10 Essential Questions to Ask When Interviewing a Real Estate Agent to Sell Your Home

Selling your home is a major life event—one that can feel both exciting and overwhelming. The real estate agent you choose will be your guide, advocate, and negotiator throughout the process. But with so many agents out there, how do you find the right one? The answer lies in asking the right questions during your interviews. Here are ten essential questions to help you make a confident, informed choice.

1. How many homes have you sold in my area recently?
Local experience matters. An agent who knows your neighborhood inside and out will understand the market trends, buyer preferences, and how to position your home to stand out.

2. What is your marketing strategy for my home?
An effective agent should have a detailed plan for showcasing your property—from professional photos and virtual tours to social media campaigns and open houses. Ask for examples of past marketing efforts and their results.

3. How do you determine the listing price?
Pricing your home correctly is crucial. A great agent will provide a comparative market analysis and explain their approach to setting a competitive price that attracts buyers while maximizing your return.

4. What are your commission fees?
Transparency about fees is important. Make sure you understand what you’ll be paying and what services are included. Don’t hesitate to ask for a breakdown of costs.

5. How will you communicate with me, and how often?
Clear communication can make the selling process smoother. Find out whether the agent prefers phone calls, emails, or texts, and how frequently you’ll receive updates.

6. Can you provide references from recent clients?
Speaking to past clients can give you valuable insight into the agent’s professionalism, responsiveness, and results. A reputable agent should be happy to connect you with references.

7. How do you handle multiple offers or bidding wars?
In a competitive market, you want an agent with strong negotiation skills. Ask about their experience managing multiple offers and their strategy for getting you the best deal.

8. What do I need to do to get my home ready to sell?
A proactive agent will offer honest advice about staging, repairs, or updates that could help your home sell faster and for more money. Be open to their suggestions—they’re invested in your success.

9. What happens if I’m not satisfied with your service?
Understanding the terms of your agreement is essential. Ask if there’s a way to end the contract if things aren’t going as planned, and what the process would be.

10. How long, on average, do your listings take to sell?
This question can reveal the agent’s effectiveness and give you realistic expectations about the timeline.

Choosing a real estate agent is about more than credentials—it’s about finding someone you trust, who communicates well, and who is genuinely committed to helping you achieve your goals. Take your time, ask these questions, and you’ll be well on your way to a successful home sale!