When interviewing a listing agent to sell your home, asking the right questions is essential to ensure they are a good fit and can help you get the best price. Here are 10 questions you should ask when interviewing a listing agent.
1. Are you a full-time REALTOR® ?
This questions helps you understand their level of commitment, availability, and expertise in the industry. Selling a home requires a REALTOR® who can quickly respond to inquiries, schedule showings, and negotiate offers. A full-time agent is more likely to be available when you or potential buyers need them.
You can also ask them if they work solo or have a team of professionals to help complete your transaction.
2. How many homes have you sold in the past year?
The number of homes an agent has sold in the past year is a good indicator of their experience level and how active they are in the market. It also suggests they have a good reputation in the industry and among buyers and sellers. In Canada, the average home sold per solo agent is 10-12 per year. It is as simple as this: The more properties the REALTOR® has sold in their career, the more experience they bring to the table.
3. What is your most effective marketing tool? How are you going to advertise my home?
You want an agent who uses a comprehensive approach, including digital marketing, professional photography, staging, and open houses. How well do they know about marketing? If not them, do they have a team who takes care of it? When selling your property, you want to ensure you will get the most exposure possible to get the best selling price… but we won’t lie here. Even thousands of dollars in marketing won’t sell an overpriced property.
4. How will you determine the listing price?
The listing price is one of the most important factors in selling a home, as it can influence buyer interest, the speed of the sale, and the final sale price. The REALTOR® should explain how they will use comparable sales, current market trends, and the condition of your home to price it effectively. By asking this question, you can assess whether the agent is knowledgeable about the market and if they have a clear, data-driven plan for pricing your home competitively.
5. What is your experience in the area and with this type of property?
Assess whether the agent has specific knowledge and experience with homes like yours and the local market where you’re selling. Real estate transactions can vary from area to area, with different zoning laws and regulations. An experienced local agent will already be familiar with these and can guide potential buyers and their REALTOR® with all the proper information.
6. What’s your commission rate, and are there any other fees?
It’s important to ask about these upfront so you’re aware of any potential extra costs beyond the commission. By asking this question, you can ensure there are no surprises when it comes to the total cost of selling your home and can better compare REALTOR®’s fees and the services they provide for those fees.
7. How long are your listings typically on the market?
Knowing the average time on the market helps you set realistic expectations about how long it might take to sell your home. If the agent’s listings tend to sell quickly (e.g., within 30 days), you can prepare for a fast-moving process. If they take longer, you’ll need to be patient and possibly adjust your plans. It is important to know that, in most cases, the average day of listings on the market mostly will depend on the price bracket and market trend, and not so much on the REALTOR®’s performance.
8. How often do you communicate with your clients?
Communication is key to a successful partnership, and you want to make sure the agent’s communication style matches your expectations. It is also very important to communicate your expectations to your REALTOR®. This conversation sets clear expectations for both you and the person you hired. If you prefer frequent updates, you can discuss that. On the other hand, if you’re more hands-off and only want to be contacted for major developments, they should know that too.
9. Can you provide references from recent clients?
Speaking to past clients can give you insight into the agent’s professionalism and effectiveness. Most professionals will have testimonials on their Facebook page and Google profile, but hearing directly from recent clients helps you ask specific questions about the client’s experience, such as whether the agent delivered on promises and how smoothly the transaction went.
10. What are your expectations from your clients?
This question helps you understand what the agent will need from you to do their job effectively. It may involve specific tasks, responsibilities, or ways to assist in marketing the home. Understanding these expectations ensures that both you and the agent are on the same page, leading to a smoother working relationship.
These questions will help you evaluate the agent’s expertise, approach, and fit for your home sale. You should also read our post 🚩 ”Check out these 5 red flags before hiring a Real Estate Professional”
Good luck!
