# The Essential Questions to Ask When Selling Your House By Opendoor Editorial Team | 2019-10-04 > We share some of the most important questions for the home selling journey – and provide answers as well. ## Key Takeaways # The Essential Questions to Ask When Selling Your House Selling a home involves dozens of decisions, and the right questions can mean the difference between a smooth sale and months of stress. Yet most sellers don't know what to ask until they're already deep in the process. This guide covers the questions to ask yourself before listing, what to ask real estate agents about their experience and pricing strategy, and how to evaluate your selling options — including alternatives to the traditional route. [Get your offer](#) ## Questions to ask yourself before listing your home Before you talk to a single agent or sign any paperwork, the most important questions are the ones you ask yourself. Selling a home involves determining the right price, maximizing your home's value, and selecting the best real estate agent. But none of that matters until you're clear on why you're selling and what you want out of the process. ### Why do I want to sell my home Your reason for selling shapes every decision that follows. Maybe you're relocating for a new job, downsizing after the kids move out, or simply ready for a fresh start. Someone with a job transfer in 60 days has very different priorities than an empty nester who can wait for the perfect offer. Once you know what's driving the sale, you can build a plan around it. ### Is now the right time to sell Timing involves both market conditions and personal readiness. Spring and summer typically bring more buyers, though local trends vary. Your own circumstances often matter more than seasonal patterns. Think about where you'll go next, whether you have equity to work with, and [how a sale fits into your broader financial picture](https://www.opendoor.com/articles/should-i-sell-my-house). ### What is my ideal timeline for selling Some sellers have flexibility. Others face deadlines tied to job starts, lease expirations, or family needs. A traditional listing might take 60 to 90 days from listing to closing, sometimes longer, with properties averaging [73 days on market](https://fred.stlouisfed.org/series/MEDDAYONMARUS) nationally. If speed and certainty matter more than maximizing every dollar, a cash offer can close in as few as 14 days. ### What is my target sale price Setting a realistic price expectation early prevents disappointment later, while understanding [strategic pricing approaches](https://www.opendoor.com/articles/how-to-sell-your-house-for-the-most-money) can help maximize your returns. Look at recent sales of similar homes in your neighborhood to get a sense of what buyers are actually paying. Emotional attachment can make it tempting to price high, but overpricing often leads to longer days on market and eventual price cuts. ## Questions to ask a realtor about their experience and track record Interviewing multiple agents helps you find someone whose skills match your situation. Not every agent is the right fit for every home or seller, so asking the right questions upfront saves time and frustration later. ### Are you a licensed REALTOR A REALTOR® is a licensed agent who also belongs to the National Association of Realtors and follows its Code of Ethics. This distinction signals a commitment to professional standards beyond basic licensing requirements. You can verify an agent's license through your state's real estate commission website. ### How many homes have you sold in the past year Recent activity reveals whether an agent is actively working in the market. An agent who closed 30 transactions last year likely has sharper negotiation skills and better systems than someone who closed three, considering realtors complete a [median of 10 transactions](https://www.homelight.com/blog/how-many-homes-does-a-realtor-sell-a-year/) annually. Ask for specifics: not just total sales, but how many were in your price range and property type. ### What is your experience in this neighborhood Local expertise translates to accurate pricing and stronger buyer connections. An agent who knows your street can speak confidently about school districts, commute times, and what features local buyers value most. ### What is your average days on market for listings like mine [Days on market (DOM)](https://www.opendoor.com/articles/why-days-on-market-matter) measures how long a home sits before going under contract. An agent whose listings consistently sell faster than the local average likely excels at pricing and marketing. If the average in your area is 45 days and an agent's listings average 25, that's a meaningful difference worth exploring. ### Can you provide references from recent clients Past clients offer unfiltered insight into what working with an agent is really like. When you call references, ask about communication style, responsiveness during negotiations, and whether they'd hire the agent again. ## Questions to ask a real estate agent about pricing your home Pricing is the