Questions to Ask a REALTOR®: Your Guide for Buyers and Sellers

Whether you’re buying your first home, moving across town, or selling a luxury property in Charlotte, having the right real estate agent by your side makes all the difference. Asking the right questions ensures you understand the process, avoid surprises, and position yourself for success.

Here’s a practical guide with the key questions to ask a realtor, broken down for sellers and buyers.

Questions to Ask a Realtor When SELLING Your Home

Selling your home is one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll make. The right agent will guide you through the process, help you maximize your sale, and reduce stress. You want to be confident your agent can navigate the local market, set expectations, and provide honest guidance – good news and bad – so you can make well-informed decisions.

Transparency, honesty, and collaboration are imperative. Here are a few helpful questions to ensure a strong fit:

Why it’s important: Understand your agent’s strategy for showcasing your property – online listings, professional photography, virtual tours, social media, and international exposure for luxury homes.

Why it’s important: Local expertise matters. Ask about neighborhoods, price points, and past results. Also, confirm your agent can deliver information transparently, so you always have the insight needed to make effective decisions.

Why it’s important: Agents use comparables, market trends, and experience to set a competitive price. Understanding their approach helps set realistic expectations and guides the path forward as you prepare to go to market.

Why it’s important: Frequency, method, and clarity of updates are key. Discuss how you like to receive communication to ensure both you and your agent are aligned and efficient.

Why it’s important: Buyers respond emotionally, even when being logical. Proper staging, decluttering, and small improvements make a big difference in attracting serious offers. Cutting corners can cost you more in the long run; doing it right from the beginning maximizes results.

Why it’s important: Closing costs, concessions, and unexpected fees affect your net proceeds. A transparent agent will explain these upfront and ensure you have access to the closing attorney to address any questions.

Are you just getting started on your home-selling journey? Do you have more selling-specific questions? Here are a few more articles you might find helpful:

Questions to Ask a Realtor When BUYING a Home

Buying a home – especially your first – is exciting but complex. A skilled agent helps you navigate the market, evaluate homes, and negotiate effectively. My job is to take the stress and uncertainty off your shoulders so you can focus on what matters.

Why it’s important: Location affects commute, amenities, schools, and overall lifestyle. Share your areas of interest and questions – it helps me guide your search efficiently.

Why it’s important: In a competitive market, strategy matters. Understanding your budget and being pre-approved allows me to structure offers that protect your financial position.p

Why it’s important: Timelines vary by market trends and seller expectations. Communicating your desired closing schedule upfront ensures we avoid delays or complications.

Why it’s important: First-time buyers need guidance on financing, inspections, and negotiations. I sit down with my clients before seeing homes to explain the process, expectations, and steps, removing uncertainty and building confidence from day one.r

Why it’s important: Negotiation can be the difference between securing your home or missing out. Ask about strategy and past results to understand how your agent will advocate for you.a to

Whether it’s buying your first home or your seventh, there’s always more that homebuyers can learn, and an educated buyer is an empowered buyer! Here are a few more home-buying posts you might enjoy:

Bonus Questions Buyers and Sellers Often Forget

Some of the most valuable insights come from questions that don’t immediately occur to buyers or sellers:

What do I need to know about closing costs in Charlotte?
Who else in your network can help me? (lenders, inspectors, attorneys)
How do you guide clients through complex transactions or relocations?
What strategies do you use for marketing luxury or international buyers?

These questions uncover expertise, anticipate challenges, and ensure your agent can handle your unique situation.

Key Takeaways

Sellers: Focus on pricing, staging, marketing, and clear communication. Setting realistic expectations is crucial.
Buyers: Know your priorities, understand neighborhood differences, and leverage your agent’s strategy to win your offer without overpaying.
Always ask about experience, network, and approach – these reveal how an agent will support you throughout the process.

Ready to Work with a Charlotte Real Estate Expert?

Whether you’re buying or selling in Charlotte, the right strategy and guidance make all the difference. Let’s talk about your goals, the neighborhoods you’re interested in, and the questions you’ve been thinking about. Reach out today to schedule a consultation and get personalized guidance from a local expert who knows this market inside and out.

Ashley Horton | Premier Sotheby’s International Realty | 704.975.5418 | ashley.horton@charlotteluxehomes.com