12 Questions to Ask a Realtor When Selling a Home (With Answers)

Selling a home is one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll ever make, so it’s essential to know the right questions to ask a realtor when selling a home. Whether it’s your first sale or you’re a seasoned pro, these must-ask questions will help you find a knowledgeable, trustworthy agent who can guide you from listing to closing with confidence.

12 Questions to ask a realtor when selling a home 

The questions you ask your realtor before selling your home aren’t just about gathering information; they’re about setting the tone for the entire relationship. This Redfin guide gives you the most important ones to ensure you’re going into the purchase with the right information.

1. What’s your experience in my neighborhood?

You want an agent who knows your market inside and out. That means they understand the local trends, buyer preferences, average days on market, and what homes like yours are selling for. Ask how many homes they’ve sold in your neighborhood or zip code in the past year. Someone who’s active in your area will be able to price and market your home more effectively than someone unfamiliar with it.

2. What’s your strategy for pricing my home?

Pricing is critical, and arguably the most stressful part of selling your home. Too high, and your listing might sit, collecting dust, on the market. Too low, and you could be leaving money on the table. Your agent should provide a detailed comparative market analysis (CMA), explain their pricing strategy, and walk you through recent comps.

3. How will you market my home?

The days of relying on a yard sign alone are long gone. Ask your agent how they plan to promote your listing. A strong marketing plan might include professional photography, 3D virtual tours, MLS listings, open houses, email campaigns, social media ads, video walkthroughs, and agent-to-agent networking. Bonus points if they have their own website, Instagram, or a significant online presence to push your listing in front of more qualified buyers who are likely to be interested.

4. What do I need to do to get my home ready?

A great agent will take the lead on getting your home ready to be sold. Ask what improvements they recommend, whether they suggest staging, and how involved they’ll be in the prep process. Some agents offer staging consultations or have go-to professionals they can bring in. Others might suggest small, high-impact changes like repainting, repairs, or curb appeal upgrades. You want someone who will give honest feedback and help your home show at its best.

5. What are your fees?

Most listing agents work on commission, typically around 5%–6% of the home’s sale price, split with the buyer’s agent. Ask how their fee breaks down and what’s included. Some agents include marketing services, photography, or staging in their commission; others may charge extra for those. Make sure you get clarity on what you’re paying for so there are no surprises down the road.

6. How will you communicate with me?

Clear, consistent communication is key during the selling process. Ask how your agent will keep you informed, whether that’s weekly updates, showing feedback, market activity, or negotiations. It’s equally important to establish the best contact methods because some agents prefer texting, others call, or email. 

7. Do you work full-time or part-time?

This question is a great follow-up to question six. Real estate moves quickly, so it may be important to you to have an agent who’s fully dedicated. Full-time agents often have more availability for showings, negotiations, and client support. That being said, experience and responsiveness matter just as much. 

8. How long does it typically take you to sell a home?

In response to this question, your agent will tell you their average days on market (DOM) and how that compares to other listings in the area. A shorter DOM can suggest better pricing and marketing strategies. You can also ask how often they sell at or above asking price, and whether they’ve had listings that needed price reductions or re-listing.

9. What happens if my home doesn’t sell?

It’s smart to know your plan B alongside their plan B. If your home sits on the market without offers, will they recommend a price adjustment, revamp the marketing, or update photos and staging? 

10. Can I read testimonials or speak to past clients?

Word of mouth matters. Ask for testimonials from past clients, or even better, ask if you can speak directly with a few sellers they’ve worked with recently. What was the experience like? Were they responsive, helpful, and professional throughout the process? You can also look them up for more unfiltered reviews, but remember to read everything cautiously.

11. What’s your strategy for handling offers and negotiations?

Once offers come in, you want a skilled negotiator in your corner. Ask about handling multiple offers, bidding wars, contingencies, or lowball offers. Their answer will reveal how proactive they are in protecting your interests and maximizing your sale price. A good agent should have a confident, transparent approach to guiding you through this phase, especially when most sellers are generally unfamiliar with this part of the process.

12. What sets you apart from other agents?

Just like in a job interview, this open-ended question gives your agent a chance to highlight their unique strengths. Maybe they’re a sharp negotiator, a marketing expert, or simply have exceptional customer service. Listen for something more than generic answers; you want someone with a defined value proposition who’s enthusiastic about selling your home. Confidence will speak volumes here.

5 red flags to watch for

1. Pushes for a high price without data
2. Avoids hard questions
3. Poor communication
4. Doesn’t offer a marketing plan
5. Has limited local experience

FAQs Questions to Ask a Realtor When Selling

When should I hire a listing agent? Ideally, 1–2 months before you plan to list. This gives time for house prep and marketing.

Can I work with more than one agent? Typically, you sign an exclusive right-to-sell agreement with one agent.

Should I sell my house before buying a new one? Depends on your financial situation. Your agent can help you weigh the pros and cons and decide what’s best for you.

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