TL;DR: Before hiring a realtor in Augusta, ask about their recent local sales volume, their experience with your specific situation (relocating, PCS orders, first-time buying), how the new buyer-broker agreement works, and how they communicate. The answers should be specific and local, not generic talking points.
Choosing a realtor is one of those decisions people rush through, then regret. You’re not just picking someone to unlock doors; you’re picking who negotiates on your behalf, who catches problems before they cost you money, and who actually shows up when it matters. Here are the questions worth asking, and what a strong answer should actually sound like.
How Many Homes Have You Closed In The Augusta Area In The Last 12 Months?
Years in the business is a weaker signal than recent activity. I’ve worked Greater Augusta and the CSRA since 2016, through Summer House Realty, and I can tell you exactly what I’ve closed recently, not just how long I’ve held a license. If an agent can’t give you a number without checking their notes, that tells you something.
What’s Your Experience With Buyers Relocating From Out Of State Or Overseas?
This is where a lot of agents fall short. My own wife serves in the Army, so I’ve lived the PCS process personally, not just represented clients through it. I’ve closed deals for buyers who never physically walked through the door before closing, using video walkthroughs and detailed virtual tours. Ask specifically how they’ve handled a remote closing before, not just whether they’re “willing to.”
How Do You Price A Listing, Or Evaluate Whether An Offer Is Competitive?
I don’t throw out a number to make someone feel good about listing with me. I’ll walk you through the actual comps I pulled and why they’re the right ones to compare against, not just the highest sale on the street. If an agent can’t show you their math, that’s the answer right there.
What Does The Buyer-Broker Agreement Actually Commit Me To?
Since August 2024, I’m required to have a signed agreement with you before I show you a home, and it spells out exactly how I get paid. I’ll go through it with you line by line before you sign anything, not just hand it over and point at the signature line.
How Will You Communicate With Me, And How Often?
I ask this upfront with every client, because the answer’s different for everyone. Some people want a text after every showing; some want one call a week. Whatever you tell me, that’s what you should actually get, not what sounds good in a first meeting.
What Happens If My Home Doesn’t Sell, Or My Offer Doesn’t Get Accepted Right Away?
Some agents wait and hope. My approach is to revisit pricing, marketing, or showing strategy within a set window, not an open-ended “let’s see.” Ask your agent what that window actually looks like for them.
Can I Talk To A Recent Client?
Yes, anytime. If an agent hesitates on this one, that’s worth noticing.
Are You A Member Of The National Association Of REALTORS®?
I am, which means I’ve agreed to follow the NAR Code of Ethics, including putting your interests ahead of my own. Not every agent you talk to will be able to say that, so it’s worth asking directly.
If You’re Relocating To Augusta
If you’re moving to the area on PCS orders, my military relocation page walks you through the full process, and my VA loan realtor guide covers financing questions specific to military buyers. If you’re selling, my selling page covers what to expect from that side of the process.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many realtors should I interview before choosing one?
Most buyers and sellers benefit from talking to at least 2 to 3 agents before deciding, enough to compare answers without dragging the process out for weeks.
Is it rude to interview multiple real estate agents?
No. It’s standard practice, and any realtor confident in their own work expects it and won’t take it personally.
Do I have to sign an agreement before touring homes with a realtor?
Yes, since the August 2024 NAR settlement changes, buyers are required to sign a written buyer-broker agreement before an agent shows them homes, and it should spell out how that agent is paid.
What’s the difference between a realtor and a real estate agent?
All realtors are licensed real estate agents, but not all agents are realtors. A REALTOR® is a member of the National Association of REALTORS® and agrees to follow its Code of Ethics.
What red flags should I watch for when hiring a realtor?
Vague answers about recent sales, pressure to sign quickly without explaining the agreement, and pricing suggestions with no comparable sales to back them up are all worth a second look.
Should I hire a realtor who specializes in my specific situation, like military relocation?
Yes, if your situation has specific complexities, like a PCS move, an out-of-state sale, or a tight closing timeline, an agent with direct experience in that exact scenario will usually serve you better than a generalist.
Ready To Talk To A Realtor Who Actually Answers These Questions?
If you’re comparing agents before your next move in Augusta or the CSRA, I’m happy to be one of the calls you make. Ask me any of the questions above directly; I’d rather earn the work than talk you into it. Call me at (706) 993-0414, and we can talk through your specific situation before you decide on anyone.