single most important factor in a successful sale. Price too high and your home sits. Price too low and you leave money on the table. ### How did you determine the suggested list price A good agent uses a comparative market analysis, or CMA. A CMA is a report that evaluates recently sold homes, pending sales, and active listings similar to yours. The analysis accounts for square footage, condition, location, and upgrades. Be cautious of agents who suggest a price without showing their work. Data builds trust. ### What comparable sales support this valuation Ask to see the actual [comps](https://www.opendoor.com/articles/home-sellers-why-you-should-care-about-comps). Strong comparables are homes of similar size and condition that sold within the past three to six months and are located nearby. If an agent's suggested price relies on a home that sold 18 months ago or sits in a different neighborhood, that's worth questioning. ### How will we adjust pricing if my home does not sell Markets shift, and even well-priced homes sometimes need adjustments. Discuss upfront when you'd revisit pricing: after two weeks with no showings, or after 30 days with no offers. Having a plan prevents reactive decisions later. ## Questions to ask about selling costs and agent fees Selling a home costs money, and most of those costs come out of your proceeds at closing. Knowing them upfront helps you calculate your true net. Common seller costs include: - **Agent commission:** Typically the largest expense, paid at closing - **Closing costs:** Title insurance, escrow fees, and transfer taxes - **Repair credits:** Negotiated concessions after the buyer's inspection - **Mortgage payoff:** Your remaining loan balance plus any prepayment penalties ### What is your commission rate and is it negotiable Commission rates vary and are always negotiable. The typical range is 5% to 6% of the sale price, split between the listing agent and buyer's agent. Ask what services are included for that fee. Some agents offer full-service marketing, while others provide less support at a lower rate. ### What closing costs can I expect as the seller Sellers typically pay 1% to 3% of the sale price in closing costs, though [additional fees can impact your net proceeds](https://www.opendoor.com/articles/hidden-fees-when-selling-a-house). Closing costs include title insurance, escrow fees, prorated property taxes, and transfer taxes that vary by location. Request a net sheet before you list. A net sheet is a document that estimates your proceeds after all costs. ### Are there any upfront costs before my home sells Some agents charge for professional photography, staging, or marketing materials upfront. Others include everything in their commission. Clarify what's covered so you're not surprised by invoices before your home even hits the market. ## Questions to ask about your selling options You have more choices than ever when it comes to selling. The trade-offs between price, speed, and convenience look different for every seller. | **Selling option** | **Best for** | **Timeline** | **Certainty** | | Traditional listing with agent | Maximizing sale price | Variable | Lower | | Cash offer from iBuyer | Speed and convenience | Fast | High | | [For sale by owner (FSBO)](https://www.opendoor.com/articles/sell-your-house-without-a-realtor) | Experienced sellers | Variable | Lower | ### Should I sell with an agent or consider alternatives Traditional listings work well when you have time and want to test the market. But they come with showings, repairs, and uncertainty about when (or if) you'll get an offer. Cash buyers, including iBuyers like Opendoor, purchase homes directly. You skip showings, repairs, and the waiting game. ### What are the pros and cons of selling to a cash buyer [Cash offers](https://www.opendoor.com/articles/what-is-a-cash-offer-in-real-estate-and-why-consider-it) provide speed and certainty. You know exactly what you're getting and when you'll close. The trade-off is that cash offers may be slightly lower than what you'd net in a competitive traditional sale. For many sellers, the certainty and convenience outweigh that difference. ### How do I compare a cash offer to a traditional listing Look beyond the headline price. A $350,000 cash offer with no repairs, no commission, and a guaranteed close might net you more than a $360,000 traditional sale after agent fees, concessions, and carrying costs. [Get a free, no-obligation cash offer](https://www.opendoor.com/address-entry) to see how the numbers compare for your home. ## Questions to ask about marketing your home How your home is marketed directly affects how quickly it sells and for how much. ### How will you market my home to attract buyers A strong marketing plan includes MLS listing, professional photography, online syndication, and targeted outreach to buyer's agents. Ask whether the agent hosts open houses and how they promote listings on social media. ### Do you include professional photography and video tours With [100 percent of homebuyers](https://www.bankrate.com/real-estate/best-time-to-sell-house/) searching