Questions to Ask Your Realtor Before Hiring Them (Buying)
The essential questions to ask any Houston realtor before you hire them to help you buy a home — and what a strong answer sounds like.
Before you hire a realtor to help you buy a home in Houston, ask about their license level and experience, recent buyer volume, neighborhood knowledge, negotiation approach, communication, costs, and reviews. The right answers reveal whether they'll actually protect your interests and your wallet.
Hiring a buyer's agent is a big decision — they'll guide one of the largest purchases of your life. Use this checklist when you interview agents (including Alan). Strong agents welcome these questions; weak ones get defensive.
The questions — and what a strong answer sounds like
Are you a broker or an agent, and how long have you been licensed?
Experience and license level matter. A broker has met higher education and experience requirements and supervises other agents — so you're working with the most senior decision-maker. Alan is a licensed Texas broker (TREC #562620) with 20+ years in Houston.
How many buyers have you helped close in the last 12 months?
Recent, active volume tells you they know today's market — not how it worked five years ago. Ask for a real number, not a vague 'a lot.'
How well do you know the neighborhoods I'm targeting?
Houston is dozens of micro-markets. Your agent should speak fluently about schools, commutes, flood history, and pricing in the specific areas you're considering — Spring Branch, Cypress, the Heights, Katy, and more.
How do you approach negotiation and multiple-offer situations?
Negotiation is where you win or lose thousands. Ask for their specific strategy. Alan is a 2× Battle of the Brokers Champion who negotiates aggressively on his buyers' behalf.
Will I work with you directly, or be handed off to a team member?
There's nothing wrong with a team — but you should know up front who actually shows you homes, writes your offers, and answers your calls.
How do you get paid, and what will buyer representation cost me?
A good agent explains compensation clearly and in writing, with no surprises. Alan walks every buyer through exactly how it works during a free consultation.
Can you connect me with trusted lenders, inspectors, and contractors?
A well-connected agent saves you time and money. Alan refers vetted Houston lenders and inspectors he's worked with for years.
What's your plan for finding homes — including off-market options?
The best deals aren't always on the MLS. Ask how they'll surface options others miss. As an active investor, Alan taps a broker network that surfaces deals early.
How and how quickly do you communicate?
In a fast market, slow responses cost you the house. Set expectations on response time and preferred channels before you start.
Can you share recent buyer reviews or references?
Verified reviews are the best predictor of your experience. Alan holds a 4.9-star rating from 177 verified Google reviews.
How Alan answers these
As a licensed Texas broker with 20+ years in Houston, a 4.9-star rating from 177 reviews, and a 2× Battle of the Brokers title, Alan welcomes every one of these questions. Book a free consultation and put them to him directly, or call (832) 532-9229. Ready to start? See Buying in Houston.
Put these questions to Alan.
Book a free consultation and ask him anything — no pressure, no pitch.