Buying or Selling? 12 Essential Questions to Ask Your Real Estate Agent
By Leigh Martinuzzi | Martinuzzi Property Group – eXp Australia
Buying or selling real estate is one of the biggest financial and emotional decisions most people will ever make.
It’s not just about price. It’s about timing, risk, negotiation, strategy, and making decisions under pressure. And while most people spend hours researching homes online, far fewer spend time choosing the right agent or knowing the right questions to ask them.
The reality is this: the quality of the questions you ask your agent will directly impact the outcome you get. Whether you’re buying or selling on the Sunshine Coast, these are the essential questions we believe every client should ask before committing to a strategy or an agent.
Essential Questions to Ask When Buying
1. What should I know about the property’s background and condition?
IA good agent should be able to talk confidently about the home’s age, renovations, known issues, and any red flags from prior sales or inspections. This includes flood history, easements, overlays, and structural considerations. If the answer feels vague, that’s a warning sign.
2. Are there any legal or planning issues I should be aware of?
This goes beyond contracts. Zoning, future developments, council restrictions, and body corporate matters can all affect long-term value and enjoyment. A strong agent doesn’t wait for your solicitor to uncover surprises. They raise them early.
3. How does this property compare to recent local sales?
Asking for “the price guide” isn’t enough. You want to understand why a property is positioned at a certain level, how it compares to similar homes, and whether demand is strengthening or softening in that pocket. This protects you from overpaying or missing opportunities.
4. What’s your honest view on future resale and long-term value?
Buying is not just about today. It’s about flexibility, capital growth, and exit options. A good agent will help you think beyond emotion and consider layout, land, location, and scarcity factors that matter five or ten years down the track.
5. How competitive is the current market, and how should I approach offers?
This is where experience really matters. Understanding buyer competition, seller motivation, and likely negotiation tactics can change how you structure an offer. An agent should guide you on timing, conditions, and strategy, not just “put something in writing and see what happens.”
6. How will you communicate with me throughout the process?
Buying can move fast and uncertainty creates stress. Clear, proactive communication is critical. Ask how often you’ll receive updates, how quickly calls are returned, and who your main point of contact will be.
Essential Questions to Ask When Selling
7. How will you determine the right price for my property?
Pricing is not guesswork. It should be based on current buyer behaviour, comparable sales, competition, and market momentum. A strong agent explains pricing logic clearly and is prepared to challenge unrealistic expectations with evidence.
8. What is your marketing and launch strategy?
Every property needs a tailored plan. Ask what platforms will be used, how buyers will be targeted, and how momentum will be created early. It’s not about spending the most money. It’s about spending it intentionally.
9. What’s your system for managing enquiries and follow-ups?
This is where many sales are won or lost. Ask how buyers are qualified, how feedback is tracked, and how interest is converted into competition. Systems matter more than slogans.
10. How do you handle negotiations and multiple offers?
Negotiation isn’t about being aggressive. It’s about structure, leverage, and timing. An experienced agent should explain how they protect your position, extract best terms, and keep buyers engaged without burning goodwill.
11. What does the sales timeline realistically look like?
Every seller deserves clarity. From preparation and launch to contract and settlement, you should understand the key milestones and where flexibility exists. Transparency reduces stress and builds confidence.
12. Why should I trust you with one of my biggest financial decisions?
This might be the most important question of all. Listen for honesty, accountability, and a clear explanation of values, not just results. The right agent should welcome this question, not dodge it.
Final Take
At Martinuzzi Property Group, our mission is simple: To help Sunshine Coast homeowners make confident property decisions through honest advice, exceptional communication, and a calm, structured process that removes stress and uncertainty.
We believe in radical honesty, clear systems, and giving clients the full picture, even when it’s uncomfortable. Because informed decisions lead to better outcomes. If you’re thinking about buying or selling and want clarity before making your next move, our team is always happy to have a conversation.We’re happy to help you map out the right strategy, understand the current market, and move forward with confidence.
👉 Get in touch with us today and and let’s give you fantastic results that you deserve.
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