13 Key Interview Questions to Ask a Listing Agent Before Selling Your Home

Selling a home can feel like a monumental task, but having the right listing agent by your side can make all the difference. Whether you’re ready to list your home or just beginning to explore your options, interviewing potential agents is a crucial step in the process. You want an agent who is not only knowledgeable and experienced but also aligns with your goals and communication style. After all, this is your home and your financial future at stake.

To help you make an informed decision, we’ve compiled a list of 13 key interview questions to ask any potential listing agent. These questions will ensure you select someone who can effectively guide you through the selling process and get your home sold for the best possible price.

1. What is Your Experience in Selling Homes Similar to Mine in This Neighborhood or Market?

The first question you should ask any potential listing agent is about their experience with homes like yours in the specific neighborhood or market. Real estate markets are highly localized, and an agent who has worked with similar properties in your area will have a distinct advantage.

An agent with a solid track record in your area will be familiar with local market trends, property values, and the buyer pool. Whether you’re selling a luxury home or a modest starter home, having someone with relevant experience can help ensure a quicker sale at a good price.

For example, an agent familiar with the Kitsap Peninsula may know which neighborhoods are trending, the local amenities that buyers look for, and the kind of marketing strategies that work best for the area.

2. How Do You Determine the Listing Price for a Property?

Pricing your home correctly is crucial to ensuring it sells quickly and for the best possible price. If your agent suggests a price that is too high, you risk sitting on the market for too long. On the flip side, underpricing your property could leave money on the table.

A skilled listing agent will provide a detailed Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) that compares your home to similar properties in the area, taking into account factors like size, condition, location, and recent sales. Make sure the agent explains how they determine the asking price and whether they adjust it based on buyer feedback and market conditions.

3. What Marketing Strategies Do You Use to Promote Homes on the Market?

In today’s digital world, a strong online presence is essential for reaching the right buyers. Ask your listing agent how they plan to market your home, both online and offline. Do they use professional photography, virtual tours, and social media? How about listing your home on multiple listing services (MLS), real estate websites, and targeted ad campaigns?

Also, inquire about how they plan to engage their network, which can be especially important in the luxury real estate market. A well-connected agent will have relationships with potential buyers, other agents, and local professionals who can help sell your home.

4. Can You Walk Me Through Your Process for Staging a Home and Preparing It for Showings?

Staging a home is often a key factor in achieving a quick and profitable sale. While some homes may need minimal staging, others might require more extensive preparation. A good listing agent will be able to walk you through their process for staging, from decluttering and depersonalizing to recommending repairs or cosmetic updates.

It’s essential to understand whether the agent will recommend hiring a professional stager or if they will provide staging advice themselves. A well-staged home creates a welcoming atmosphere that allows potential buyers to envision themselves living in the space.

5. How Do You Handle Negotiations, Especially When Dealing with Multiple Offers or a Low Offer?

Negotiation is one of the most important skills an agent can bring to the table. If you’re lucky enough to receive multiple offers on your property, you’ll want an agent who knows how to handle these situations with finesse. The agent’s approach to negotiations should prioritize your goals, whether that’s securing the highest offer or maintaining certain contingencies.

Similarly, if an offer comes in lower than you expected, you’ll want to know how the agent will navigate this situation. An experienced agent will know when to counteroffer, when to stand firm, and when to walk away. Make sure your agent has a clear negotiation strategy and can adapt based on the circumstances.

6. What Sets You Apart from Other Listing Agents in the Area?

The real estate market is full of agents, so it’s important to understand what makes the one you're considering stand out. Some agents may specialize in luxury properties, while others focus on first-time homebuyers. Ask the agent what sets them apart from others in the market, whether it’s their experience, negotiation skills, marketing approach, or customer service.

Look for an agent who takes a personalized approach, listens to your needs, and can offer unique value to your selling experience.

