The secret is this: a great agent is a top-tier strategist; a weak agent is just a door opener. A weak agent lists your home and waits; a great agent actively markets, negotiates aggressively, and knows exactly how to handle every complication that arises. Your home sale is too critical to leave to chance. These targeted questions are designed to pierce through a sales pitch and uncover the data—the average time on market, the list-to-sale price ratio, and the concrete marketing plan—that separates true performance from empty promises. Use this framework to choose the agent who will actually deliver.
How do you price homes + what’s your strategy if we don’t get offers?
Listen for: A clear, data-backed pricing method using recent comparables, plus a sound backup plan. Also listen for on-the-ground knowledge of housing inventory in your area. Pricing strategy shapes your final sale price. You need a systematic, proven approach.
Show me 3 comparable sales you handled. What was your initial list price, final sales price, and how did that compare to similar homes sold around the same time?
Listen for: Specific addresses, pricing rationale, and actual results in context. This reveals true pricing expertise, not inflated claims from underpricing.
What’s your marketing strategy + budget to market my home?
How do you handle multiple offers? Can you share a recent example?
How many homes have you sold in the neighborhood the last 2 years? What do you know about typical buyers here?
Tell me about your team and support systems. Who will be working on my listing?
Walk me through your most challenging deal in the past year. What went wrong? How did you solve it and can I speak with that client as a reference?
Listen for: A clear plan that uses strategies like professional photos, video tours, staging, targeted online ads, broad syndication, and a dedicated property page. Strong marketing builds interest, competition, and higher offers.
Listen for: Strategic offer management that drives higher bids. Strong negotiation skills protect your bottom line and maximize your profit.
Listen for: Recent sales volume, clear buyer profiles, and insights on local demand drivers. Neighborhood expertise directly shapes your pricing and marketing strategy.
Listen for: Defined roles, team qualifications, and consistent communication. You should know who handles each part of your sale and their experience.
Listen for: Honest problem-solving, creative solutions, successful outcomes, and a willingness to share real references. Challenges are common. You want an agent who thrives under pressure and finds solutions fast.
