Top 5 Questions to Ask Your Real Estate Agent Before Listing

Selling your home is a major milestone—and one of the most important decisions you'll make is choosing the right real estate agent. A skilled agent can help you price your home correctly, market it effectively, and negotiate the best possible deal. But before you sign a listing agreement, it’s crucial to ask the right questions to ensure you're hiring someone who’s a great fit for your needs.

Here are the top 5 questions to ask your real estate agent before listing your home:

1. What’s Your Strategy for Pricing My Home?

Pricing your home correctly from the start is essential. Overpricing can cause your home to sit on the market, while underpricing can leave money on the table.

Why it matters: A good agent should provide a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA), explain how they arrived at the suggested price, and discuss current market trends in your area.

Ask:

• “How did you determine this price?”

• “What are homes like mine selling for right now?”
  
  

2. How Will You Market My Property?

Marketing makes all the difference in attracting qualified buyers quickly. Gone are the days of just putting a sign in the yard.

Look for answers like:

• Professional photography and videography

• Virtual tours or 3D walkthroughs

• Listings on MLS, Zillow, Realtor.com, etc.

• Social media and email marketing

• Open houses and private showings

Ask:

• “Can I see examples of how you’ve marketed past listings?”

• “Will my home have its own listing website or social media promotion?”
  
  

3. What’s Your Track Record in This Neighborhood or Price Range?

Real estate is local. An agent familiar with your neighborhood and price point brings valuable insights into what buyers are looking for—and what homes are actually selling for.

Ask:

• “How many homes have you sold in this area?”

• “What’s your average list-to-sale price ratio?”

• “How long do your listings typically stay on the market?”

4. What Do I Need to Do to Get My Home Ready to Sell?

Staging, repairs, and even landscaping can make or break a buyer’s first impression. A proactive agent will give you a clear action plan for preparing your home.

Ask:

• “Do you offer staging or help coordinate it?”

• “Are there any repairs or updates you recommend before listing?”

• “Can you recommend trusted contractors or handymen?”

5. What Are Your Fees and Contract Terms?

Before you commit, make sure you fully understand the agent’s commission structure and any contractual obligations.

Ask:

• “What is your commission fee, and what does it include?”

• “Is there a minimum contract period?”

• “What happens if I want to cancel the listing?”

Final Thoughts

A great agent should welcome your questions and answer them confidently and transparently. Taking the time to ask these key questions up front ensures that you and your agent are on the same page—and that you’re setting yourself up for a successful, stress-free sale.

Thinking about selling your home? Start with a conversation. Reach out today for a free home evaluation and personalized selling strategy.