What Questions Should I Ask a Realtor Before Hiring Them to Sell My House?
Before you hire a Realtor to sell your home, ask how they'll price it, how they'll market it, how they communicate, what it costs, and what happens if it doesn't sell. A good agent answers plainly and shows their work. A pushy one avoids specifics.
Choosing an agent is one of the biggest decisions in a sale. Here's what I'd ask if I were the seller.
About their experience
- How many homes have you sold in my area in the past year? You want someone who knows your neighborhood, not just a number.
- Do you work alone or with a team? Neither is wrong. You just want to know who will actually answer your calls and attend your showings.
- Can I talk to recent clients? Reviews are helpful. A few references are better.
About pricing
- How did you come up with that price? Look for recent comparable sales, current competition and condition, not just "I think it'll sell for this." Be careful of any agent who gives the highest number just to win the listing.
- What will you do if we're not getting showings or offers? A real plan sounds like a review of feedback and price within a set number of days.
- How much will I net? Ask for a net sheet with taxes, fees and commission. I explain the pieces in what you'll net when you sell.
About marketing
- What does your marketing include? Professional photos, MLS listing, online syndication, social media, signage and showings are typical. Ask to see examples of their past listings.
- How will buyers find my home? Ask where listings get seen and how you'll know it's working.
- Will you hold open houses? They can help in some cases, but private showings often do the work. I covered that in open house or private showings.
About fees and the agreement
- What is your commission, and what's included? Commissions in Maryland are negotiable. Ask what services you get for it, and how the buyer's agent is compensated.
- How long is the listing agreement? Ask whether you can cancel if you're unhappy. Shorter terms or a cancellation clause give you more protection.
- Are there any other fees? Ask about admin or transaction fees before signing.
About working together
- How will we communicate, and how often? Text, email, phone, weekly updates. Pick what works for you.
- Who handles negotiation and inspection repairs? You want to know who's at the table for you.
- What do you need from me to get this sold? Good agents tell you plainly what prep, repairs and showing flexibility they expect.
Red flags
- Pressure to sign today
- A suspiciously high price with no data behind it
- Vague answers on fees
- Dodging questions about who will do the work
- Guarantees about price or timing
What good answers sound like
Specific, calm and honest, with some tradeoffs mentioned. An agent who says "here's what I'd do, here's the risk, and here's how we adjust" is usually someone you can work with.
FAQ
How many agents should I interview?
Two or three is usually plenty. More than that and it gets confusing.
Should I hire the agent who gives the highest price?
Not by itself. Ask for the data behind the number.
Is the commission negotiable?
Yes. Rates aren't set by law. What matters is the value you get for it.
Can I switch agents if I'm unhappy?
It depends on your listing agreement, which is why I'd ask about cancellation up front.
Do I have to use the agent who bought or sold with my friend?
No. Choose the person whose plan, communication and track record fit you.
Next step
Interviewing agents and want to see how I'd approach your home? Take a look at my seller page or contact me. You can also grab a free 15-minute call at calendly.com/michaelwaderealtor/15min. No pressure.
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