--- title: 20 Questions to Ask a Realtor Before You Hire One in Jacksonville description: Hiring a realtor in Jacksonville? Here are 20 questions to ask before you sign with an agent — from experience and marketing strategy to fees and fine print. --- [![Coldwell Banker Vanguard Realty Logo Jacksonville Realtor](https://www.thebbgrouprealtors.com/hs-fs/hubfs/CBV%20Logo%202.png?width=506&height=140&name=CBV%20Logo%202.png "Coldwell Banker Vanguard Realty Logo Jacksonville Realtor")](https://www.thebbgrouprealtors.com/) [![Coldwell Banker Vanguard Realty Logo Jacksonville Realtor](https://www.thebbgrouprealtors.com/hs-fs/hubfs/CBV%20Logo%202.png?width=506&height=140&name=CBV%20Logo%202.png "Coldwell Banker Vanguard Realty Logo Jacksonville Realtor")](https://www.thebbgrouprealtors.com) [![Coldwell Banker Vanguard Realty Logo Jacksonville Realtor](https://www.thebbgrouprealtors.com/hs-fs/hubfs/CBV%20Logo%202.png?width=506&height=140&name=CBV%20Logo%202.png "Coldwell Banker Vanguard Realty Logo Jacksonville Realtor")](https://www.thebbgrouprealtors.com) This is a search field with an auto-suggest feature attached. - There are no suggestions because the search field is empty. - [San Marco](https://www.thebbgrouprealtors.com/san-marco-real-estate) - [Resources](https://www.thebbgrouprealtors.com/links) - [Search Homes](https://www.cbvhomesearch.com/propertysearch.php) - [FAQ](https://www.thebbgrouprealtors.com/jacksonville-real-estate-faq) This is a search field with an auto-suggest feature attached. - There are no suggestions because the search field is empty. # 20 Questions to Ask a Realtor Before You Hire One in Jacksonville by [Tara Lezama](https://www.thebbgrouprealtors.com/coldwell-banker-vanguard-realty-blog/author/tara-lezama) | Sep 18, 2026 Choosing the right real estate agent is one of the biggest decisions you'll make when buying or selling a home — and in a market like Jacksonville, where neighborhoods, pricing, and inventory can shift block by block, the wrong choice can cost you time, money, and a lot of stress. Before you sign with anyone, sit down (or hop on a call) and ask these 20 questions. The answers will tell you everything you need to know about whether an agent is the right fit for you. ## Experience & Track Record ### 1. How long have you been selling real estate in Jacksonville? Local tenure matters. An agent who's worked this market for years has seen it shift through different conditions and knows how neighborhoods, schools, and pricing trends actually play out — not just what a report says. ### 2. How many homes have you closed in the last 12 months? This tells you whether an agent is active and current, not just licensed. Recent transaction volume is a better indicator of momentum than a lifetime total. ### 3. Do you specialize in my neighborhood or price point? Selling a starter home in one part of town is a different skill set than marketing a luxury waterfront property. Make sure your agent's experience matches what you're actually buying or selling. ### 4. Can you share references from recent clients? A confident agent will happily connect you with people they've helped in the last few months, not just their best review from years ago. ## Local Market Knowledge ### 5. What's happening with inventory and pricing in my area right now? A strong agent can speak to current conditions in your specific zip code off the top of their head — not just citywide averages. ### 6. How do you determine list price for a home like mine? Ask for the reasoning, not just a number. A good agent will walk you through comparable sales, current competition, and timing. ### 7. What's the average days-on-market for homes like mine? This sets realistic expectations and helps you understand how your agent will price and market to hit your timeline. ### 8. Do you work with both buyers and sellers, or specialize in one? There's no wrong answer, but it's worth knowing so you understand where their day-to-day expertise is sharpest. ## Communication & Availability ### 9. How often will you update me, and through what channel? Weekly calls, texts, an online portal — there's no universal right answer, but you should know what to expect before you're three weeks into a listing wondering what's happening. ### 10. Will I be working directly with you, or a team member? Many successful agents work with a team. That's not a red flag, but you deserve to know who's actually showing your home or answering your questions. ### 11. What's your typical response time to calls, texts, or emails? Real estate moves fast. An agent who takes two days to respond to a buyer's offer can cost you the deal. ### 12. How do you handle multiple offers or competing showings? This reveals how organized — and how strategic — an agent is under pressure, which is exactly when you need them most. ## Marketing & Pricing Strategy ### 13. What does your marketing plan actually include? Ask for specifics: professional photography, video, social media, paid ads, open houses, syndication to major sites. "I'll put it on the MLS" is not a marketing plan. ### 14. How do you use photography, video, and online listings to sell homes faster? Most buyers start their search online. If your agent's listings look dated or thin on detail, that's how your home will look too. ### 15. How do you price a home to avoid it sitting on the market? Overpricing is one of the most common — and costly — mistakes sellers make. Your agent should have a clear, data-backed pricing philosophy. ### 16. What happens if the home doesn't sell in the timeframe we agree on? Ask this upfront. A good agent will have a plan B for adjusting