# 10 Critical Questions to Ask a Realtor Before You Sell
By Opendoor Editorial Team | 2018-12-15
## Key Takeaways
## Key takeaways
- Interview **at least 2–3 agents** before signing — competitor guides converge on this and the [NAR consumer guide on questions for a seller's agent](https://www.nar.realtor/the-facts/consumer-guide-ten-questions-to-ask-a-sellers-agent) frames the comparison the same way.
- Focus your questions on **experience, pricing strategy, marketing, contract terms, communication, and commission**.
- Ask for the **comparable sales** the agent used to land on their suggested list price — vague pricing is the single biggest red flag.
- Confirm the **listing-contract term, cancellation policy, and any non-exclusive options** in writing before you sign.
- Post-NAR-settlement, **buyer-agent compensation is negotiated in writing** before showings — clarify how your listing handles cooperating compensation.
Choosing the wrong realtor can cost you thousands of dollars and months of unnecessary stress. The right one can make selling your home feel surprisingly straightforward.
These 10 questions help you evaluate experience, communication style, and strategy - so you can find an agent who fits your goals and your timeline.
## **How long have you been a real estate agent**
When you sit down with a realtor, the best questions to ask fall into three categories: experience, process, and fees. Years in the business matter, but so does whether real estate is their full-time job. A part-time agent juggling another career may not be as available when you need quick answers during negotiations.
Ask how long they've been licensed and how many of those years they've worked full-time. An agent who's sold homes through both hot markets and slow ones has likely developed stronger pricing instincts and negotiation skills than someone who started during a boom.
[Get your offer](#)
## **How many homes have you sold in my area**
Neighborhood knowledge makes a real difference. An agent who knows your area understands what local buyers care about, whether that's the school district, the commute, or the nearby parks.
Beyond general familiarity, ask for specifics:
- **Recent closings:** How many homes have you sold in this neighborhood in the past year?
- **Price range:** Do you regularly work with homes priced like mine?
- **Buyer connections:** Do you know other agents or buyers actively looking in this area?
An agent with strong local ties often hears about interested buyers before a home hits the market. That kind of network can lead to faster sales.
## **How will you price my home**
Pricing is where experience meets data. Most agents use something called a comparative market analysis, or CMA, to figure out what your home is worth. A CMA compares your property to similar homes that recently sold nearby.
Ask the agent to walk you through their process. Which homes did they compare yours to, and why? A good agent explains their reasoning instead of just handing you a number.
One useful metric to ask about is the list-to-sale price ratio. This percentage shows how close an agent's listings typically sell to their original asking price.[ Recent sellers sold for 100%](https://www.nar.realtor/research-and-statistics/quick-real-estate-statistics) of their listing price on average, so agents hitting 98% or higher suggest accurate pricing from the start. Overpricing often leads to price cuts later, which can make buyers wonder what's wrong with the home.
## **What is your marketing strategy to sell my home**
How an agent markets your home affects how quickly it sells and for how much. The old approach of putting up a yard sign and waiting doesn't cut it anymore.
### **Online listings and professional photography**
Your home's first impression happens online. The vast majority of buyers start their search on the internet, so professional photos, virtual tours, and video walkthroughs help your listing stand out.
Ask whether the agent hires a professional photographer or takes photos themselves. The quality difference is often obvious, and homes with[ professional photos sell 32% faster](https://www.redfin.com/blog/professional-real-estate-photos-sell-homes-for-more/).
### **Open houses and private showings**
Some agents host open houses regularly. Others prefer private showings by appointment only. Neither approach is automatically better; it depends on your market and your comfort level.
You might also ask whether the agent attends showings in person or just sends buyers a lockbox code. An agent who's present can answer questions on the spot and pick up on buyer reactions.
### **Social media and digital advertising**
Marketing today goes beyond the MLS. Many agents run targeted ads on Facebook or Instagram to reach buyers who fit your home's profile.
Ask about their digital approach. Do they promote listings on social media? Do they have an email list of active buyers? A wider reach typically means more eyes on your home.
[Get your offer](#)
Related: [open-house tips for buyers](https://www.opendoor.com/articles/open-house-tips-for-first-time-buyers).
## **How long do your listings typically stay on the market**
Days on market refers to the time between listing a home and going under contract. While local conditions play a role, an agent's pricing and marketing skills influence this number too.
