10 Questions to Ask a Buyer’s Broker Before Heading Out to Look at Homes

(Because choosing the wrong one can cost you more than a bad paint color.)

Finding your dream home in Kitsap County starts long before the first showing.
Before you hop in the car and start falling in love with houses, make sure the person guiding you knows what they’re doing — and who they’re working for.

Here are 10 questions every smart buyer should ask before committing to a buyer’s broker.

1️⃣ How do you get paid — and who pays you?

Let’s get the awkward money talk out of the way.
In Washington, buyer broker compensation is now negotiable, and not every seller offers it.
👉 Ask how your broker’s compensation works and what happens if a seller doesn’t offer it.
👉 Ask whether there’s a written Buyer Brokerage Services Agreement — and make sure you understand what you’re signing.

A transparent broker will explain it clearly. A shady one will avoid the question.

2️⃣ How long have you been in real estate — and what types of buyers do you specialize in?

Experience matters, especially in markets as unique as Kitsap County.
👉 Ask if they focus on first-time buyers, VA buyers, or luxury homes.
👉 Ask about their local experience — neighborhoods, traffic, schools, and ferry commute times.

You don’t want a “GPS agent” who has to Google every listing address.

3️⃣ How many clients are you currently working with?

You want a broker who’s active — but not so overloaded that you become an afterthought.
👉 Ask how they balance multiple clients, showings, and negotiations.
👉 Ask who steps in if they’re unavailable.

Busy is fine. Unavailable is not.

4️⃣ What’s your process for finding homes that fit my needs?

Do they just set up an automated MLS search and call it good? Or do they dig deeper?
👉 Ask how they tailor searches to your lifestyle and goals.
👉 Ask if they preview homes or network for off-market listings.

A great broker curates — they don’t just copy and paste.

5️⃣ What’s your strategy for writing competitive offers?

This is where experience pays off.
👉 Ask how they handle multiple-offer situations, contingencies, and escalation clauses.
👉 Ask for examples of how they’ve won offers in competitive situations.

If their answer starts with “Well, it depends…” — it probably does, but they should be able to finish that sentence with strategy.

6️⃣ How do you communicate — and how often?

Home buying can move fast. You need someone who keeps you informed, not guessing.
👉 Ask if they text, call, or email — and how quickly they respond.
👉 Ask what kind of updates you’ll get once you’re under contract.

A good broker communicates clearly. A great broker communicates proactively.

7️⃣ How do you handle inspections, appraisals, and other negotiations after the offer is accepted?

This is where deals can fall apart if handled poorly.
👉 Ask how they protect your interests during the inspection phase.
👉 Ask how they navigate appraisal issues or needed repairs.

You want someone calm under pressure — not someone who panics at the first bump.

8️⃣ Do you work with a team of trusted professionals — lenders, inspectors, title, etc.?

Real estate is a team sport.
👉 Ask if they have relationships with reputable lenders, inspectors, and escrow companies.
👉 Ask how those relationships help keep your transaction smooth and on track.

If they can’t recommend anyone, they may not have the experience — or the network — to support you properly.

9️⃣ What happens if I’m not ready to buy right away?

You’re not a lead; you’re a person with a timeline.
👉 Ask how they handle clients who are still saving, paying off debt, or waiting for the right home.
👉 Ask if they’ll continue to educate and check in, or just disappear until you call again.

A broker who values relationships over transactions will stick with you through it all.

🔟 Why should I hire you as my buyer’s broker?

This is your filter for confidence, integrity, and professionalism.
👉 Look for someone who talks about you — your goals, your needs — not their sales volume or awards.
👉 Ask how they make the process smoother, less stressful, and more strategic.

You’re not hiring a chauffeur — you’re hiring an advocate.

💡 Bonus Tip:

Ask to see a sample Buyer Consultation Packet or Market Snapshot.
It’ll show you whether they’re organized, transparent, and serious about helping you win in this market.

❤️ Final Thought:

Choosing your buyer’s broker is one of the most important financial decisions you’ll make — period.
The right one will guide, educate, and protect you every step of the way.
The wrong one? Well… you’ll learn what “buyer’s remorse” really means.

If you’re serious about buying a home in Kitsap County and want a broker who treats your goals like their own —
👉 Contact me today and let’s talk strategy before we even step foot in a house. Before you hand over your tax returns and let someone poke through your financials, here are the 10 questions you need to ask.