Selling a home is one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll ever make, so knowing the right questions to ask a real estate agent when selling your home is essential. Whether it’s your first sale or you’re a veteran pro, these must-see questions will help you find a knowledgeable and reliable agent who can confidently guide you to the closure.
12 questions to ask a real estate agent when selling a home
The question you ask your real estate agent before you sell your home is not simply about gathering information. They are to set the tone for the entire relationship. This Redfin guide provides the most important guide to ensure you are taking part in your purchase with the right information.
1. What was your experience in my neighborhood?
I want an agent who knows your market both inside and outside. So they understand local trends, buyer preferences, average days in the market, and what a home like you sell. Ask how many homes have sold in your neighborhood or zip code over the past year. People who are active in your area can price and sell your home more effectively than people new to it.
2. What is your strategy for price my home?
Prices are important and are undoubtedly the most stressful part of selling your home. If it’s too expensive, the listing will sit and collect dust in the market. If it’s too low, you could be leaving money on the table. Agents should provide a detailed comparative market analysis (CMA), explain pricing strategies and explain recent comps.
3. How do you sell my home?
For a long time, we have relied solely on garden signs. Ask your agent what you plan to promote your listing. Powerful marketing plans include professional photography, 3D virtual tours, MLS listings, open houses, email campaigns, social media ads, video walkthroughs, and agent networking. Bonus Points push the list in front of more qualified buyers who may be interested in their website, Instagram, or if they have a significant online presence.
4. What do you need to do to prepare your home?
A great agent will lead you to prepare to sell your home. Ask what improvements they recommend, whether they suggest staging, and how they will be involved. Some agents have a go-to expert who can provide staging consultations or bring in. Other agents may suggest small, more influential changes, such as repainting, repairs, or curb upgrades. You want someone to give honest feedback and help your home show at its best.
5. How much does your fee cost?
Most listing agents work on commissions that are typically around 5%-6% of the home’s selling price, and are split up with the buyer’s agents. Ask how their fees collapse and what is included. Some agents include committee marketing services, photography, or staging. Others may charge extra fees for them. Make sure you are clear about what you are paying for. That way, there will be no surprises in the future.
6. How do you communicate with me?
Clear and consistent communication is important during the sales process. Your agent should ask if it is a weekly update, whether it indicates feedback, market activity, or negotiation, and how you will be notified. Since some agents prefer texting, it is equally important to establish the best communication method.
7. Do you work full time or part-time?
This question is a great follow-up to Question 6. As real estate moves quickly, it may be important to have a fully dedicated agent. Full-time agents often have more availability for shows, negotiations and client support. That being said, experience and responsiveness are equally important.
8. How long does it usually take to sell a house?
In answering this question, the agent will tell you the average day (DOM) in the market and how it compares to other lists in the region. A short DOM can suggest better pricing and marketing strategies. You can also ask if there are more frequently than the price is sold, and if there are lists that need to be reduced or relisted.
9. What happens if my house doesn’t sell?
It’s wise to know Plan B along with Plan B. If your home is sitting in the market without offers, do they recommend updating price adjustments, marketing, or photos and staging?
10. Can I read testimony or talk to past clients?
Reviews are important. Ask testimony from past clients, or even better, ask if you can speak directly to several sellers who have worked recently. What was your experience like? Were they responsive, helpful and professional throughout the process? You can also look into them for a more unfiltered review, but don’t forget to read everything carefully.
11. What is your strategy for handling offers and negotiations?
Once the offer is received, you will need a skilled negotiator on the corner. Ask about handling multiple offers, bid wars, contingencies, or lowball offers. Their answers reveal how aggressive they are in protecting your interests and maximizing your selling price. A good agent should have a confident and transparent approach to guiding this phase, especially if most sellers are generally new to this part of the process.
12. What stands out from the other agents?
Just like employment interviews, this open-ended question gives agents the opportunity to highlight their unique strengths. Maybe they are sharp negotiators, marketing experts, or simply have extraordinary customer service. Listen to more than a general answer. You want someone with a defined value proposition eager to sell your home. Confidence speaks volume here.
Five red flags to watch
Pushing high prices without data avoids difficult questions
FAQ asks you to ask a real estate agent at the time of sale
When should I hire a listing agent? Ideally, it’s a month or two before you plan to list it. This gives you time to prepare and market your home.
Can I work with multiple agents? Typically, you sign an exclusive sales agreement with one agent.
Should I sell my house before I buy a new one? It depends on your financial situation. Your agent will help you weigh the pros and cons and decide which one is best for you.
