You wouldn't hire an employee without an interview. Don't hand someone $15,000 without one either.
The good news is that vetting a buyer's agent doesn't take weeks. It takes ten minutes and the right questions. The wrong ones fall apart fast under specifics.
Here's your list.
1. How many properties have you bought in my target area in the past year?
Not "how long have you been in the industry". Recent, local, specific. A real specialist gives you a number without hesitating.
2. What are the three most recent comparable sales in my price range?
This is the killer question. Someone who knows the market answers on the spot. Someone who doesn't will offer to "send some research through". That's a Google search with a logo on it.
3. How are you paid, and by whom?
The only acceptable answer is a clear flat fee paid by you. If they take payments from developers or selling agents, they're not on your side. End the call. For typical numbers, see how much a buyer's agent actually costs.
4. Will you tell me not to buy?
Ask for an example of a deal they killed for a client and why. A genuine buyer's agent has plenty. Someone who's never walked a client away from a property is a cheerleader, not an advisor.
5. Who actually does the work?
Some outfits sell you the founder and hand you to a junior. Confirm who inspects, who negotiates, and who you'll actually be dealing with.
6. What happens if we don't find anything?
Understand the engagement terms. How long, what's refundable, what happens if the brief changes. Vague answers here become disputes later.
7. Can I speak to two recent clients with a similar brief to mine?
Not testimonials on a website. Actual phone numbers. Watch how they react to being asked. For more on this, read how to spot a bad buyer's agent before you pay them a cent.
The honest catch
These questions filter well, but you're still starting from a random Google search and taking one phone call on faith.
Converta flips the starting point. Instead of you finding an agent and hoping, we vet buyer's agents and match you with one who specialises in your budget, location and property type. You still ask every question above. You're just asking someone who's already been screened.
Free to use, upfront pricing, no obligation, first call within 24 hours.