What to Ask a Realtor Before Hiring One
Choosing the right real estate agent is one of the most important decisions you will make when buying or selling a home. You are not just hiring someone to unlock doors or list a property online. You are hiring a professional who will guide you through pricing, negotiations, contracts, timelines, and risk management.
As a Realtor serving Harford County, I believe informed clients make the best decisions. Below are the key questions I encourage every buyer and seller to ask before hiring a Realtor, along with why each one matters.
How many homes have you sold in the last 12 months? 
This question helps you understand whether an agent is actively working in the current market. Real estate changes quickly. Pricing strategies, buyer behavior, and negotiation tactics from a few years ago may not apply today. Recent experience matters, especially in a competitive or shifting market.
Are you a full time Realtor?
Real estate is not a side job. Contracts, inspections, negotiations, and deadlines do not wait until evenings or weekends. A full time agent is immersed in the market every day and is better positioned to respond quickly, solve problems, and advocate for you when timing matters most.
Do you own a home?
This may surprise some people, but it is a meaningful question. Owning a home provides firsthand experience with mortgages, inspections, repairs, taxes, and long term ownership decisions. It adds a layer of empathy and real world understanding that can be valuable when advising clients.
What is your educational background?
There is no single path into real estate, but education and professional background shape how an agent thinks and communicates. Ask about training, continuing education, and past careers. Skills such as teaching, finance, marketing, or negotiation often translate directly into stronger client representation.
What is your communication style?
Clear communication is critical. Ask how often you will receive updates and whether communication is primarily by phone, text, or email. Also ask how quickly you can expect responses. A strong agent sets expectations upfront and adjusts to what works best for you.
Will I work with you directly or be handed off to someone on your team?
Some agents work solo, while others work on teams. Neither approach is automatically right or wrong, but you deserve to know who will be advising you, negotiating on your behalf, and attending key appointments. Make sure you are comfortable with the structure before moving forward.
Can you explain your marketing strategy?
For sellers, this is essential. Marketing is more than putting a home in the MLS. Ask about pricing strategy, photography, online exposure, agent networking, and how the agent attracts qualified buyers. A thoughtful marketing plan should be tailored to your specific home and market conditions.
What is your commission?
Commission should always be discussed openly. Ask what is included, how it is structured, and how it compares to the level of service provided. Ask if they also charge a flat fee. Many realtors in Maryland charge a commission along with a flat fee. The lowest fee is not always the best value if it comes at the expense of experience, availability, or negotiation skill.
What does fiduciary responsibility mean to you?
This may be the most important question of all. A Realtor’s fiduciary duty includes loyalty, confidentiality, full disclosure, obedience, reasonable care, and accountability. Ask how the agent defines and practices these responsibilities. Their answer will tell you a lot about how they view their role.
Final Thoughts
Anyone can find a house online. The real value of a Realtor shows up in evaluation, strategy, negotiation, and guidance through complex decisions. Asking the right questions upfront helps ensure you hire someone who aligns with your goals, communication style, and expectations.
If you are thinking about buying or selling in Harford County and would like to have this conversation, I would be happy to help. Choosing the right Realtor should feel informed, comfortable, and confident from the very beginning.
For more information on finding a realtor, you can read me blog Steps to Hire a Trusted Realtor for Home Buying