opportunity to hear directly from your agent about what to expect throughout the process and how they can best support you.

Choosing the Right Real Estate Agent Is Everything

At the end of the day, your real estate journey is all about trust and partnership. The right agent will guide you with care, expertise, and a personal touch, ensuring that your experience is as seamless and successful as possible. If you’re ready to begin, I’d love the opportunity to work with you.

Let’s start this journey together.

Warmly,
Cyrene Dellinger
Your Trusted Real Estate Professional