online, first impressions happen in photos. Homes with professional photography tend to sell faster. Ask whether video tours, 3D walkthroughs, or drone footage are included, especially for higher-priced properties. ### What online platforms will my listing appear on Your listing will appear on the MLS, which feeds to sites like Zillow, Realtor.com, and Redfin. Ask your agent which platforms they prioritize and whether they use paid advertising to boost visibility. ## Questions to ask about the listing agreement A listing agreement is the contract between you and your agent. It spells out what services you'll receive, how long the agreement lasts, and what happens if things don't work out. ### What services are included in the contract Clarify exactly what the agent will provide: marketing, showings, negotiations, and paperwork. Get specifics in writing so there's no confusion later. ### How long is the listing agreement term Most agreements run 90 to 180 days. Shorter terms give you more flexibility if the relationship isn't working. ### What is the cancellation policy if I am not satisfied Some agreements allow cancellation with written notice. Others require waiting until the term expires. Ask about exit clauses before you sign. ## Questions to ask about the selling timeline Realistic timeline expectations help you coordinate your move and avoid surprises. ### When is the best time of year to sell a house Spring and early summer typically see the most buyer activity, with homes selling in [31 days in June](https://www.nar.realtor/blogs/economists-outlook/navigating-the-housing-market-a-seasonal-perspective) versus 49 days in winter, though local markets vary. ### How long will it take to sell my home [Timeline depends on pricing, condition, location, and market conditions](https://www.opendoor.com/articles/how-long-does-it-take-to-sell-a-house). Your agent can provide local benchmarks based on recent sales. ### What factors could delay my closing Common delays include [buyer financing issues, low appraisals, inspection negotiations, and title problems](https://www.opendoor.com/articles/why-do-pending-home-sales-fall-through). Cash offers eliminate financing and appraisal contingencies, which is one reason they close faster. ## Questions to ask about preparing your home for sale Preparation can make a meaningful difference in how buyers perceive your home and what they're willing to pay. ### What repairs to make before listing Focus on repairs that matter most to buyers and appraisers: leaky faucets, broken fixtures, and obvious maintenance issues. Distinguish between necessary repairs and optional upgrades. ### Whether to stage your home for showings Staging means arranging furniture and decor to help buyers picture themselves living in the space. Options range from professional staging to simple decluttering. ### What improvements offer the best return on investment High-impact, low-cost improvements often include fresh paint, updated lighting, and landscaping. Avoid over-improving for the neighborhood. Cash buyers like Opendoor purchase homes as-is, which eliminates the repair question entirely. ## Questions to ask about showings and buyer feedback Showings are where buyers decide whether your home is "the one." Knowing what to expect makes the process less stressful. ### Who will be present during showings and open houses Clarify whether the listing agent, a team member, or buyer's agents will conduct showings. Sellers typically leave during showings so buyers can explore freely. ### How will you share feedback from potential buyers Timely feedback helps you understand what's working and what's not. Ask how quickly your agent will relay comments after each showing. ### How do you vet buyers to ensure they are qualified Pre-approval letters and proof of funds help filter out buyers who aren't ready to move forward. Ask how your agent screens for serious buyers. ## Questions to ask about handling offers and negotiations When offers come in, your agent's negotiation skills matter most. ### How do you handle multiple offers or bidding wars Ask how the agent has handled multiple-offer situations before. Common approaches include requesting "highest and best" offers or using escalation clauses. ### How will you help me evaluate each offer Price isn't everything. [Contingencies, closing timeline, buyer financing strength, and earnest money deposit](https://www.opendoor.com/articles/how-to-choose-the-best-offer-on-your-house) all affect the strength of an offer. ### What happens if an offer includes contingencies Contingencies are conditions that allow buyers to back out. Common contingencies include inspection, financing, and appraisal. Each one affects your risk and timeline. ## What to do if your home is not selling A home that lingers on the market isn't a failure. It's a signal to adjust. ### When to revisit the pricing strategy If you're getting showings but no offers, buyers may like the home but not the price. If you're not getting showings at all, the price is likely too high for the market. ### What changes can improve buyer