Interview more than one agent and ask for specifics, not promises. Ask how they'll price or search, how they handle the hard moments like a low appraisal or a bad inspection, how and how often they'll communicate, what their agreement says about term, compensation and how to end it, and what they do differently that you can verify. Ask for reviews or references. Then trust the facts and your gut, because you'll be working closely with this person through a stressful process.
Choosing the right Realtor in Chandler matters just as much as choosing the right home, here's what to actually ask before you commit to working with anyone, whether it's me or someone else.
Ask about their actual process, not just their promises
Any agent can say they'll work hard for you. Ask specifically what their process looks like at each stage, pricing, marketing, negotiation, and problem solving when things get hard. Specific answers reveal a lot more than general promises.
Ask how they handle things when deals get hard
The real test of an agent isn't the easy parts of a transaction, it's what happens when an appraisal comes in low, an inspection reveals a real issue, or financing hits a snag. Ask for a specific example of how they've handled a deal that nearly fell apart.
Ask about communication expectations
Some agents communicate proactively, others require you to chase them for updates. Set clear expectations up front about how and how often you'll hear from them throughout your transaction.
Ask how they prefer to communicate, by phone, text or email, and how quickly they usually respond. Then tell them how you prefer it. A good agent adjusts to you, not the other way around, and the time to agree on that is before the first big decision, not in the middle of one.
Ask about the agreement itself
Whether you're buying or selling, you'll sign a written agreement. Ask how long it lasts, how the agent is paid, and how it can be ended. Sellers sign a listing agreement, and buyers now sign a buyer agreement before touring homes. See What changed with buyer agency agreements in Arizona?
The questions in one place
| Ask | A strong answer includes |
|---|---|
| What's your process? | Specific steps for pricing or searching |
| Tell me about a deal that almost fell apart | A real example and what they did |
| How will we communicate? | A clear plan and how often |
| What does the agreement say? | The term, compensation and how to end it |
| What do you do differently? | Something specific you can verify |
| Can I see reviews or talk to past clients? | Yes, without hesitation |
Check their license yourself
Every real estate agent in Arizona is licensed by the Arizona Department of Real Estate, and you can look up any agent's license status on the department's website. It takes a minute and confirms the person is licensed and in good standing. It's a simple step that most people skip.
Ask about experience with deals like yours
Experience matters most when it matches your situation. Selling an inherited home, buying new construction, a divorce sale, a home with leased solar, an acre lot with a well, a relocation from another state, each of these has its own wrinkles. Ask how many transactions like yours the agent has handled and what went wrong in one of them. You'll learn how they think.
Ask who you'll actually work with
Some agents work alone and some run teams. Both can work well. What matters is that you know who answers the phone, who goes to the inspection and who negotiates for you. Ask if the agent works in real estate full time, and how many clients they're usually handling at once.
Ask what genuinely sets them apart
Every agent will say they're client focused and hardworking. Push past the generic answer and ask what specifically sets their approach apart, the answer, or lack of one, tells you a lot.
Ask for references or reviews
A confident agent will happily connect you with past clients or point you to verified reviews. Hesitation here is worth noting.
Red flags worth noticing
A price for your home that's far above every other agent's, with no comps to back it up. Pressure to sign today. Vague answers about how they're paid. Reluctance to put promises in writing. Recommending a lender, inspector or title company without telling you about any business relationship they have with them. Any one of these is worth a second question. Two or three is worth a second agent.
What I'd tell you about me
I don't just sell homes, I protect the people buying and selling them. I take responsibility when something goes wrong, I fight for clients when other agents would give up, and I bring a CPA's precision to the financial side of your transaction. I've been licensed since 2004, held my broker's license since 2009, and I'm a Master Certified Negotiation Expert. For sellers, the companion checklist is What questions should you ask before listing your Chandler home?
The bottom line
I'd welcome the chance to answer every one of these questions directly, and to show you my answers rather than just tell you.
Let's take the confusion out of this decision, schedule your clarity call today.
Questions, answered.
Should I interview more than one agent before choosing?
Yes, you're hiring an advocate for one of the biggest financial decisions of your life. Ask hard questions and pay attention to how directly they're answered.
What's the biggest red flag when choosing a Realtor?
Vague answers to direct questions, or a pattern of promises without specific examples backing them up.
How do I know if an agent is right for me personally, not just professionally?
Trust your gut alongside the facts, you'll be working closely with this person through a stressful process, and real rapport matters as much as credentials.
Do I have to sign an agreement with an agent?
Sellers sign a listing agreement, and buyers working with an agent now generally sign a written buyer agreement before touring homes. Read the term, compensation and cancellation terms.
Is the agent with the most listings always the best choice?
Not necessarily. How they handle your deal, communicate with you and negotiate for you matters more than volume.
Want to talk it through?
Bring me the specifics of your situation and I will tell you straight what I would do. No pitch, nothing to sign, and no obligation to work with me afterward.
Interview me