Just a Few of The Questions to Ask an Agent         When Interviewing Them to List Your Home

I saw a statistic the other day that said 75% of sellers list their home with the first agent they speak with. I thought this to be an astonishing number. Now, I understand some sellers use their past agents, but overall, this is a surprisingly low percentage. When selling your home, it’s crucial to ask the right questions to ensure you’re working with someone who can meet your needs and sell your home effectively.

How long have you been in the real estate industry?
Now, I have nothing against a new agent—I used to be one myself. Everyone starts somewhere, and a newer agent with enthusiasm, dedication, and strong mentorship can be just as effective as a seasoned pro. However, experience often brings valuable insight.
An experienced agent has likely encountered various market conditions, successfully navigated complex transactions, and developed strong negotiation skills. They’ve learned how to handle challenges that can arise during the selling process, from pricing your home correctly to managing offers and contingencies.
That being said, if you’re considering working with a newer agent, ask them about their support system. Do they have a mentor or a knowledgeable team behind them? Are they leveraging the latest technology and marketing strategies to get your home sold? Sometimes, a fresh perspective combined with solid guidance can work to your advantage.

Are you a full-time agent? What’s your availability?
It’s tough to be a part-time agent. While many agents balance real estate with other commitments, it’s important to consider whether they can give you the attention and dedication your transaction deserves. After all, selling a home is a significant financial decision, and you deserve to work with someone who is accessible and responsive when you need them.
Being able to reach your agent when you have questions or when an urgent matter arises is essential. A full-time agent is more likely to have the flexibility and focus required to respond quickly to inquiries, manage showings, and actively market your property.
If the agent is part-time, ask them about their availability and how they ensure timely communication. The key is making sure you feel confident they can meet your needs and provide top-quality service, regardless of their schedule.

How many listings have you sold in the past year?
Experience matters, but recent experience matters even more. Asking an agent how many listings they've sold in the past year gives you a clear sense of their activity level and success rate in the current market.
An agent actively selling properties is likely to be more in tune with local market trends, pricing strategies, and what buyers are looking for right now. It also shows their ability to successfully market and close deals, even when the market is challenging.
It's also worth asking about the types of properties they've sold. Are they similar to your home in size, style, price range, or neighborhood? An agent who has successfully sold properties like yours is more likely to understand the best way to position your home to attract the right buyers.
Additionally, ask about their average days on the market and how their listing price compares to the final selling price. These metrics can reveal how effective they are at pricing homes accurately and negotiating offers.

Can you provide me with the contact information of your sellers from your current listings and those you sold a property for in the past 6 months?
A strong agent will have a track record of satisfied clients, and the best way to verify their claims is by going straight to the source. Ask the agent for a direct printout from the MLS showing their current active, pending, and sold listings for at least the past 6 months. If they have fewer transactions, you can request a record covering the past year.
Don't be afraid to ask for phone numbers or emails of recent clients so you can reach out to them directly. When you do, ask how the agent performed, how well they communicated, and if they responded in a prompt and professional manner.
Were they easy to get a hold of when needed? Did they provide valuable guidance throughout the process? Would they hire the agent again?
Speaking with past clients gives you valuable insight into the agent’s professionalism, reliability, and dedication. If an agent hesitates to provide references, that’s a red flag worth paying attention to.

Do you use a professional photographer?
Most agents will confidently say “Yes” when asked this question, but their previous listings will tell you the real story. Professional photography is essential because most buyers are looking online before they ever set foot inside your front door.
Take a moment to review their past listings. Are the photos well-lit, crisp, and showcasing your home’s best features? Or are they dark, blurry, and poorly composed? A skilled photographer knows how to capture the right angles, utilize natural light, and make every room feel inviting and spacious.
One of my biggest pet peeves is seeing listing photos of a bathroom with the toilet seat up or a room where all the overhead lights are off, leaving the space looking dull and uninviting.
You’re paying an agent to present your home in the best possible light, quite literally. Professional photos aren’t a luxury; they’re a necessity when attracting buyers online and convincing them your home is worth visiting in person.

Choosing the right agent to sell your home is a big decision. Asking these key questions will help you make an informed choice and ensure that you have an agent who is dedicated to your success. By carefully evaluating the answers, you’ll be well on your way to working with an agent who can get your home sold quickly and for the best price. At RE/MAX Horizons our agents have an average of 24 year’s experience.   Good luck with your selling journey!