Before You Hire a Realtor, Ask Them THIS
Written by Kim Donahue, REALTOR® with Medway Realty | 30+ Years of Real Estate Experience · Updated August 22, 2026
Whether you are buying or selling a home in Sarasota, Manatee, or Charlotte County, there are five questions I believe you should ask before deciding who represents you, and they are probably not the questions you are expecting.
1. "What happens when something goes wrong?"
The answer you want: "I stay calm, explain your options, protect your interests, and help create a solution."
Real estate gets complicated. You don't just need someone who can open doors or put a sign in the yard. You need someone who knows what to do when the inspection is ugly, the appraisal comes in low, financing hits a snag, insurance becomes an issue, or negotiations get tough.
2. "Will you tell me when you think I'm making a mistake?"
The answer should be: YES.
Your Realtor should not be afraid to tell you something you don't necessarily want to hear. My job isn't to agree with everything you say. My job is to give you the information, experience, data, and perspective you need to make the best decision possible.
3. "How will you protect me financially?"
Listen carefully to this answer.
For buyers, that means understanding contracts, contingencies, inspections, financing deadlines, insurance, flood zones, HOA/condo documents, negotiations, resale considerations and more.
For sellers, it means pricing strategy, understanding your competition, negotiating terms (not just price), evaluating offers, protecting your net proceeds and knowing when an offer that looks great really isn't.
4. "What do you do besides put a home in the MLS or send me listings?"
This one tells you a LOT.
A strong Realtor should be able to explain their actual strategy. Marketing. Prospecting. Negotiating. Networking. Problem-solving. Following up. Analyzing the market. Creating opportunities. Managing the transaction. Communicating with lenders, title companies, inspectors, appraisers and the other agent.
Because MLS access is not the value.
Representation is the value.
5. "If your commission depended on telling me the truth, even if that truth could cost you the deal, what would you do?"
There is only one answer I would accept:
"I would tell you the truth."
Sometimes the right advice is don't buy this house.
Sometimes it's don't accept this offer.
Sometimes it's your home isn't worth what you hoped it was.
And sometimes it's walk away.
The Realtor you hire should be willing to lose a commission before allowing you to make a decision they believe could seriously hurt you.
That's the part of real estate people don't talk about enough.
You're not hiring someone to complete a transaction. You're hiring someone to represent you through one of the largest financial decisions of your life.
Choose accordingly.
Kim Donahue
Realtor
Medway Realty
Your Realtor with a Heart to Serve
Schedule a free consultation at kimsellssarasota.com
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I ask a realtor before hiring them?
Before hiring a realtor, ask these five questions: What happens when something goes wrong? Will you tell me when you think I'm making a mistake? How will you protect me financially? What do you do besides put a home in the MLS? And the most important one — if your commission depended on telling me the truth, even if that truth could cost you the deal, what would you do? The answers will tell you everything you need to know about who is truly representing your best interests.
How do I choose a real estate agent in Southwest Florida?
When choosing a real estate agent in Sarasota, Manatee, or Charlotte County, look for experience in your specific situation — whether you are downsizing, relocating from out of state, buying your first home, or selling a luxury property. Ask about their approach to pricing strategy, how they handle problems that surface during inspections and negotiations, and whether they will give you honest advice even when it is hard to hear. The right agent serves as an advisor, not just a transaction facilitator.
What is the most important question to ask a realtor before signing?
The most revealing question you can ask a realtor before signing is: "If your commission depended on telling me the truth, even if that truth could cost you the deal, what would you do?" The only acceptable answer is that they would tell you the truth. The right agent is willing to lose a commission before allowing you to make a decision that could seriously hurt you financially. That level of honesty is the foundation of a trustworthy real estate relationship.
What qualities should I look for in a buyer's agent in Sarasota?
A strong buyer's agent in Sarasota, Manatee, or Charlotte County should demonstrate deep knowledge of contracts, contingencies, inspections, financing deadlines, flood zones, insurance requirements, HOA and condo documents, and skilled negotiation. They should be willing to discuss their actual strategy — not just MLS access — and explain how they will protect you through one of the largest financial decisions of your life. Look for someone who listens first and advises second.
Explore client experiences on my reviews page, learn more about me, read related posts like The Life Raft Principle, The Dark Side of Real Estate, and The House Isn't the Only Thing You're Buying, or reach out for a conversation. No pressure, no timeline.