10 Questions Every Homebuyer Should Ask Before Choosing an Agent

Buying a home is one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll ever make, and the agent you choose plays a critical role in the outcome. The right agent can give you the strategy, data, and guidance to help you land the right home at the right price. The wrong agent can leave you overpaying, frustrated, or even missing out altogether. Before committing, take the time to ask thoughtful questions that reveal how your agent works and whether they’re truly aligned with your goals. Here are 10 of the most important questions every homebuyer should ask (and why they matter)

1. How Do You Get Paid?

This is not an awkward question to ask. Most real estate agents earn a commission, which is typically 2.5% to 3% of the home’s purchase price, paid out of the seller’s proceeds. But with new industry changes, buyers may now be responsible for covering part of that commission themselves, or it may be negotiated differently. Some brokerages, like TurboHome, instead charge a flat fee that is predictable, transparent, and often far lower than percentage-based commissions.

💡 Why it matters: How your agent is paid directly affects your costs and their incentives. A flat fee ensures you know exactly what you’re paying and that your agent’s advice is focused on your goals, and not on maximizing their commission.

2. What Services Do You Provide?

An effective agent does much more than schedule showings. They should guide you through market analysis, help you create a competitive offer strategy, negotiate terms with the seller, and walk you through disclosures and inspections. With today’s digital tools, many buyers handle some of the searching themselves, which means an agent’s real value lies in expertise, strategy, and risk management rather than just finding listings.

💡 Why it matters: Buying a home involves complex steps where mistakes can cost thousands. Asking about services upfront helps you understand exactly what you’re getting and whether the fee you’re paying matches the value delivered.

3. Are There Any Hidden Fees or Costs?

Some brokerages advertise low rates but then add “administrative” or “transaction” fees at the end of the process. These can range from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars and may not be obvious until you’re close to closing. Always ask for a clear breakdown of what’s included in your agent’s fee and what’s not.

💡 Why it matters: Surprises at closing can derail your budget. A trustworthy agent or brokerage will be upfront about all costs so you know exactly what to plan for.

4. Can I Meet My Agent Before Committing?

Some companies assign agents automatically, leaving you little say in who represents you. But buying a home is personal, and you’ll be in constant communication with your agent during one of the most important financial decisions of your life. Meeting them first gives you the chance to evaluate their communication style, local expertise, and ability to listen to your needs.

💡 Why it matters: Comfort and trust are essential. You should feel confident your agent understands your goals and will respond when it matters most. Plus, the vibe and relationship with your agent is key throughout your homebuying process. 

5. How Do You Help Me Compete in a Competitive Market?

Winning in a hot market isn’t just about offering the highest price. A skilled agent will have strategies for making your offer stand out, whether that’s through timing, clean contingencies, or smart negotiation. Ask for examples of how they’ve helped buyers succeed in multiple-offer scenarios.

💡 Why it matters: Without a clear strategy, you may feel pressured to overbid or waive important protections. A strong agent should explain how they balance competitiveness with financial and legal safety while keeping in mind your best interests. 

6. Will You Review Disclosures and Inspections with Me?

Disclosures and inspection reports can be dense and overwhelming, especially for first-time buyers. A great agent reviews the documents with you, flagging any issues and helping you understand what’s routine versus what’s a red flag. At TurboHome, we also use AI to highlight potential risks in a compact report with the Property Risk Analysis tool, with agents confirming the findings for clarity.

💡 Why it matters: Skipping over these details can lead to expensive surprises later. You want an agent who takes the time to make sure you know exactly what you’re getting into before signing.

7. Do You Work on Commission or Salary?

The traditional commission model ties an agent’s income to the price of the home you buy, which can create misaligned incentives. A salaried agent, on the other hand, is focused on helping you find the right home for the right price, without their paycheck depending on the final number. At TurboHome, this model keeps the process objective and buyer-focused.

💡 Why it matters: You want to know your agent’s recommendations are truly in your best interest. A salaried structure ensures their advice isn’t influenced by the size of the sale.

8. How Many Clients Do You Work With at a Time?

Some agents juggle a large number of clients at once, which can make them harder to reach when you need them. Others take on fewer clients to provide more personalized attention. Ask how many active buyers they typically work with and how they prioritize communication.

💡 Why it matters: Real estate moves fast. If your agent is stretched too thin, you could miss out on opportunities simply because they weren’t available when you needed them most.

9. What Makes You Different From Other Agents?

This is a chance for agents to highlight their unique strengths. Do they bring market expertise in a specific neighborhood? Do they leverage tech tools like AI-driven comps and disclosure reviews? Do they have a flat-fee model that saves you money? Or do they simply know where you are coming from? Their answer should be clear and compelling.

💡 Why it matters: If an agent can’t articulate why they’re different, they may not bring much added value. Look for a response that shows real advantages you can’t get elsewhere.

10. What Happens if I Don’t Close?

Buying a home is unpredictable. Sometimes, deals fall through or buyers decide to wait. Some brokerages charge upfront retainers or cancellation fees, while others (like TurboHome) only get paid if you close. This is a crucial question to ask before signing an agreement.

💡 Why it matters: You shouldn’t be financially penalized for a deal falling through. The best buyer representation models only charge you when you successfully close on a home.

Final Thought

The agent you choose will shape your entire homebuying experience. Asking these 10 questions gives you the clarity to see how an agent works, what they’ll do for you, and how much it will cost. Most importantly, it ensures you’re getting value and alignment and not just promises.

At TurboHome, we’ve designed our flat-fee, full-service model to give buyers the best of both worlds: expert local agents, AI-powered tools, and cost savings that keep you in control. That’s because we remain committed to our mission of making homeownership affordable for everyone. 

👉 Ready to meet your agent and start your home search with confidence? Visit TurboHome.com.