strategy rather than just waiting it out. ## Contracts, Fees & Fine Print ### 17. What's your commission, and what does it cover? Understand exactly what services are included so there are no surprises later. ### 18. Is there a cancellation clause if I'm not happy with our partnership? Reputable agents aren't afraid of this question. Know your options before you sign. ### 19. Are you also licensed to help with financing, or do you work with a trusted lender? An agent who's also a licensed mortgage professional — or who has a strong lender relationship — can help you move faster and avoid financing surprises mid-contract. ### 20. What designations or certifications do you hold, and how do they help me? Designations like ABR (Accredited Buyer's Representative), CRS (Certified Residential Specialist), GRI (Graduate, REALTOR® Institute), and SRS (Seller Representative Specialist) mean an agent has invested in specialized training beyond their base license — and that training translates directly into how well they can guide you. ## Ready to Find the Right Fit? I'm Tara Lezama, a REALTOR® with Coldwell Banker Vanguard Realty and The BB Group Realtors, and I'm also a licensed Mortgage Loan Originator with Texana Bank Mortgage — which means I can help you navigate both sides of the transaction under one roof. With 12+ years in Jacksonville real estate and designations including ABR, AHWD, CRS, GRI, MRP, SFR, and SRS, I'd welcome the chance to answer every question on this list myself. Reach out at [904-445-9175](tel:9044459175) or [Tara@thebbgrouprealtors.com](mailto:Tara@thebbgrouprealtors.com) — let's talk about what you're looking for. - - - - Topics:   [Residential Real Estate](https://www.thebbgrouprealtors.com/coldwell-banker-vanguard-realty-blog/tag/residential-real-estate) ,   [Property Management](https://www.thebbgrouprealtors.com/coldwell-banker-vanguard-realty-blog/tag/property-management) ,   [Luxury Real Estate](https://www.thebbgrouprealtors.com/coldwell-banker-vanguard-realty-blog/tag/luxury-real-estate) Recent posts [How Much Does a Realtor Cost in Florida? Commission, Fees, and What You Get](https://www.thebbgrouprealtors.com/coldwell-banker-vanguard-realty-blog/how-much-does-a-realtor-cost-in-florida-commission-fees-and-what-you-get) [FSBO vs. Realtor in Jacksonville: What Actually Saves You Money?](https://www.thebbgrouprealtors.com/coldwell-banker-vanguard-realty-blog/fsbo-vs-realtor-in-jacksonville-what-actually-saves-you-money) [Do You Need a Realtor to Sell Your House in Florida? Pros, Cons, and Costs](https://www.thebbgrouprealtors.com/coldwell-banker-vanguard-realty-blog/do-you-need-a-realtor-to-sell-your-house-in-florida-pros-cons-and-costs) [eTown, Jacksonville: The 2026 Data Guide](https://www.thebbgrouprealtors.com/coldwell-banker-vanguard-realty-blog/etown-jacksonville-the-2026-data-guide) [San Marco, Jacksonville: The 2026 Data Guide](https://www.thebbgrouprealtors.com/coldwell-banker-vanguard-realty-blog/san-marco-jacksonville-the-2026-data-guide) [Is San Marco, Jacksonville a Good Place to Live? An Honest, Local Answer](https://www.thebbgrouprealtors.com/coldwell-banker-vanguard-realty-blog/is-san-marco-jacksonville-a-good-place-to-live-an-honest-local-answer) [Selling a Home in St. Johns? Here's What You Need to Know](https://www.thebbgrouprealtors.com/coldwell-banker-vanguard-realty-blog/selling-a-home-in-st-johns-here-s-what-you-need-to-know) [Should You Sell Your Orange Park Home Now? A Local Seller's Guide](https://www.thebbgrouprealtors.com/coldwell-banker-vanguard-realty-blog/should-you-sell-your-orange-park-home-now-a-local-seller-s-guide) [Thinking About Selling in Riverside/Avondale? Here's What to Know First](https://www.thebbgrouprealtors.com/coldwell-banker-vanguard-realty-blog/thinking-about-selling-in-riverside-avondale-here-s-what-to-know-first) [Ready to Sell Your Baymeadows Home? Here's What to Know First](https://www.thebbgrouprealtors.com/coldwell-banker-vanguard-realty-blog/ready-to-sell-your-baymeadows-home-here-s-what-to-know-first) [![Coldwell Banker Vanguard Realty Logo Jacksonville Realtor](https://www.thebbgrouprealtors.com/hs-fs/hubfs/CBV%20Logo%202.png?width=506&height=140&name=CBV%20Logo%202.png "Coldwell Banker Vanguard Realty Logo Jacksonville Realtor")](https://www.thebbgrouprealtors.com) [Follow us on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/bbgrouprealtors) [Follow us on LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/taralezama/) [Follow us on Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/taralezamarealtor/) - [HOME](https://www.thebbgrouprealtors.com/) - [HOME VALUATION](https://www.thebbgrouprealtors.com/accurate-jacksonville-home-valuation-free-market-value-report) - [SEARCH HOMES](https://www.cbvhomesearch.com/propertysearch.php) - [PROPERTY MANAGEMENT](https://www.thebbgrouprealtors.com/jacksonville-property-management) - [RESOURCE LINKS](https://www.thebbgrouprealtors.com/links) ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Tara Lezama", "url" : "https://www.thebbgrouprealtors.com/coldwell-banker-vanguard-realty-blog/author/tara-lezama" }, "dateModified" : "2026-09-18T00:12:47.365Z", "datePublished" : "2026-09-18T00:12:47.000Z", "headline" : "20 Questions to Ask a Realtor Before You Hire One in Jacksonville", "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://www.thebbgrouprealtors.com/coldwell-banker-vanguard-realty-blog/20-questions-to-ask-a-realtor-before-you-hire-one-in-jacksonville", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://www.thebbgrouprealtors.com/hubfs/CBV%20Logo%202.png" }, "name" : "Coldwell Banker Vanguard Realty" } } ```