10 Questions You Need to Ask Your Realtor Before You Buy a Home 🏡

Buying a home is a big deal—and I’m not just saying that because I’m in real estate. It’s one of the biggest financial and emotional decisions most people make in their lifetime. Whether it’s your first home or your fifth, the process can be exciting and overwhelming. That’s why the person standing next to you—your realtor—matters. A lot.

Before you sign anything, here are 10 questions you should absolutely ask your realtor. Think of this as your homebuyer’s cheat sheet: realistic, straight to the point, and meant to protect your peace (and your wallet). 💡

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1️⃣ What’s your experience in this specific area? 🗺️

A great agent isn’t just licensed—they’re local. They know the neighborhoods, school zones, zoning quirks, and what the market is actually doing on that street, not just on Zillow. Ask how many homes they’ve helped buyers purchase in the area you’re eyeing.

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2️⃣ What’s the strategy if we find the house? 📝

In today’s market, speed ⚡ and strategy 🧠 matter. A good agent has a plan to make your offer stand out without blowing your budget. If they fumble this answer, keep moving.

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3️⃣ What’s your availability like? 📱

You don’t need a 24/7 concierge—but you do need someone who won’t disappear mid-negotiation. Ask how they handle showings, texts, and urgent updates. Timely communication = peace of mind.

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4️⃣ Can you break down the entire buying process—start to finish? 🧾

There are a lot of moving parts: pre-approval, showings, inspections, appraisals, negotiations, closing—and more. A trustworthy agent will walk you through it all, step by step 🪜. Bonus if they give you a timeline or checklist ✅.

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5️⃣ What should I really expect to pay? 💸

Your down payment is just the beginning. Ask about:

• Closing costs 🏁
• Home inspections 🔍
• Insurance 📄
• HOA dues 🏘️
• Taxes 💰

No one likes last-minute surprises at the closing table.

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6️⃣ Do you work with trusted lenders, inspectors, and contractors? 🤝

An agent with real connections saves you from the black hole of internet searches. The right team = less stress and fewer mistakes. This isn’t about kickbacks—it’s about trust. 🛠️🔑

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7️⃣ What red flags do you look for in homes? 🚩

A good realtor doesn’t just gush over the quartz countertops and cute porch swing. They’ll also point out:

• Water damage stains
• Old electrical panels ⚡
• Signs of structural issues 🏚️

If they aren’t protecting you from costly mistakes, they aren’t the right fit.

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8️⃣ How do you handle multiple offers and bidding wars? 🔥

This is real life, not HGTV. If your dream home has 5+ offers, your agent needs a strategy to help you compete—or know when to walk away. Cool heads and clear plans win here.

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9️⃣ What happens after we go under contract? 🗂️

Too many buyers think it’s all done once the offer is accepted. Not true. Inspections, appraisals, and financing hurdles can still come up. A great agent stays in the game until the keys are in your hand 🗝️.

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🔟 What’s your honest opinion—do you think this home is right for me? 🧠❤️

You want a realtor who will tell you no if it’s not the right fit. Someone who sees beyond the sale and wants what’s best for you. No pressure. Just guidance.

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💬 Final Thought:

A home isn’t just an address—it’s your safety net, your biggest investment, and the place you’ll live real life in. You deserve a realtor who gets that. 💛

Ask the right questions upfront, and you’ll walk away smarter, calmer, and a whole lot more confident.

Let’s get you home—with no surprises. 🏡

If you’re ready to talk, I’m ready to listen.

— Devin Todd Ramsey
Madison County Realtor | Advocate | Straight Shooter