Choosing the Right Realtor: Questions Every Texas Homebuyer Should Ask

Being a real estate agent is a popular path for many individuals, especially after the housing boom that we saw during the pandemic. While it’s not critical that your realtor has decades of experience, you will want to make sure that being a realtor is their full-time job and they have enough experience to confidently shepherd you through the process and skillfully negotiate with all parties.

Experience gives realtors the benefit of 1) building many relationships with other agents that may help your offer be more noticeable and 2) knowing exactly what to do in nearly every situation imaginable because they’ve probably seen it before. If you opt for a realtor that’s new to the business, make sure that they are part of team of realtors. If your realtor is a part of a team, you'll take comfort in knowing that even though your realtor is inexperienced, they can lean on their team for advice and expertise when necessary.

What are you seeing in the market today?

Agents have a pulse on the housing market better than almost anyone else. They get buyer’s initial reactions to new listings and current purchase prices. When home activity drops or increases, they are the first to feel it. When a neighborhood’s desirability increases or decreases, they are the first to hear about it.

A good realtor will be honest about what they are seeing and be able to provide details explaining why they are seeing it. Many realtors think that buyers want to only hear about the positives, but it’s important to find someone that can give you the hard truth. It's better to know the truth before you buy at the wrong time or in the wrong area and it’s too late!

If you're interested in keeping a pulse on the housing market, check out our weekly newsletter, the Recap - or read past editions.

Can you tell me about some of your more recent transactions? 

If you’re interviewing a realtor who has been active over the last 12 months, they’ll have plenty of stories to share about some of the transactions they’ve closed. As the client, you want to understand any recent hardship they faced in getting a previous client’s deal closed as well as any actions the agent did to get the client a better deal or help win a bidding war. Problems inevitably come up if you do enough transactions (maybe the inspection shows the house has mold or maybe the seller decides they don’t want to close on the closing date). If your realtor has come up with good solutions to those problems, you know you're in capable hands!

 Do you have an assistant or transaction coordinator? 

Most busy, active realtors will have an assistant or transaction coordinator. It’s hard to show clients houses all day and make sure all the administrative tasks get handled! However, you will want to know how involved the assistant or transaction coordinator is and potentially talk to that person as well if they are going to be very involved. You don’t want to sign up to work with a realtor, only to be primarily working with an assistant, who you’ve never met and may not be the right fit for you.

 Can you give me a couple of past clients who would recommend you? 

If your realtor came to you through a trusted family member or multiple sources, you may want to skip this question, but it never hurts to ask for additional references. If your realtor is reputable, they should have many raving fans who would recommend them. Online reviews can help but often times they don’t tell the whole story. Being able to talk to a past client can make you feel certain about your choice.

Based on my home shopping criteria, what do you think are the best neighborhoods to see homes in? Why?

Every agent should have a favorite neighborhood for each demographic they serve. Whether their client is more interested in being walking distance to great restaurants and bars or a great school district, your agent should be able to pinpoint the area (or areas) that work best for you and give reasons as to why. It’s also a great way for the agent to show their knowledge of the city, so pay close attention to the details given. Ideally, you want to work with a realtor who has true local expertise in your target neighborhoods—not just general knowledge. A realtor with deep local experience will understand typical pricing, current demand, and even have relationships with other agents active in that area. This can give you a real advantage when it comes to getting your offer noticed and accepted.

How do you help clients when a seller pushes back or tries to change terms?

This is an important question because deals often change mid-process. A top agent will have strategies to protect your deposit and keep you on track. They should be able to describe how they anticipate common issues—such as sellers attempting to delay closing, demanding additional concessions, or refusing to make agreed-upon repairs—and what steps they take to protect your interests.

A great agent will know when to push back firmly, how to present counterproposals, and when to bring in legal or contractual reinforcements. They should also communicate closely with your mortgage broker, title company, and inspector during these situations to ensure nothing falls through the cracks.

