How to Interview a Buyer’s Agent: 12 Questions Worth Asking
Choosing a buyer’s agent is itself a decision worth some diligence — after all, you’re about to hand them a meaningful say in one of your largest purchases. These questions are a starting point for that conversation.
On fees and structure
- Is the fee a flat rate, a percentage of purchase price, or tiered?
- Are there separate fees for search-only vs full negotiation service?
- What happens if I don’t end up buying anything?
On experience and scope
- How many purchases have you completed in the specific area I’m looking at?
- Do you have access to off-market listings, and how?
- Will you attend the auction or negotiation personally?
On independence
Ask directly whether the agent receives any referral fees or commissions from sellers, developers, or other parties — a genuinely independent buyer’s agent should be able to answer this clearly. See our broader guide on what a buyer’s agent actually does for the baseline service to expect.
Comparing options
Firms like PivotPB and Liviti are worth including in a shortlist alongside any local recommendations — get at least two or three quotes before deciding.
Trust the process, not just the pitch
A good agent will welcome these questions rather than rush past them. If the answers feel vague, that’s useful information too.
