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

By Megan & Erl Brown | Realtor Team | Maine Real Estate Experts

Selling a home is one of the biggest financial decisions most people will ever make. Choosing the right real estate agent can impact how quickly your home sells, how smoothly the process goes, and how much you ultimately walk away with.

Before signing a listing agreement, it’s important to interview agents and ask the right questions. Not all agents offer the same level of experience, marketing, or communication—and the differences matter.

Here are the most important questions every homeowner should ask when deciding who to hire to sell their home.

1. What Is Your Experience in This Local Market?

Real estate is local. An agent who understands your specific town, neighborhood, and buyer pool brings real value to the table.

Ask:

• How long have you been selling real estate in this area?

• How many homes have you sold in the past year?

• How many of those were in my town or neighborhood?

• What is your average days on market compared to the local average?

• What percentage of your listings sell at or near asking price?

An experienced local agent should be able to answer these questions with confidence and data—not guesses.

2. How Will You Price My Home?

Pricing a home correctly from the start is one of the most critical factors in a successful sale.

Ask:

• How will you determine the right listing price?

• Will you provide a comparative market analysis (CMA)?

• How do you balance market value with seller goals?

• What’s your plan if the market or buyer feedback suggests an adjustment?

Beware of agents who simply promise the highest price without data to support it. Strategic pricing attracts serious buyers and can lead to stronger offers.

3. What Is Your Marketing Strategy?

Putting a home on the MLS is only the starting point. Strong marketing creates demand and drives competition.

Ask:

• What is your full marketing plan for my home?

• Will you use professional photography, video, or drone footage?

• How do you market homes on social media and online platforms?

• How do you reach buyers who aren’t actively searching yet?

• How will my home stand out from others currently on the market?

Your home deserves more than a sign in the yard—it deserves a strategy.

4. How Will We Communicate?

Clear, consistent communication makes the selling process far less stressful.

Ask:

• How often will I receive updates?

• Will updates come by phone, text, or email?

• Who will I communicate with—you or a team member?

• How quickly do you respond to questions or concerns?

• How will you share feedback from showings?

You should never feel like you’re wondering what’s happening with your own listing.

5. How Do You Handle Negotiations and Challenges?

Every transaction comes with surprises. A skilled agent knows how to navigate them.

Ask:

• How do you handle multiple offers?

• What’s your strategy if offers come in below asking price?

• How do you manage inspection issues or appraisal concerns?

• Can you share an example of a challenging deal you successfully closed?

Strong negotiation skills can make a significant difference in both price and terms.

6. What Are the Terms of the Listing Agreement?

Before signing anything, understand the details.

Ask:

• What is your commission, and what does it include?

• How long is the listing agreement?

• What happens if I’m unhappy with your service?

• How do you represent my best interests throughout the transaction?

Transparency is key. A good agent welcomes these questions.

7. How Well Do You Know This Area and Today’s Buyers?

Local insight helps sellers make smart decisions before and during the sale.

Ask:

• What are buyers currently looking for in this area?

• What improvements would help my home sell faster or for more?

• Are there updates I should skip because they won’t add value?

• Do you have trusted local contractors or service providers?

The right advice can save time, money, and stress.

8. Why Should I Hire You?

This question matters more than people realize.

Ask:

• What sets you apart from other agents I’m interviewing?

• Can you provide recent reviews or client references?

• Why do you enjoy working with sellers?

You want an agent who not only has experience—but who genuinely cares about your goals.

Final Thoughts

Selling your home is about more than putting it on the market—it’s about strategy, advocacy, and trust. The right agent should listen closely, provide clear data, communicate consistently, and guide you confidently through every step. If you’re thinking about selling and want honest answers to these questions, we’d be happy to help.