10 Questions to Ask a Real Estate Agent Before You Sign a Listing Agreement

Hiring an agent to sell your home is a job interview, even if it doesn't always feel like one. Before you sign anything, ask these questions, and expect answers like these.

Start with the price and what's worth fixing

Ask how they'll determine the right listing price for your home. A solid answer includes comparable sales, current competition on the market, and the strategy behind the recommended number. Be cautious of anyone who promises an unusually high price without data to back it up, even if that number is exactly what you want to hear. The same honesty should apply to what needs fixing before you list. Not every renovation is worth the money, and a good agent knows which improvements local buyers actually care about and which ones you can skip.

Get specific on marketing and communication

Putting your home in the MLS is table stakes, not a marketing plan. Ask for specifics: professional photography, video, online exposure, buyer outreach, and social media. Then settle how often you'll actually hear from them. Weekly updates, showing feedback, regular calls or texts, whatever it is, establish those expectations before your home ever hits the market.

Plan for what happens if it doesn't sell, and what happens once it does

Ask what the plan is if your home isn't getting showings or offers. A good agent should already have a strategy for adjusting pricing, marketing, or presentation if buyers aren't responding. And once you do get an offer, the work isn't over. Inspections, appraisals, financing issues, and buyer negotiations can all derail a deal, so ask how they'll handle problems before they happen, not after.

Know the money and the track record

Ask for an estimated seller net sheet showing your mortgage payoff, commissions, closing costs, and potential concessions, so you know what you'll actually walk away with. Ask how many homes like yours they've sold in the area, including recent sales, average days on market, and how close those homes sold to their asking price. And get clear on how they get paid. Agent compensation is negotiable, so make sure you understand what you're paying for, what's included, and what your options are before you sign.

Why this agent, not just any agent

Finally, ask why you should hire them over someone else. A strong answer points to specific experience and a clear strategy, not a list of complaints about competitors. Talking badly about other agents isn't a selling point; it's a red flag. Interview a real estate agent the same way you'd interview someone for a job, and a good one will be glad to answer every question. If you're getting ready to list and want to go through this list together, reach out and let's talk.