20 Smart Questions to Ask Before You Hire a Real Estate Agent Straight answers from Ross Melby | Compass Dallas + Austin

20 Smart Questions to Ask Before You Hire a Real Estate Agent

Straight answers from Ross Melby | Compass Dallas + Austin

Hiring the right real estate agent isn’t just about picking a name — it’s about finding someone who understands your goals, your lifestyle, and your standards. Whether you’re buying a penthouse in Uptown or preparing to list a modern in Barton Hills, the right guidance can make a multi-six-figure difference.

Here’s how I’d answer the 20 most-searched questions people ask when interviewing an agent — directly, transparently, and with the Dallas luxury lens I live and breathe every day.

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1. How long have you been working in real estate / in this local market?

I’ve built my career across both Dallas and Austin — two of the most dynamic markets in Texas. My background isn’t just in brokerage; it’s in luxury development, capital raising, and marketing strategy, which means I approach every listing or acquisition from both a design and investment standpoint.

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2. Are you full-time or part-time?

Real estate is my full-time obsession. This isn’t a side hustle or weekend gig — it’s a seven-day-a-week discipline. I’m involved in every aspect of my listings, from staging direction to negotiation.

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3. What neighborhoods do you specialize in?

In Dallas: Uptown, Highland Park, Turtle Creek, Design District, and Downtown luxury condos like Maple Terrace and Stoneleigh Residences. In Austin: Barton Hills, Clarksville, and Downtown’s luxury high-rises. I’m active in both markets and understand where lifestyle, architecture, and return potential intersect.

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4. How many transactions did you close in the past year?

Between personal clients, investment partnerships, and consulting projects, I’ve managed dozens of high-value negotiations — from multi-million-dollar condos to development deals. I focus on quality and strategy over volume.

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5. Will I work directly with you or your team?

You’ll work directly with me. Compass provides world-class backend support, but I’m personally hands-on with every client. No hand-offs, no confusion — you’ll always have my number and my attention.

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6. What’s your communication style?

Efficient and tailored. Some clients prefer texts and quick updates; others want data reports and full-scale strategy calls. Either way, you’ll never have to ask where things stand — I stay one step ahead.

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7. What’s your marketing or buyer strategy?

Every property and client deserves a brand-level campaign. I combine high-end visuals, social media reach, and Compass tech tools to target the right audience — whether that’s a buyer in Dallas, L.A., or abroad. For buyers, my strategy focuses on off-market access and pre-MLS opportunities to stay ahead of competition.

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8. How do you determine listing or offer price?

Pricing is part science, part art. I analyze comps, market velocity, and emotional appeal — because buyers don’t just buy square footage; they buy feeling. My goal is to price so your property attracts attention fast without leaving money on the table.

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9. What’s your commission structure?

It’s straightforward and performance-based. You’re paying for exposure, negotiation strength, and peace of mind — not just someone to upload your property to MLS. My goal is to help you net more, not spend more.

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10. Can you share references or testimonials?

Absolutely. Many of my clients come from referrals, which I consider the best compliment possible. I can share feedback from luxury buyers, developers, and investors who’ve worked with me on both residential and capital-raising projects.

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11. What sets you apart from other agents?

Perspective. I understand real estate from both sides of the table — as an agent and as an investor. That means I don’t just sell property; I help clients evaluate yield, design relevance, and long-term value. And I care deeply about presentation — every listing I touch looks and feels editorial-ready.

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12. What’s your track record — average days on market or sale-to-list ratio?

My listings consistently perform above neighborhood averages, both in sale price and speed. That comes from precise pricing, storytelling, and high-caliber visuals that emotionally connect with buyers before they even tour the property.

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13. Do you work more with buyers or sellers?

Roughly an even split. Working both sides keeps me sharp — I know exactly how buyers think, and I use that knowledge to guide my sellers strategically (and vice versa).

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14. Who else is on your team?

I collaborate with Compass’ in-house marketing, design, and social-media specialists — plus a curated roster of photographers, stagers, and videographers who understand luxury presentation. It’s a boutique experience backed by powerhouse resources.

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15. How do you help clients stand out in a competitive market?

Preparation and narrative. I make sure your property (or your offer) tells a clear, compelling story that cuts through noise. Whether that’s a professionally produced lifestyle video or a polished buyer intro letter, small details can swing negotiations in your favor.

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16. Who are your preferred vendors and partners?

I only work with trusted professionals — mortgage advisors, inspectors, attorneys, and contractors who share my standard for precision and discretion. My network is an extension of my brand — and of your success.

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17. How do you handle negotiation and issues during a transaction?

Calmly and strategically. Real estate is emotional — my role is to bring clarity and leverage. I negotiate with facts, not ego, and I never lose sight of your bottom line.

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18. What if I’m not satisfied — can I cancel?

I believe in performance, not pressure. If you’re not satisfied, we’ll talk openly about it. My clients stay because of results, not contracts.

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19. What should I expect in this current Dallas market?

Dallas remains strong but selective. The days of “list it and it sells in 48 hours” are over. Success now comes down to presentation, precision pricing, and narrative. I help clients position their property or purchase intelligently to outperform market averages.

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20. Do you hold any professional designations or specialties?

I’ve completed advanced training in luxury marketing, investment strategy, and real-estate finance. But more important than letters behind a name is the network and experience you bring to the table — and I bring both.

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Final Word

Hiring the right agent isn’t about who’s loudest online — it’s about who truly gets you, your goals, and your market. My clients work with me because they want expertise with a refined edge — someone who treats their property like a brand, their investment like a portfolio, and their time like currency.

If that sounds like your standard, let’s talk.