Pillar Guide

Top Questions First-Time Buyers Should Ask Their Agent

Ask these essential questions to compare agents, understand their expertise, avoid costly mistakes, and choose the right partner for your home purchase.

1) Experience & local expertise

  • How many first-time buyers have you represented in the past year?
  • Which neighborhoods do you know best, and why?
  • What’s your strategy for finding homes before everyone else sees them?

Why it matters:

Local insight and recent first-time experience help you spot issues early and act quickly on good opportunities.

2) Offer strategy & negotiation

  • How do you advise on price and terms in a competitive market?
  • What contingencies do you recommend and when?
  • How will you position my offer to stand out without overpaying?

3) Communication & availability

  • How quickly do you respond to messages and show requests?
  • Will I work directly with you or a team member?
  • What happens if something urgent comes up after hours?

4) Lender & inspection guidance

  • Can you recommend lenders who are strong with first-time buyers?
  • What inspections do you recommend for homes in this area?
  • How do you help me understand inspection findings and repair options?

5) Fees, incentives & buyer savings

  • Do you offer any buyer incentives or credits (where allowed)?
  • How do commissions work in my situation, and what costs should I expect?
  • How do you help first-time buyers save without sacrificing protections?

Compare multiple licensed agents - for free - and choose the one who fits your goals and budget.

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*Informational only; not legal, tax, or financial advice.