Buying or selling a home is a big financial decision. So if you’re sitting across from a real estate agent wondering, “Can I really trust this person?” — that’s a fair question.
You shouldn’t choose an agent just because they have a nice website, a lot of social media posts, or their picture is on a sign down the street. You should ask questions. A good real estate agent shouldn’t be uncomfortable with that. In fact, I believe an agent should welcome it.
If you’re buying or selling a home in Dunedin, Clearwater, Palm Harbor, or elsewhere in Pinellas County, here are some of the questions I would ask before deciding who represents you.
1. Are You Actually Licensed?
Start with the simplest question: “Can I verify your Florida real estate license?”
Don’t just take someone’s word for it. Florida real estate licenses can be independently verified through the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR). You can check an agent by name or license number and see their license status.
2. How Well Do You Actually Know My Area?
There’s a difference between having access to listings in Dunedin and actually understanding the Dunedin real estate market.
Ask how many transactions they’ve handled in the area, what’s happening with prices, what buyers should know about flood zones and insurance, common issues with older homes, and how condos and HOA properties differ from single-family homes.
If you’re considering buying or selling locally, explore my Dunedin real estate and community information.
3. How Did You Determine What My Home Is Worth?
If you’re selling, be careful about automatically hiring the agent who gives you the highest suggested listing price. Ask: “Show me the comparable sales that support your price.”
Look at what similar homes actually sold for, days on market, renovations, location, square footage, condition, HOA fees, flood exposure and amenities. Pricing a home shouldn’t be a guessing game.
4. What Are You Going to Do to Market My Home?
“I’m going to put it on the MLS” isn’t much of a marketing plan. Ask about photography, online and social promotion, listing presentation, communication with other agents, showing feedback, and what happens if the home doesn’t receive offers.
5. How Often Are You Going to Communicate With Me?
Before hiring someone, ask: “How often will I hear from you?” Also ask who will actually answer your calls and texts and whether you’ll work directly with the agent you hired or other team members.
6. What Do You Charge, and What Am I Signing?
Never be embarrassed to ask about compensation. Ask what you’re agreeing to, how long the agreement lasts, how compensation is determined, what services are included, and what happens if you want to terminate the agreement. Don’t sign something you don’t understand.
7. Can I See Your Reviews and References?
Reviews aren’t everything, but they can tell you a lot. Don’t only look at the star rating. Read what people actually say about communication, negotiation, local knowledge, responsiveness, honesty and problem solving. Don’t be afraid to ask whether you can speak with a past client.
8. What Happens When Something Goes Wrong?
Real estate transactions don’t always go perfectly. Inspections can uncover expensive problems. Appraisals can come in low. Insurance, financing or title issues can arise. Ask: “Tell me about a transaction where something went wrong. What did you do?”
You aren’t simply hiring someone to unlock doors or put a sign in the yard. You’re hiring someone to help you navigate the transaction when things get complicated.
9. Will You Tell Me When You Think I’m Making a Mistake?
You don’t need an agent who agrees with everything you say. You need someone willing to give you information you may not necessarily want to hear. The final decision belongs to the client. The agent’s job is to make sure that decision is as informed as possible.
10. Do I Feel Comfortable Asking This Person Questions?
You should feel comfortable saying: “I don’t understand this.” “Explain that again.” “Show me the numbers.” “Why are you recommending this?” “What are my other options?” You deserve answers.
So, Should You Trust Your Real Estate Agent?
Don’t trust an agent simply because they tell you they’re trustworthy. Verify them. Interview them. Ask difficult questions. Look at their experience. Read their reviews. Ask them to explain their strategy. And make sure they listen to you.
Looking for a Dunedin Real Estate Agent?
I’m Curt Bush with Bush Team Homes, and Dunedin is a market I know personally.
My approach is simple: I’ll give you the information I have, explain what I see happening in the market, answer your questions, and help you understand your options. Then you make the decision that’s right for you.
If you’re considering buying or selling in Dunedin, visit my Dunedin real estate page and local resources or contact me to talk about your plans.
Curt Bush | Bush Team Homes
727-409-0702
No pressure. Bring your questions.
