Last week, I received an email from a friend who asked a thoughtful question:
“What questions should I ask when interviewing a real estate agent, and what factors are most important in selecting one?” Naturally, I replied, “Well, if you’re hiring, I’m applying for the job.”
But she was serious.
In today’s market, the difference between a good outcome and a great one often comes down to who you hire. The right questions don’t just help you choose an agent—they help you understand the strategy, experience, and care behind the representation.
And the truth is, most of us know a cousin, auntie, uncle, church friend, or neighbor who’s “in real estate.” That alone doesn’t mean they’re the right person to represent you in one of the largest financial transactions of your life.
Selling a home isn’t just about putting a sign in the yard. It’s about strategy, timing, negotiation, presentation, follow through and guidance—often during a major life transition.
As I brainstormed a few key questions, I also asked my social media community to chime in, and they raised some great ideas that I incorporated below.
So before signing a listing agreement, here are 10 questions every homeowner should ask a prospective real estate agent:
1. What is your greatest client success story? I love this question because it gives the agent an opportunity to showcase their ability to tell a story—which is a huge part of effectively marketing a home. It also gives you insight into their passion. Are they excited about the people they serve and the outcomes they help create, or is this simply “the job”? How an agent speaks about past clients often reflects how they’ll show up for you.
2. What is your average list-to-sale price ratio, and what do you make of that metric? For my more analytical folks, this question matters. Every agent should know their numbers—but not every agent can interpret them well. Listen for context. Do they understand why their numbers look the way they do, and how that insight informs their pricing and negotiation strategy?
3. How do you determine the right listing price for my home—and what’s your strategy if the market tells us we need to adjust? Pricing is not one-size-fits-all. Every property—and yes, every property type (single-family homes, condos, and multifamily properties)—comes with its own set of circumstances. Add in neighborhood trends, buyer demand, and timing, and the strategy should be highly intentional. Your agent should have a clear plan for positioning your home to sell and know exactly what to do if 'Plan A' doesn't materialize.
4. What does your marketing strategy look like, and how does it differ from a plug-and-play listing approach?
Many listings look the same. Ask what this agent does that truly differentiates the homes they list. How do they create interest, urgency, and emotional connection? This question reveals whether they lead with creativity and intention—or simply follow a cookie-cutter template.
5. How will you prepare my home to be photo-ready and market-ready? First impressions matter. Ask whether preparation includes a design consultation, staging guidance, or professional staging support. A thoughtful preparation plan can significantly impact buyer perception, showing activity, and ultimately, price.
6. What data, analytics, or reporting will I have access to once my home is listed? Will you receive showing activity reports, online engagement metrics, buyer feedback summaries, or market trend updates? Transparency and data help sellers make confident, informed decisions throughout the process.
7. Are there any aspects of the property—or the surrounding area—that I should be aware of, including environmental, zoning, construction, or other considerations that could impact value? This is a question I wish more homeowners asked. As agents, we’re careful not to criticize someone’s home or personal style—but buyers aren’t. They notice things and form opinions quickly. A strong agent will identify those considerations early and know how to address them so expectations are clear and there are no surprises along the way.
8. How do you communicate with your clients, and how often should I expect updates? Clear, consistent communication makes for an entirely different experience. Ask how updates are shared (via phone call, text, or email) how often you’ll hear from them, and how accessible they are when questions come up. You should never feel unsure about when it’s appropriate to check in, share feedback, or get questions answered.
9. Can you share examples of how you’ve successfully navigated negotiations to help your clients reach their goals? This is where experience really shows. Listen for examples that demonstrate strategy, advocacy, and creativity—not just “we got a good deal". Strong negotiation can impact price, terms, timelines, and peace of mind.
10. Why are you the right agent to represent me in the sale of my home? This isn’t about ego—it’s about aligning with the right partner. The strongest answers reflect clarity in value, confidence in process, and a genuine commitment to protecting YOUR interests—not just closing a deal.
At the end of the day, hiring a real estate agent is exactly that—a hire. You’re choosing someone to represent your equity, your goals, and often a deeply personal chapter of your life.
If you, or someone you know, is thinking about selling and wants thoughtful strategy, clear communication, and intentional representation, I’m always happy to be a resource.
