Are Buyers Asking Real Estate Agents the Wrong Questions?

Picture this: You walk into an open house. The agent greets you with a smile, hands you a flyer, and invites you to explore. As you tour the rooms, curiosity builds—but when it’s time to ask questions, you’re not sure what to say. So, you either hold back or ask something broad like, “How’s the market?” or “What are today’s interest rates?”

On the surface, these seem like solid questions—but do they actually help you get closer to your goal? More often than not, they leave you with more uncertainty than answers.

Generic questions lead to generic answers. And let’s be real—there’s nothing generic about your situation. If you want clarity, you need to get specific.

“How’s the market?”
When asking that question, what kind of answer are you expecting? Most agents will either say, “It’s great!” or turn it back on you with more questions about your needs. Instead, ask something sharper, like: “How’s the market for $600,000 homes in Southern Highlands?” That’s a question that cuts through the fluff. Sure, it might take a few minutes of research for you to get an answer, but a good agent will give you real insight into that specific market and perhaps giving you more clarity.

“What are interest rates right now?”
It’s a fair concern—but not the right question for an agent. Interest rates change daily, and only lenders can give you accurate numbers. In fact, agents aren’t licensed to quote rates. The most they can do is give you general context or connect you with a lender who can give you a clear, tailored answer.

“Is it a good time to buy?”
In general, yes—but the real question is, is it a good time for you? Markets move in cycles, and so do our lives. Sometimes they line up perfectly, sometimes they don’t. The answer depends entirely on your personal circumstances.

The only way to know for sure is to surround yourself with the right team—a trusted agent and a lender who will give you honest guidance. Many buyers delay because they want to avoid tough conversations. Maybe they’re nervous about their finances, or they see lenders as the “boogeyman” who will point out flaws. But here’s the truth: those conversations aren’t roadblocks—they’re the roadmap. If you want clarity on whether now is the right time to buy, talking to a lender and agent isn’t optional. It’s essential.

“Are prices going to drop?”
The truth is, no one can say for sure. Agents can look at trends and economic markers, but there’s no crystal ball when it comes to predicting home prices. Trying to “time the market” is risky—if you wait for the perfect moment, you may end up waiting forever.

Instead of chasing the unknown, focus on what you can control. Work with your agent and lender to build a plan that gets you closer to your dream home. The right time isn’t about the market hitting bottom—it’s about when you’re ready and equipped to make the move. Otherwise, you’ll just keep spinning your wheels, waiting for a moment that may never come.

Buying a home takes work, research, and the right people by your side—which is why building a strong team is everything. Start by meeting with a few real estate agents, interview them, and choose the one who truly understands your goals. Then, have your agent connect you with three lenders so you can find the right financial partner. Remember—it’s your team, and you should only work with people who put your best interests first.

The right team doesn’t slow you down—they clear the path so you can move forward with confidence.