7. How Do You Keep Your Clients Informed Throughout the Process?

Selling a home involves many steps, from the listing and marketing phases to negotiations and closing. Throughout this journey, you’ll want to stay informed about how things are progressing. Ask the agent how they communicate with clients and how often you can expect updates.

A top-tier agent will keep you informed regularly, whether through phone calls, emails, or status reports. They’ll also be responsive to your questions and concerns, ensuring you always know what’s happening with your listing.

8. Can You Provide Examples of How You’ve Helped Clients Achieve the Best Sale Price in Recent Transactions?

A great agent should be able to provide tangible examples of how they’ve helped past clients get the best sale price. Ask for case studies or examples of homes they’ve sold in the past year or two. Look for specific examples where the agent helped clients achieve their goals, whether it was getting over asking price, negotiating favorable terms, or closing quickly.

Testimonials and references from past clients can also provide valuable insight into the agent’s abilities and success in achieving high sale prices.

9. What Is Your Strategy for Attracting Buyers in the Current Market Climate?

The real estate market can change rapidly, and strategies that worked a few years ago may not be as effective today. Ask your agent how they are adapting to the current market conditions, whether it’s a buyer’s or seller’s market. What steps are they taking to attract potential buyers in a competitive or fluctuating market?

An experienced agent will have a flexible strategy that includes both traditional and digital marketing techniques. Whether it’s hosting open houses, running targeted ads, or hosting virtual showings, your agent should have a plan that fits the current market dynamics.

10. How Do You Handle Situations Where a Property Isn’t Selling as Quickly as Expected?

If your home isn’t selling as quickly as you’d hoped, it’s crucial to know how your agent will respond. Ask them how they handle situations where a listing is slow to attract interest or receive offers. Will they suggest a price reduction, make improvements, or change the marketing strategy?

A proactive agent will be quick to reassess the situation and adjust the strategy accordingly. They should also be transparent with you about why the property isn’t selling and offer solutions to get it back on track.

11. What Is Your Commission Structure, and Are There Any Additional Fees I Should Be Aware Of?

Before moving forward with any agent, it’s important to understand their commission structure and whether there are any hidden fees. Most listing agents charge a commission based on the sale price of your home, but the amount can vary.

Be sure to ask if there are any additional fees beyond the standard commission. For example, some agents charge marketing fees, staging fees, or administrative costs. While these are not always negotiable, being clear about fees upfront can help you avoid surprises down the road.

12. What Steps Do You Take to Ensure That the Transaction Goes Smoothly, From Listing to Closing?

The process of selling a home involves a number of steps, from listing the property to negotiating offers and finally closing the deal. You’ll want an agent who has a well-organized system for managing all the details of the transaction.

Ask the agent what steps they take to ensure everything goes smoothly. This might include coordinating inspections, staying on top of deadlines, ensuring the buyer’s financing is in order, and keeping everyone on track for closing day.

13. Can You Provide References from Recent Clients, Particularly Those Who Have Sold Homes in My Price Range or Area?

One of the best ways to get a sense of an agent’s performance is to hear from their past clients. Ask the agent for references from recent clients, particularly those who have sold homes in your price range or neighborhood. A good agent will be happy to provide this information.

Talking to past clients can help you gauge the agent’s effectiveness, professionalism, and overall approach to selling homes. If possible, ask about their experience with the agent's communication, negotiation skills, and how well they handled challenges during the sale.

Selecting the right listing agent is one of the most important decisions you’ll make when selling your home. By asking the right questions, you can gain insight into the agent’s experience, approach, and ability to meet your needs. From their marketing strategies to their negotiation skills, the right agent will work tirelessly to ensure that your home is sold quickly and for the best price.

As you go through the interview process, remember that you want an agent who not only has the expertise to sell your home but also one who is proactive, communicative, and dedicated to achieving your goals. Take your time, ask these important questions, and trust your instincts to choose the listing agent who is the best fit for you.