Ask for their average compared to the local average. If homes in your area typically sell in 30 days and an agent's listings average 45, that gap is worth discussing. On the other hand, an agent whose homes sell faster than average likely prices well and markets effectively.
## **What will be included in our listing contract**
Before you sign anything, make sure you understand the listing agreement. This contract authorizes an agent to represent you and market your property.
### **Contract duration and cancellation policy**
Most listing agreements run three to six months. Ask what happens if you're unhappy with the agent's performance partway through. Some contracts include early termination clauses, while others lock you in for the full term.
A confident agent often offers more flexible terms because they expect to deliver results.
### **Exclusive vs. non-exclusive listing agreements**
Most agents require exclusive agreements, meaning you work only with them during the contract period. Non-exclusive agreements let you work with multiple agents at once, though these are less common.
With an exclusive agreement, agents typically invest more in marketing because they know they'll earn the commission if the home sells.
### **Seller obligations and required disclosures**
Your listing contract will also outline your responsibilities. These usually include providing access for showings, keeping the property in good condition, and completing[ disclosure forms](https://www.opendoor.com/articles/house-closing-process-for-seller) about any known issues.
Ask the agent to explain your obligations before you sign. Surprises mid-transaction add unnecessary stress.
## **What is your commission structure**
[Real estate commissions](https://www.opendoor.com/articles/who-pays-real-estate-agent-commission) are negotiable. There's no standard rate set by law. Most agents charge around[ 5.57% on average](https://www.bankrate.com/real-estate/realtor-fees/) of the sale price, though this varies by market.
Ask what services the commission covers beyond[ standard closing costs](https://www.opendoor.com/articles/how-much-are-closing-costs-for-seller). Here's a general breakdown:
| **Typically included** | **May cost extra** |
| MLS listing | Professional staging |
| Marketing materials | Premium photography |
| Negotiation support | Specialized advertising |
| Transaction coordination | Pre-listing repairs |
A lower commission rate isn't always the better deal if it comes with[ fewer services](https://www.opendoor.com/articles/hidden-fees-when-selling-a-house). Understanding the full picture helps you compare agents fairly.
## **How will you communicate with me during the selling process**
Communication style can shape your entire experience. Some sellers want weekly phone calls. Others prefer a quick text after every showing. Neither is wrong, but mismatched expectations lead to frustration.
### **Frequency and preferred method of updates**
Discuss this upfront. Will you get weekly status reports? Daily updates during active negotiations? Agreeing on a rhythm early prevents misunderstandings later.
Also clarify the channel: phone, text, email, or a client portal. If you prefer calls and your agent prefers texts, that disconnect can cause problems.
### **Showing feedback and offer notifications**
Ask how quickly you'll hear about offers and what kind of feedback you'll receive after showings. Buyer feedback, even when critical, helps you understand how the market sees your home.
### **Availability for urgent questions**
Real estate moves fast. A buyer might submit an offer at 8 p.m. on a Saturday, and you'll want guidance quickly.
Ask about the agent's typical response time and whether they have support staff to handle urgent matters when they're unavailable.
## **Do you work independently or with a team**
Some agents work solo. Others operate within a team structure. Both models can work well; the key is knowing who you'll actually interact with.
On a team, you might work with a showing specialist at one stage, a transaction coordinator at another, and the lead agent during negotiations. Ask who handles what and who your main point of contact will be throughout the process.
Solo agents offer more personal attention but may have limited availability during busy stretches. Teams provide backup coverage but can sometimes feel less personal.
## **What happens if my home does not sell**
Even well-priced, well-marketed homes sometimes sit longer than expected. Ask the agent about their backup plan.
Will they recommend a price adjustment after a certain number of days? What's their approach if initial interest is lower than anticipated? A thoughtful agent has answers ready because they've navigated slow periods before.
Some sellers explore[ alternative options](https://www.opendoor.com/articles/sell-your-house-without-a-realtor) if traditional listing doesn't produce results. Requesting a cash offer from a company like Opendoor provides a backup plan and sometimes becomes the preferred path forward. Having options reduces the stress of uncertainty.
Related: [selling without a realtor](https://www.opendoor.com/articles/how-to-sell-your-home-without-a-realtor).
