10 Questions to Ask When Interviewing a Listing Agent

10 Questions Every Home Seller Should Ask Before Hiring a Real Estate Agent

Selling your home is a big decision, and the agent you choose will make a huge difference in your experience—and your bottom line. Not all agents bring the same skills, strategies, or results, which is why it’s so important to ask the right questions before signing a listing agreement.

Here are 10 questions every smart home seller should ask when interviewing a real estate agent:

1. What’s your marketing strategy for selling my home?

A “for sale” sign and an MLS listing aren’t enough anymore. Ask how the agent plans to use professional photography, online advertising, video, social media, and open houses to attract serious buyers.

2. How will you determine the right listing price?

Pricing too high means your home may sit on the market. Pricing too low could leave money on the table. A good agent will provide a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) and explain their pricing strategy in detail.

3. Are you a Full Time Agent?

Local expertise matters. Real Estate Agents are small business owners, and service providers just like your local AC tech, or electrician. It matters how they run their business, the amount of time they dedicate to honing their skills, and the services they provide that best suit your needs.  

4. What are your average days on market compared to the local average?

This tells you how quickly their listings typically sell compared to other agents in the area.

5. What percentage of your listings sell at or above asking price?

This helps you gauge the agent’s negotiation skills and accuracy in pricing.

6. How do you help with staging and preparing my home?

The right preparation can increase your home’s value. Look for an agent who guides you on staging, repairs, or upgrades that matter most to buyers.

7. How often will you communicate with me—and in what way?

Selling can be stressful, and communication is key. Make sure your agent’s style matches your expectations, whether it’s phone calls, texts, or weekly updates.

8. What makes you different from other agents?

This gives the agent a chance to share their strengths—marketing reach, negotiation skills, connections, or a proven track record.

9. How will you handle multiple offers or tough negotiations?

The right strategy here can mean thousands of dollars difference in your final sales price.

10. What other costs should I expect besides your compensation?

An estimated proceeds sheet will give you a breakdown of what you will net from the sale, and includes costs like title fees, HOA, taxes and negotiated compensation.  

Why These Questions Matter

Choosing the right real estate agent isn’t about hiring the first person you meet—it’s about hiring the best partner to protect your investment, market your home effectively, and negotiate strongly on your behalf.