Ask for examples of how they’ve successfully negotiated when sellers became difficult, and how they kept the transaction moving forward without sacrificing your priorities. Did they ask for seller concessions? What was the ultimate resolution?

How do you approach writing and negotiating offers?

Your realtor should clearly explain their strategy for crafting offers that attract sellers while fully protecting your interests. They should describe how they customize offers to suit current market conditions—whether that means submitting a clean, competitive offer or including smart contingencies to safeguard your position. A great agent will walk you through escalation clauses, contingencies, and other protections they recommend and why.

Just as importantly, they should help you understand the full consequences of your choices. If you’re considering waiving an inspection or financing contingency, they need to explain the risks—such as being obligated to buy a home with hidden issues or risking your earnest money if financing falls through. Similarly, if you decide to lowball or bid well above asking price, your realtor should advise you on how that could affect negotiations, appraisal outcomes, and future bargaining power.

What is your experience with new construction homes?

Many homebuyers are drawn to new construction homes because of the promise of brand-new features, warranties, and modern designs. But buying new construction can come with pitfalls—hidden costs, less room for negotiation, construction delays, and potential quality issues. That’s why it’s essential to have a realtor on your side, even when working with a builder.

A skilled agent can help you review builder contracts, negotiate upgrades or closing cost incentives, and ensure the builder sticks to timelines and quality standards. They can also guide you through the inspection process (yes, you should still get inspections!) and help protect your interests when things don’t go as planned. Remember, the builder’s representative works for the builder—not for you. A good agent ensures someone is advocating for your best deal and a smooth process.

How do you collaborate with my mortgage broker?

Your realtor and mortgage broker should work closely together as part of your homebuying team. Ask how they stay in sync throughout the entire transaction. A great agent will help coordinate your preapproval process by ensuring you have the necessary documentation ready for your lender, so your offer is taken seriously by sellers. They’ll also work to make sure your preapproval aligns with the homes you’re touring, so you don’t waste time falling in love with homes outside your budget.

During the appraisal phase, your agent should stay in close contact with your mortgage broker, helping manage any issues that might arise if a property appraises below the contract price. A proactive realtor will help renegotiate terms or concessions if needed and keep your financing on track.

Your realtor should also coordinate with your lender on closing timelines, making sure that inspections, title work, loan approval, and document preparation all move in sync. A great realtor-lender partnership means fewer surprises at closing and a smoother path to homeownership.

How is your commission structured, and can you secure any discounts or incentives for buyers?

Ask your agent to explain their commission structure clearly. A great agent will be transparent about how they’re compensated and may even have relationships with builders, sellers, or service providers that could help you secure discounts or perks as part of your purchase. This is another reason why working with a realtor referred by LendFriend can be a smart move. 

What’s your experience with buyers like me?

It’s valuable to choose an agent who has experience working with buyers in your specific situation—whether you’re a first-time buyer, relocating, or purchasing a second home. Ask how they’ve helped similar clients overcome challenges and secure great deals. Agents with the right experience can often spot issues before they arise and know how to position your offer for success.

Wrapping up the Realtor Interview

Work with a top Texas realtor or connect with a real estate agent in Texas today to make your home buying journey smooth, affordable, and successful. Choosing the best Texas realtor ensures you have expert guidance on local housing market trends, home prices, mortgage options, negotiating strategies, builder incentives, and securing the right home loan.

The best Texas real estate agent will help you avoid common homebuyer mistakes, identify the best neighborhoods for your budget and lifestyle, and navigate everything from preapproval to closing. Whether you're buying a home in Austin, Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, or anywhere across Texas, the right real estate agent can make all the difference in getting the best deal and a stress-free experience.

Need help finding a great agent? Let us match you with one! We’ve spent years building a trusted network of experienced Texas real estate agents who share our commitment to exceptional service. Whether you’re buying in Austin, Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, or anywhere in Texas, we can connect you with a realtor who will take great care of you from start to finish.

 Have any questions? Give us a call at 512.881.5099 or get in touch with me by completing this quick form, and I'll reach out as soon as possible.