How to Choose a Realtor in Atlanta: 6 Questions to Ask Before You Hire One

Most people choose a real estate agent the way they choose a restaurant — a recommendation from a friend, a nice-looking sign, a good first impression. None of that tells you whether the person will actually protect your money and your timeline when it matters. Here are six questions I think every first-time buyer should ask before hiring anyone — including me.

1. Will you tell me if a home is a bad idea, even if it costs you the sale?

Watch how they answer this, not just what they say. An agent who's honest about walking away from a bad deal is telling you they value the relationship over a single commission check.

2. What's your actual process for due diligence?

"We'll get an inspection" isn't a process. Ask what they personally look for, what red flags have cost past clients money, and whether they've ever advised a client to walk away from a deal after inspection.

3. How do you decide when to recommend a price change?

This matters more for sellers, but it reveals a lot about a buyer's agent too — it tells you whether they think strategically or just want the fastest close.

4. Can you walk me through a deal that didn't go as planned?

Anyone who's been doing this for years has a story like this. If they can't produce one, they either haven't done many deals or aren't being fully honest.

5. Who else on your team will I actually be working with?

Some agents hand buyers off to assistants the moment a contract is signed. Ask directly who will be available for questions, showings, and the inspection walkthrough.

6. What happens if we disagree?

You want someone who will push back on a bad decision, not someone who simply agrees with whatever you say. The best agents occasionally tell clients things they don't want to hear.

Frequently Asked Questions