10 Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Central Texas Realtor (Besides “How Long Have You Been Doing This?”)

If you’re about to hire a realtor, “how many years of experience do you have?” is usually the first question people ask. It’s not a bad question — but it’s an incomplete one. It won’t tell you how an agent handles bad news, whether they’ll push back on you when it matters, or whether they actually understand the specific pocket of Central Texas you’re buying into.

I’m Mallory Anthony, a Central Texas realtor with RE/MAX Temple-Belton Properties. I work with buyers and sellers across Temple, Belton, Salado, Rogers, Cameron, Rockdale, Killeen, Harker Heights, Fort Hood, and the surrounding communities. Below are 10 questions I think every buyer should ask before hiring a realtor — including a few spicier ones you probably haven’t thought to ask.

This isn’t about interrogating your agent like they’re on the witness stand. It’s about understanding how they actually work before you’re under contract and trusting them with one of the biggest financial decisions of your life.

1. How well do you know this specific area?

Central Texas isn’t one giant interchangeable market. Buying in Salado is a different experience than buying in Temple. Rogers looks nothing like Belton. Land in Milam County comes with different considerations than land in Bell County.

Your agent doesn’t have to live on your exact street, but they should understand the local market and know what questions to ask — city limits vs. ETJ (extraterritorial jurisdiction), utilities, deed restrictions, septic systems, soil movement, nearby development, commute routes, or whether a property is actually located in the community people assume it’s in.

Honestly, I’d much rather hear an agent say “I don’t know, but I know exactly how to find out” than confidently hand you the wrong answer.

2. Will you tell me if you think I shouldn’t buy the house?

This is one of my favorite questions, because the answer should always be yes. I’m not there to make the decision for you, but I am there to point out risk and give you my honest opinion when you ask for it — whether that’s “this could still work, but we need more information” or “based on what you’ve told me, I don’t think this house is for you.”

Not every concern is a dealbreaker, but I also don’t believe in downplaying something just to keep a deal moving. You can Google basic real estate facts on your own. What you’re hiring me for is local context, experience, and an honest read on how that information affects your decision.

3. What problems do you commonly see in Central Texas homes?

Our area has its own quirks, and foundation movement is a big one. That doesn’t mean every crack is a crisis or every home with prior foundation repair should be written off — it means it needs to be investigated properly. Depending on the home and location, you’re also looking at drainage, roofing, HVAC performance, septic systems, easements, flood zones, unpermitted additions, or undocumented past repairs.

A good realtor shouldn’t pretend to be a structural engineer, inspector, electrician, or plumber. They should recognize when something needs a closer look and connect you with the right professional to evaluate it.

4. What happens when you notice something I don’t see?

I’m going to point it out. During a showing, I’m looking at more than paint colors, countertops, and whether your couch will fit — I’m watching for cracks, stains, odd flooring transitions, drainage concerns, questionable additions, roof condition, and anything that could affect resale down the road.

That doesn’t mean I’ll spot one crack and dramatically declare a $30,000 foundation repair — that’s outside my lane. What I will say is: “I noticed this, we need more information, and here’s the type of professional who can evaluate it.” I’d rather have an uncomfortable conversation during a showing than have you discover a major, expensive surprise after closing.

5. How do you handle it when I disagree with you?

A little spicy, but worth asking. Your realtor can advise you, but they shouldn’t pressure, shame, or bulldoze you into the decision they’d prefer. If I strongly disagree with a client, I’ll explain why and walk through the possible outcomes so you understand the risk — but if the decision is legal, ethical, and ultimately yours to make, my job is to respect it and represent you accordingly.

You want a realtor who can be honest with you without needing to control the whole situation.

6. How do you communicate bad news?

Real estate isn’t always keys, champagne, and smiling at the closing table. Sometimes the inspection is rough, the appraisal comes in low, the seller rejects your offer, financing hits a snag, or new information changes how you feel about the property entirely.

Bad news doesn’t get better by avoiding it or dressing it up until it’s unrecognizable — or, as I like to say, putting lipstick on a pig. My approach: explain what happened, what it may mean for you, what options exist, and what to do next. You want someone who stays calm without pretending everything’s fine.

7. Are you comfortable telling me my expectations are unrealistic?

This one applies to buyers and sellers alike. If every home that checks all 10 boxes on your wish list keeps selling well above your budget, we need an honest conversation about what’s flexible — location, property type, timeline, or maybe even whether now is the right time to buy.

An agent who agrees with everything you say might feel supportive in the moment, but that’s not the same as giving you useful advice. You need someone who helps you set realistic expectations before the market does it for you.

8. How will you help me think about resale value?

Even if you plan to stay in a home for years, life has a way of changing plans. I’m not just thinking about whether you personally like a house — I’m thinking about the floor plan, location, road noise, surrounding properties, unusual renovations, neighborhood restrictions, or anything that might only appeal to a very narrow group of future buyers.

You may still decide the house is completely worth it to you, and that’s 100% valid. My job is just to make sure you’re making that call with full awareness of how it could affect future marketability.

9. What happens if the transaction gets difficult?

Almost anyone can look organized when everything’s going smoothly. You learn a lot more about your realtor when deadlines are looming, emotions run high, and multiple people need answers at once. Ask how they handle inspection negotiations, low appraisals, repair disagreements, delayed closings, or communication breakdowns with the other side.

A good realtor advocates firmly without turning every disagreement into an unnecessary fight. Creating drama might make someone look like a “tough negotiator,” but it doesn’t automatically get you a better outcome.

10. Why should I hire you instead of any other Central Texas realtor?

Yes, you’re absolutely allowed to ask this directly. You’re not asking your agent to insult the competition — you’re asking them to explain what they bring to the table and why their approach might be the right fit for you.

For me, it comes down to local knowledge, honest advice, marketing experience, and a willingness to talk through the details without making anyone feel silly for asking questions. I grew up in the Temple area, around the real estate industry, and I’ve been a full-time realtor since 2019. I work throughout Bell County and North Milam County with first-time buyers, military and relocation clients, sellers, investors, land buyers, and families navigating complicated moves or estate situations.

Most importantly, I want my clients to know I’ll tell them what I actually think. You’re not hiring me to unlock doors and tell you every kitchen is beautiful — you’re hiring me to help you make an informed decision. The best realtor for you isn’t necessarily the loudest one online, the one with the most years in the business, or even the agent your friend used. It’s someone who understands your specific market, communicates the way you need them to, and is willing to tell you the truth even when it isn’t the easiest answer.

Thinking about buying or selling in Temple, Belton, Salado, Rogers, Cameron, Rockdale, Harker Heights, Killeen, Fort Hood, or anywhere in Central Texas? I’d love to talk with you. Visit MoveWithMallory.net to learn more, or download one of my free Central Texas relocation guides at rem.ax/RelocationGuides.