Are You Asking Your Realtor the Right Questions?

Are You Asking Your Realtor the Right Questions?

6 Essential Questions Brooklyn Buyers & Sellers Should Ask

In a market as competitive and nuanced as Brooklyn real estate, the right questions can be your greatest asset.

Whether you're buying your first co-op in Bay Ridge, listing a brownstone in Park Slope, exploring investment opportunities in Bedford-Stuyvesant, or simply renting in Greenpoint—your relationship with your real estate agent matters. And it begins with asking smart, strategic questions.

I’m Peter Mancini, licensed real estate broker with Pen Realty, proud member of REBNY and BNYMLS, and your Brooklyn guide to “A Signature Experience.”

Below are six essential questions every savvy buyer, seller, investor, or renter should be asking their agent before making their next move.

1. What’s Happening in the Brooklyn Market Right Now?

This question cuts through outdated assumptions and taps into real-time data. The Brooklyn market isn’t static—it shifts neighborhood by neighborhood.

According to a recent NYTimes feature, inventory shortages in popular areas like Park Slope and Carroll Gardens continue to drive up prices, while outer neighborhoods such as Marine Park and East Flatbush are seeing renewed interest from first-time buyers and multi-family investors.

At Pen Realty, we deliver hyper-local insights on pricing trends, buyer behavior, and future forecasts—so you’re never guessing.

2. How Do You Help Clients Stand Out in a Competitive Market?

Brooklyn’s real estate isn’t just fast-paced—it’s fierce. Whether you're submitting an offer in a bidding war or preparing to list, strategy matters.

Your agent should have a proven plan for helping your offer stand out—or for making your listing shine in front of the right audience. At Pen Realty, we use a custom blend of digital storytelling, pre-listing prep, and neighborhood positioning. Learn more in our recent blog: “Why Strategic Marketing Matters in Brooklyn”.

3. What Costs Should I Plan for Beyond the List or Sale Price?

The list price is only the beginning.

For buyers, that means accounting for inspection fees, title insurance, transfer taxes, and moving costs. For sellers, it may include staging, legal fees, and potential renovation costs.

A trusted agent will walk you through a realistic financial roadmap. The Wall Street Journal recently broke down how unexpected closing costs are affecting even seasoned investors in NYC markets—read the full article here.

4. What’s Your Approach to Negotiating Offers?

This is where experience really counts.

Negotiation isn’t just about price—it’s about terms, timing, and protecting your bottom line. From navigating appraisal gaps to leveraging multiple offers, I advocate for my clients at every turn.

Investors especially should ask this question, as Brooklyn’s multi-family market remains competitive. The Real Deal notes that off-market deals and 1031 exchanges are making negotiations more complex than ever. For deeper insights, check out our Investor's Guide to Brooklyn.

5. How Will You Communicate With Me Throughout the Process?

You should never feel left in the dark.

From setting weekly check-ins to quick response times during offer negotiations, communication can make or break the experience. At Pen Realty, transparency is one of our core values—and our clients never wonder where things stand.

6. What Should I Be Doing Right Now to Prepare?

Whether you're six months out or ready to move next week, preparation is everything.

Buyers might need help improving credit scores or getting pre-approval. Sellers might want to tackle repairs or gather COs. Investors might benefit from tax planning well in advance of acquisition.

Your agent should be thinking several steps ahead so that when the moment comes—you’re ready.

Final Thoughts: The Right Agent Starts With the Right Questions

If your agent can’t answer these questions with confidence, clarity, and local insight, it may be time to rethink your representation.

At Pen Realty, we offer personalized, relationship-driven service, always with your best interest at heart. We invite you to connect with us to schedule a consultation and explore what “A Signature Experience” truly means.

Want to dive deeper? Explore our blog archive for more:
🔗 https://penrealty.net/blog

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