interest Sometimes small adjustments make a big difference: better photos, refreshed staging, or a modest price reduction. ### Consider a cash offer as a backup plan If your home isn't moving, requesting a cash offer gives you a guaranteed exit. Some sellers list with a backup offer in place. If the home sells traditionally, great. If not, they have certainty waiting. ## Move forward on your terms Selling a home is one of the biggest financial decisions you'll make. Asking the right questions puts you in control, whether you choose a traditional listing, a cash offer, or something in between. [Get a free, no-obligation cash offer from Opendoor](https://www.opendoor.com/address-entry) to see all your options. [Get your offer](#) ## FAQs about questions to ask when selling a house ### What should I never say to a real estate agent when selling my home? Avoid revealing your minimum acceptable price, urgent timeline, or desperation to sell. This information can weaken your negotiating position. ### How do I know if my real estate agent is overpricing my home to win my listing? Compare the suggested price to recent comparable sales and get opinions from multiple agents. An outlier price without data to support it is a red flag. ### Can I switch real estate agents after signing a listing agreement? Review your contract's cancellation clause. Some agreements allow termination with written notice, while others require waiting until the term expires. ### What happens to my mortgage when I sell my house? Your remaining mortgage balance is paid off from the sale proceeds at closing. You receive the difference as your net profit. ### What disclosures am I legally required to provide to buyers? Disclosure requirements vary by state but typically include known defects, past repairs, environmental hazards, and any material facts that could affect the property's value. | **Supported Locations** | | | **Cities / Areas** | **States** | | [Columbia](/sell/columbia_sc), [Columbus](/sell/columbus_oh), [Corpus Christi](/sell/corpus_christi_tx), [Detroit](/sell/detroit_mi), [East Texas](/sell/east_texas), [El Paso](/sell/el_paso), [Florida Panhandle](/sell/florida_panhandle), [Greensboro](/sell/greensboro_nc), [Greenville](/sell/greenville_sc), [Indianapolis](/sell/indianapolis_in), [Kansas City](/sell/kansas_city), [Killeen](/sell/killeen_tx), [Knoxville](/sell/knoxville_tn), [Las Vegas](/sell/las_vegas), [Little Rock](/sell/little_rock_ar), [Louisville](/sell/louisville_in_ky), [Memphis](/sell/memphis_tn), [Miami](/sell/miami_fl), [Milwaukee-Waukesha](/sell/milwaukee_waukesha_wi), [Minneapolis](/sell/minneapolis), [New Orleans](/sell/new_orleans_la), [New York & New Jersey](/sell/new_york_new_jersey), [Northern Colorado](/sell/northern_colorado), [Oklahoma City](/sell/oklahoma_city_ok), [Omaha](/sell/omaha_ne), [Philadelphia](/sell/philadelphia_pa), [Pittsburgh](/sell/pittsburgh_pa), [Portland](/sell/portland), [Prescott](/sell/prescott_az), [Reno](/sell/reno_nv), [Richmond](/sell/richmond_va), [Salt Lake City](/sell/salt_lake_city), [San Antonio](/sell/san_antonio), [Seattle](/sell/seattle_wa), [San Francisco Bay Area](/sell/sf_bay_area), [South Texas](/sell/south_texas), [Southwest Florida](/sell/southwest_fl), [St Louis](/sell/st_louis), [Tucson](/sell/tucson), [Tulsa](/sell/tulsa_ok), [Virginia Beach](/sell/virginia_beach_va), [West Texas](/sell/west_texas), [Western New York](/sell/western_ny) | [Alabama](/sell/alabama_other), [Arkansas](/sell/arkansas_other), [California](/sell/california_other), [Colorado](/sell/colorado_other), [Connecticut](/sell/connecticut_other), [Delaware](/sell/delaware_other), [Georgia](/sell/georgia_other), [Idaho](/sell/idaho_other), [Illinois](/sell/illinois_other), [Indiana](/sell/indiana_other), [Iowa](/sell/iowa_other), [Kansas](/sell/kansas_other), [Kentucky](/sell/kentucky_other), [Louisiana](/sell/louisiana_other), [Maine](/sell/maine_other), [Maryland](/sell/maryland_other), [Massachusetts](/sell/massachusetts_other), [Michigan](/sell/michigan_other), [Minnesota](/sell/minnesota_other), [Mississippi](/sell/mississippi_other), [Missouri](/sell/missouri_other), [Montana](/sell/montana_other), [Nebraska](/sell/nebraska_other), [Nevada](/sell/nevada_other), [New Hampshire](/sell/new_hampshire_other), [New Mexico](/sell/new_mexico_other), [New York](/sell/new_york_other), [North Carolina](/sell/north_carolina_other), [North Dakota](/sell/north_dakota_other), [Ohio](/sell/ohio_other), [Oklahoma](/sell/oklahoma_other), [Oregon](/sell/oregon_other), [Pennsylvania](/sell/pennsylvania_other), [South Carolina](/sell/south_carolina_other), [South Dakota](/sell/south_dakota_other), [Tennessee](/sell/tennessee_other), [Utah](/sell/utah_other), [Vermont](/sell/vermont_other), [Virginia](/sell/virginia_other), [Washington](/sell/washington_other), [West Virginia](/sell/west_virginia_other), [Wisconsin](/sell/wisconsin_other), [Wyoming](/sell/wyoming_other) | --- *Originally published at [https://www.opendoor.com/articles/questions-to-ask-when-selling-a-home](https://www.opendoor.com/articles/questions-to-ask-when-selling-a-home)*