## Red flags to watch for during the interview
The 10 questions in this article cover what \*good\* answers look like. The list below covers what \*bad\* answers look like — the recurring red flags that should make you pause before signing a listing agreement. Most line up with the framing in the [NAR consumer guide on questions for a seller's agent](https://www.nar.realtor/the-facts/consumer-guide-ten-questions-to-ask-a-sellers-agent) and the [Realtor.com guide on questions to ask agents when selling](https://www.realtor.com/advice/sell/questions-to-ask-real-estate-agents-when-selling/).
- **Vague pricing logic.** 'I think we can get $X' without comparable sales, days-on-market data, or a recent CMA. A serious agent walks you through three to five comps and shows their adjustments.
- **Promises a number that's higher than every other agent.** Buying-the-listing is a common tactic: pitch the highest price to win the contract, then push for a reduction two weeks in. Match the pricing pitch against the comps.
- **No written marketing plan.** Generic 'I'll put it on the MLS and major listing portals' is the floor. A strong plan covers professional photography, video, MLS distribution, social, and the open-house cadence.
- **Discomfort with commission questions.** Post-NAR-settlement, [buyer-agent compensation is negotiated in writing](https://help.opendoor.com/agents-partners/working-with-opendoor/nar-settlement) and listing commission is negotiable. An agent who deflects or refuses to itemize is a warning.
- **Long, hard-to-cancel listing agreement.** Pushing for a 6-month exclusive with limited cancellation rights ties your hands if performance lags.
- **Slow response time during the interview.** If they take 48 hours to reply to your interview questions, the same will likely happen during your listing.
- **No references.** A practicing agent should be able to give you three recent seller references on request.
- **Pressure to sign immediately.** 'I have another listing presentation Tuesday' is a sales tactic, not a real reason to rush.
If the listing path doesn't feel right after a few interviews, the cleanest alternative is to compare the agent's projected net (price minus commissions, repairs, and carrying costs) against an [Opendoor cash offer](https://help.opendoor.com/selling/how-it-works/how-selling-to-opendoor-works) — same week, no obligation, free cancellation.
## **Why asking the right realtor questions matters when you sell**
The questions you ask during interviews reveal more than facts. They show how an agent thinks, communicates, and solves problems. A strong agent welcomes tough questions because they're confident in their answers.
Take notes during each conversation and compare responses side by side. The right fit combines expertise, communication style, and a plan that matches your goals.
If the traditional process feels overwhelming, you have alternatives. Sellers who want simplicity and certainty can request a free, no-obligation cash offer from Opendoor to compare their options.
[Get a cash offer](https://www.opendoor.com/address-entry)
## How to prepare before meeting with a realtor
A 20-minute prep before your first agent meeting changes the quality of the conversation. The goal isn't to do the agent's job — it's to come in with enough context to spot whether their answers match reality.
- **Pull 3 to 5 recent comps yourself.** Look at homes within half a mile, similar square footage, sold in the last 60 to 90 days. You don't need MLS access — major listing portals, major listing portals, and your county recorder are enough to get a rough range.
- **Write down your timeline and ceiling on inconvenience.** Are showings on short notice acceptable? Can you be out of the house for an open house each weekend? Match the answers to the agent's marketing plan.
- **Estimate your net proceeds.** Start with the comp-derived price, subtract roughly 8–10% for agent commissions plus seller closing costs, subtract your remaining mortgage balance. The result is your rough net — the agent's pricing pitch should support or beat it.
- **Make a list of repairs you have completed and deferred.** Buyers and inspectors will find both. Knowing what's there gives you a stronger answer when the agent asks about condition.
- **Decide your hard rules upfront.** Contract length, exclusivity, cancellation policy, allowable showings, and pets in the house — write them down before the agent presents.
- **Get a second opinion offer.** Run the same address through an [Opendoor cash offer](https://help.opendoor.com/selling/how-it-works/how-selling-to-opendoor-works) so you have a no-obligation cash number to compare against the listing path.
The [NAR consumer guide on questions to ask when choosing a Realtor](https://www.nar.realtor/magazine/tools/client-education/handouts-for-sellers/questions-to-ask-when-choosing-a-realtor) is a good final check before you sign.
**FAQs about questions to ask a realtor when selling**
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*Originally published at [https://www.opendoor.com/articles/questions-to-ask-a-realtor-when-selling-your-home](https://www.opendoor.com/articles/questions-to-ask-a-realtor-when-selling-your-home)*