It’s Always Good to Ask:
Questions for Your Listing Agent
Selling your home? Need a listing agent but not sure what questions to ask? It’s not simple, and you probably already have enough on your plate getting your house ready to sell. So, where to begin? You don’t know what you don’t know. That’s why we’re here today to offer some tips on asking questions once you sit down with your potential real estate agent.
Numbers do matter
Don’t be shy. Ask your real estate agent how many sales they closed last year. Don’t judge them solely on this information but at least find out if they have a moderate rate of sales. Additionally, ask about the price of the homes they sold to see if they are similar in range to what you want to sell. It’s better for everyone if you and your agent are on the same page. A better match for you means a better match for them, so it’s a win-win situation.
Marketing
Like selling anything today, a good sales plan depends heavily on good marketing. Inquire about your potential listing agent’s sales plan. Do they plan to create a video of your house and surrounding area? Professional photography is a must. While you don’t need to be involved in every detail of this plan, it is smart to be in the loop. Stay informed with these questions:
- What will I need to do?
- What marketing materials will you create (i.e. mailers, video, etc.)?
- Can you give me an estimated time frame for the listing to sell?
Credentials
You might wonder why this item wasn’t the first in the list? Well, it’s simple. If you sat down with a real estate agent long enough to discuss the first two points of this post, you’ve likely already identified this agent’s credentials. More importantly, you’ve determined their knowledge far beyond just their credentials. Of course, it is recommended to ask about an agent’s qualifications just to be sure they have the minimum requirements. However, a cursory discussion of your first few questions should say almost everything about a listing agent. Trust your gut. If you don’t feel comfortable with a particular agent after talking about your concerns, move on.
How much will this cost?
With all the expenses of fixing up those pesky little issues with a house and moving, it’s a good idea to know how much your listing agent is going to cost you. In some cases, you’ll only pay your agent a percentage when the house sells, but it is smart to clarify that before getting involved with a marketing and sales plan. You don’t need any surprise fees added to your plate. Keep everything out in the open about your budget and avoid unnecessary expenses.