Important questions to ask your agent Qualifications are important. However, finding a solid, professional agent means getting beyond the resume, and into what makes an agent effective. Use the following questions as your starting point in hiring your licensed, professional real estate agent: 1.   Why do I need a REALTOR? 2.   Are you a Real Estate Agent or a REALTOR? 3.   What are areas of your Specialties? 4.   What Designations do you have? 5.   What tools and technologies do you use? 6.   What Marketing Plans do you have? 7.   How long have you been living in this area? 8.   Are you full-time or part-time agent? 9.   How busy are you? What are your working hours and days? 10.   How will you tell me about the newest homes available? 11.   Will you inform me of homes from all real estate companies or only from your firm? 12.   Can you help me find new construction homes? 13.   Once my offer is accepted, what should I do? 14.   Why should I work with you? 15.   What do you do better than other real estate agents? 16.   What process will you use to help me find the right home for my particular wants and needs? 17.   What are the most common things that go wrong in a transaction and how would you handle them? 18.   What are some mistakes that you think people make when buying their first home? 19.   What other Professionals do you suggest we work with and what are their credentials? 20.   How does it work if my dream home is For Sale By Owner (FSBO)? 21.   What should I do, once my offer is accepted? 22.   Will you be there for me during the entire purchase process? 23.   Can you provide me with references or testimonials from past clients? 24.   Any other questions as you think.