3 Questions to Ask Before You Choose a Realtor

Home Buying Tips Jeff Lang May 29, 2026

After 25 years in real estate, these are the three questions I hear most from buyers and sellers when they're choosing an agent.

In my 25 years of experience in real estate, certain questions have come up again and again. And they all point back to the same thing: people want to know what they're actually getting when they hire an agent, and they want to feel confident that nothing will fall through the cracks along the way.

Whether you're looking for a buyer's agent or a seller's agent, there are three questions I think every client should ask before committing to a partnership.

These aren't trick questions. They're the ones that separate agents who have a real process from those running on autopilot.

Question one: What exactly will you do in exchange for the compensation you receive? You want to see the full scope of services, not a vague pitch about experience or market knowledge. What are the actual steps this person is going to take on your behalf? A good agent should be able to lay that out clearly and specifically.

Question two: What system do you use to ensure every promise is fulfilled? This one matters more than most people realize. Some agents have been doing this long enough that they rely on memory or habit, and that works until it doesn't. What you want is someone with a clear, repeatable system where every step is documented, and nothing gets missed. A system that works the same way every time, regardless of how busy things get.

Question three: How can I control the transparency and always know what's coming next? This is the big one. The most common complaint I hear from people about past transactions isn't that something went wrong with the deal. It's that they were left in the dark. They didn't know where things stood or what the next step was, and they had to chase their agent for updates. Having a way to see your transaction progress in real time, on your terms, is essential.

"The biggest complaint isn't that something went wrong. It's that they were left in the dark."

What this looks like in practice. When I work with sellers, I use a detailed checklist that covers 150 to 200 steps from start to close. This isn't about throwing a listing on the MLS and hoping it sells. Every step is mapped out, from the initial strategy through to closing day.

For example, one thing I do for every listing is research feeder markets, areas like Nashville or Florida, where buyers may be relocating from and looking at the Bay Area. I use tools like ChatGPT, along with a detailed prompt profile I've built over time, to run that research efficiently. That's just one step out of 150 or more, and that level of thoroughness applies across the board.

The other piece that clients appreciate is the visibility. My system has a "visible to clients" toggle, so you can see as much or as little of the process as you want. Most people don't need to see every single step. It's a bit like watching the sausage being made. But the important milestones are always turned on, and if you ever want to see more, it's there.

Everything populates into a dashboard where your next actions are clear, and you always know what's ahead.

If you're thinking about buying or selling in San Mateo County and want to see how this process works for your situation, I'd love to sit down and walk you through it. Call or text me at 650-766-6412, email me at [email protected], or visit jefflanghomes.com/blog.

Jeff Lang

Primary phone
(650) 766-6412
License Number
#01221669
Email
[email protected]
Address
1440 Chapin Ave,
Burlingame, CA 94401

About The Author

Jeff Lang's career in real estate is a testament to his strategic, growth-oriented mindset and his dedication to helping clients navigate the unique landscapes of San Mateo County. With his focus on areas from Burlingame to San Carlos and Pacifica since 2011, Jeff has become an invaluable asset to those seeking the perfect balance of urban and suburban life. His appreciation for the county's temperate weather and easy access to a plethora of outdoor activities resonates deeply with his clientele, who seek both the vibrancy of urban living and the tranquility of suburban spaces.

Beginning his journey in commercial real estate in San Francisco in 1997 and later transitioning to residential real estate in La Jolla, Jeff has honed a deep understanding of the industry. Known for his professional, caring, and patient approach, he brings a results-oriented and responsive attitude to every transaction. Jeff's unique strength lies in his ability to outperform competitors by leveraging his extensive experience and education.

Jeff leverages his education having received his JD and an MBA, alongside numerous real estate certifications including Master Certified Negotiations Expert and Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist, enabling him to devise winning strategies for each transaction. His approach not only ensures success but also puts his clients at ease, earning their trust and loyalty.

Outside of real estate, Jeff's life is as dynamic and multifaceted as his professional pursuits. His hobbies range from trail running and hiking with his dog to playing golf, tennis, and pickleball, and he's an enthusiastic Peloton user. A proud graduate of law school at the age of 42 and an Ironman triathlon finisher, Jeff's achievements speak to his determination and commitment. These qualities, combined with his professional expertise, make him an exceptional choice for buyers, sellers, and investors—especially in the $2m+ range—who are looking for more than just a transaction but a partnership with a seasoned expert who will turn them into raving fans.

In his over two decades in real estate, Jeff is most proud of partnering with his clients to build the life of their dreams. It helps that Jeff is a negotiations shark, having competed nationally as president of the negotiations team in law school and as a Master Certified Negotiation Expert (MCNE). His MBA and JD also give him and his clients a competitive advantage in every transaction, leading to his listings selling for 4.8% more than the average San Mateo County agent and offers getting accepted 6x more frequently.

If you are looking for an agent who will take on your goal as their own and be relentless in their pursuit of achieving that goal, then you want Jeff as your partner. He’s completed five marathons, including one in Antarctica, and dozens of triathlons, including an Ironman. His passion for taking on a challenge and grinding away to craft creative solutions is unparalleled. Jeff has a natural talent for putting things in perspective, keeping your eye on the prize, and clarifying the strategy to provide opportunities for success in your transaction.

A few of Jeff’s other certifications include NAR’s ePro for advanced digital marketing and NAR’s Green Designations for sustainability in real estate, Pricing Strategy Advisor (PSA) certification, Keller Williams’ BOLD program, and Tony Robbins’ Mastery University. He is also a member of the Institute for Luxury Marketing. These help him and his clients outpace the competition by selling at a higher price and getting offers accepted more often. This track record and partnership continue to provide repeat and referral business, the basis for his growing business.

Reach out to Jeff for a free consultation to discuss your real estate goals. He would be happy to make your goals his and utilize his extensive experience to make it happen.