How Do You Choose a REALTOR® in Dallas? 12 Questions to Ask Before You Hire an Agent
How do you choose the right REALTOR® in Dallas?
Don’t choose solely because someone is a friend, has a large social media following or gives you the highest suggested listing price.
Instead, evaluate relevant experience, local market knowledge, pricing or offer strategy, communication, negotiation, marketing, availability and the systems behind the transaction.
According to the National Association of REALTORS®, 88% of buyers purchased through an agent or broker and 91% of sellers used an agent in its 2025 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers.
Consumers clearly continue to value professional representation.
The more important question is how to choose the right professional for you.
What is a REALTOR®?
A REALTOR® is a real estate professional who is a member of the National Association of REALTORS® and is subject to its Code of Ethics.
The term REALTOR® is not simply another name for every licensed real estate agent.
12 questions to ask a REALTOR® before hiring them
1. How much experience do you have with my type of transaction?
Years of experience matter, but relevant experience matters too.
A first-time purchase, luxury home, inherited property, investment, relocation, waterfront property and traditional Dallas home sale can each present different challenges.
Ask specifically about experience relevant to what you’re trying to accomplish.
2. How well do you know my part of DFW?
Dallas-Fort Worth consists of many different micro-markets.
An agent shouldn’t simply say, “I know Dallas.”
Ask how they evaluate nearby competition, recent sales, neighborhood amenities, buyer behavior, property types and location-specific considerations.
3. How do you determine my home’s list price?
This is a big one.
Ask to see the data.
A pricing recommendation should consider comparable sales, current competing listings, relevant pending activity when available, condition, improvements, location, lot and current buyer behavior.
The highest suggested list price does not automatically represent the best strategy.
In fact, Texas REALTORS® found that many sellers believed their homes were worth considerably more than their agent’s analysis indicated—and very few ultimately achieved that higher number.
You want an agent willing to give you evidence, not simply the answer you want to hear.
4. What will you do to market my property besides putting it in MLS?
Putting a listing in MLS is important.
It isn’t a complete marketing plan.
Ask about:
- Professional photography
- Property copy
- Video
- Social media
- Email marketing
- Agent outreach
- Digital distribution
- Database exposure
- Open houses
- Community storytelling
- Inquiry response
- Showing feedback
- Ongoing marketing after launch
The plan should be specific to your property and likely buyer.
5. How will you make my listing stand out online?
Buyers frequently encounter a listing online before they ever see it in person.
Ask who is responsible for photography, listing copy, social content, property information and digital inquiries.
Strong marketing doesn’t exaggerate a property. It identifies what makes it different and presents those details clearly.
6. What is your communication plan?
Who will contact you?
How often?
What happens after showings?
Who contacts you when an offer arrives?
What happens on evenings or weekends?
Some experienced agents use assistants and transaction coordinators. That can create excellent service when responsibilities are clearly defined.
The key is knowing who handles what.
7. How do you negotiate?
“I negotiate hard” isn’t much of an answer.
A strong agent should be able to explain how they evaluate the entire transaction.
For sellers, that may include:
- Price
- Financing
- Earnest money
- Option terms
- Appraisal provisions
- Seller contributions
- Closing date
- Possession
- Contingencies
- Probability of reaching closing
The highest offer is not always the best offer.
8. What happens after we’re under contract?
A lot.
The agent’s responsibility doesn’t end once everyone signs.
There can still be inspections, option deadlines, earnest money, repair negotiations, appraisal, title, survey, HOA documents, financing issues, amendments and closing preparation.
Ask how those pieces are tracked and who is responsible for coordinating them.
9. Will you tell me when the data doesn’t support what I want to hear?
This may be the most important question.
Good representation is not agreeing with everything a client says.
It’s providing information that allows the client to make an educated decision.
An agent should be willing to explain when market evidence doesn’t support a price expectation, when an offer contains risk or when a requested strategy may create unintended consequences.
The decision remains yours.
But you deserve candid information before you make it.
10. Who will actually work on my transaction?
Ask.
Some agents handle everything personally. Others use a team.
Neither system is inherently superior.
What’s important is knowing who manages marketing, appointments, paperwork, communication and deadlines—and who provides coverage when the lead agent isn’t immediately available.
11. What does my representation agreement include?
Understand what you’re signing.
Ask about:
- Services
- Length of agreement
- Compensation
- Termination provisions
- Broker relationships
- Responsibilities
Real estate compensation is negotiable and should be clearly explained.
If you have a legal question regarding an agreement, consult a Texas attorney.
12. Why are you the right agent for my particular move?
Listen for specifics.
The answer should connect the agent’s experience, market knowledge, communication, marketing and systems to your actual situation.
“I am the best agent in Dallas” tells you very little.
Specifics do.
Should you hire the agent who gives you the highest list price?
Not automatically.
Ask each agent to explain exactly how they reached the number.
Pricing a home isn’t about winning the listing appointment.
It’s about positioning the property to attract qualified buyers and maximize the seller’s overall result.
Should you choose the REALTOR® with the lowest fee?
Again, don’t evaluate a single number in isolation.
Compare services, marketing, responsiveness, pricing strategy, negotiation, transaction management and what is actually included.
The goal is to understand the complete value proposition.
Should you use a friend or family member?
Possibly—if they’re also the right professional for the job.
Ask them the same questions you would ask anyone else.
A personal relationship doesn’t automatically establish the experience, local knowledge, availability or marketing strategy needed for your particular transaction.
Why consider Mary Beth Harrison and Dallas Native Team?
Mary Beth Harrison is a Dallas native and REALTOR® with more than 30 years of experience serving buyers, sellers, investors and relocation clients throughout North Texas.
Dallas Native Team combines local real estate experience with digital marketing, community storytelling, social media, property marketing and television/media experience.
Mary Beth is also the host of Dallas Native Team Does Dallas on Emmy Award-winning American Dream TV, where she highlights the businesses, destinations, neighborhoods and people that make Dallas distinctive.
That community knowledge is part of understanding the market—not a replacement for the numbers behind it.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many REALTORS® should I interview?
There’s no required number, but interviewing two or three qualified candidates can provide a useful comparison. Ask each candidate the same questions so you can compare actual strategy and services.
Does my REALTOR® have to live in my neighborhood?
No. What matters more is whether the agent can demonstrate current market knowledge, relevant comparable sales, understanding of the property type and a clear strategy.
Is REALTOR® compensation negotiable?
Yes. Compensation is negotiable. Consumers should understand the services and financial obligations contained in their representation agreement before signing.
What should a listing agent do besides put my house in MLS?
A comprehensive listing strategy may include preparation guidance, professional photography, copywriting, social media, digital distribution, email marketing, database marketing, agent outreach, inquiry response, showing strategy, feedback, negotiation and contract-to-close coordination.
Choosing a Dallas REALTOR®?
You should feel comfortable asking detailed questions before choosing the person representing one of your largest financial transactions.
Mary Beth Harrison and Dallas Native Team welcome those questions.
Mary Beth Harrison | Dallas Native Team
mbh@dallasnative.com
DallasNative.com