questions to ask realtor when selling

Here are good questions to ask a realtor when selling your home, organized by the parts of the process that matter most. These cover pricing, marketing, fees, communication, and how the agent handles negotiations and timelines.

Pricing and market fit

• How did you arrive at your suggested list price?

• What comparable homes did you use, and how recent are they?

• What price range do you think we can realistically sell in?

• How long do homes like mine usually take to sell in this neighborhood?

Experience and track record

• How many homes have you sold in this area or price range?

• Have you sold homes similar to mine before?

• How many clients and closed transactions did you handle last year?

• Can you share references from recent sellers?

Marketing plan

• What marketing will you do for my property?

• Will you use professional photography, staging, video, or a custom listing page?

• How will you promote the home online and locally?

• Will you be at showings, and how will open houses be handled?

Fees and contract terms

• What is your fee, and is it negotiable?

• What services are included in your commission?

• What other seller costs should I expect, including closing costs?

• What is the length of the listing agreement, and how can it be ended?

Communication and process

• How often will you update me, and by what method?

• Will I work directly with you or with a team member or assistant?

• How quickly do you respond to calls, texts, and emails?

• What happens if I need to adjust price or strategy after listing?

Negotiation and closing

• What is your negotiation strategy when offers come in?

• How do you handle multiple offers?

• What can I do to improve my sale price or speed up the sale?

• What issues usually come up during inspection or closing, and how do you handle them?

A simple way to use these is to interview at least two or three agents and compare how clearly they explain pricing, marketing, and fees. The best realtor is usually the one who gives specific local examples, not generic promises.

Quick Scoop

If you want the shortest version, ask about: local experience, pricing strategy, marketing plan, commission, communication style, and negotiation approach.