What Questions Should You Ask When Hiring a Real Estate Agent in Mesa, AZ?

If you’re thinking of buying or selling in Mesa, one of the most important decisions you’ll make is who you hire to represent you.

The market isn’t as frenzied as it was in 2021–2022, but it’s still competitive and the right agent can be the difference between a smooth transaction and one that drains your energy (and your wallet).

So what should you ask when interviewing a real estate agent in Mesa? Here are 7 smart questions, plus the types of answers you actually want to hear.

❓ 1. Do You Specialize in Mesa or the East Valley?

Why it matters: Local expertise = better pricing strategy, smarter neighborhood guidance, and insight you can’t Google.

What to listen for:

• “Yes, I work primarily in Mesa, Gilbert, Queen Creek, and Chandler.”

• “I tour these neighborhoods weekly and track local market trends closely.”

• Bonus: They should know the difference between Red Mountain Ranch and Eastmark and when one is a better fit than the other.

❓ 2. What’s Your Experience With Clients Like Me?

Are you a first-time buyer? A move-up seller? Using a VA loan? Buying new construction?

You want an agent who:

• Has worked with your type of transaction

• Understands common financing challenges

• Can explain the process clearly and in plain English

✨ Example: “I specialize in VA buyers and have closed over 20 deals with VA loans in the past 3 years. I know how to navigate the appraisal and funding timelines.”

❓ 3. How Will You Communicate With Me?

This one sounds simple, but it’s a big deal.

Ask:

• “How often will I hear from you?”

• “Will I be working directly with you or an assistant?”

• “Will you be available evenings or weekends if something urgent comes up?”

Pro Tip: The best agents ask about your preferred communication style, whether that’s texting, calls, or quick updates via email.

❓ 4. Can I See Examples of Your Work?

If you’re selling: Ask for past listing photos, video tours, and social media marketing examples.
If you’re buying: Ask to see how they set up a tour day, send listings, or provide neighborhood insights.

A great agent should be excited to show you their process, not just their results.

❓ 5. What Do You Look for During Showings or Listing Prep?

A true expert doesn’t just unlock the door or slap a sign in the yard.

They should:

• Point out potential red flags (old AC units, roof issues, weird layouts)

• Highlight upgrades that matter

• Recommend repairs or tweaks before you list

• Know how to identify a home that fits your goals vs one that will become a money pit

❓ 6. How Do You Handle Negotiations and Inspection Issues?

Ask for real examples:

• “How have you helped a buyer negotiate closing costs or repairs?”

• “What do you do when the appraisal comes in low?”

• “How do you protect your sellers from unnecessary concessions?”

You want an agent who’s confident, not combative and has experience navigating tough spots.

❓ 7. Who will I be working with?

This is huge and seems like a no brainer, you're hiring them, you would imagine they are the person you will be working with. But surprisingly you'll find many agents are not actually the person you spend the majority of your time with. They pass you off to showing agents or team members and promise to be there for the important things, like contract negotiations and questions. But in all reality the assitant or transaction coordinator ends up handling the majority of those items. 

Ask:

• “Do you handle your showings prsonally or do you have a showing assistant?”

• “Can you walk me through the selling process, how often will I be communicating with you vs your assistant / team?”

📲 If you’re working with me, I’m always happy to be your direct contact just can check out my reviews on Google and Zillow.

🚫 Bonus Question to Avoid: “What’s Your Commission?”

A better question is:

“What value do you provide that helps me get the best deal, avoid risk, and feel supported throughout the process?”

The best agents save you money, time, and stress and they make it look and feel easy.

🧭 Final Thoughts: Don’t Be Afraid to Interview Multiple Agents

Whether you’re buying your first home or selling a place you’ve owned for 20 years, you deserve someone who:

• Knows the Mesa market inside and out

• Respects your time and communicates clearly

• Helps you avoid missteps and maximize your investment

I’m always happy to answer every one of these questions and any others you think of. It’s about fit, not pressure.

📲 Ready to Talk?

Whether you're buying or selling, I offer free, no-obligation consults so you can get to know the process and see if we’re a good match.

➡️ Schedule a free consult
📥 Download the Mesa Agent Interview Checklist
🎥 Watch my YouTube video: 7 Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Realtor
📸 Follow me on Instagram for behind-the-scenes tours, tips, and Q&As