Top 5 Questions to Ask Your Realtor Before Listing Your Home

Selling your home is one of the most significant financial transactions you'll ever make. Having the right real estate professional by your side isn't just a convenience, it's a necessity. The right realtor will be your strategist, negotiator, and guide, working tirelessly to maximize your return and minimize your stress.

But how do you choose the right agent? It starts with a conversation. To ensure you're partnering with a true professional, come prepared with the right questions. Here are the top 5 questions to ask your realtor before you sign that listing agreement.

1. What’s Your Strategy for Pricing My Home?

Pricing your home correctly from the start is critical. An inflated price can cause it to languish on the market, leading to price reductions that make it seem undesirable. On the other hand, underpricing can mean leaving thousands of dollars on the table.

A savvy realtor won't just pull a number out of thin air. They will have a data-driven pricing strategy backed by:

Comparative Market Analysis (CMA): This isn't just a quick look at nearby sold properties. A thorough CMA analyzes recent sales of comparable homes, active listings (your competition), and even properties that failed to sell, adjusting for square footage, condition, upgrades, and location.

Local market trends: Is it a buyer's market or a seller's market? Are days-on-market increasing? A top agent eats, sleeps, and breathes local market data and can interpret what it means for your home's value.

Timing considerations: They should understand seasonal trends and how broader economic factors like interest rates might impact your sale.

Follow-up: Ask them how they determined their recommended price and how flexible that price might be once they receive feedback from showings and the market.

2. How Will You Market My Property?

Gone are the days when putting a home on the MLS was enough. In today's digital-first world, your home needs to be showcased across multiple platforms to reach the widest possible audience of qualified buyers.

A great realtor will present you with a comprehensive marketing plan that includes:

Professional photography and videography: This is non-negotiable. High-quality visuals, including drone shots and 3D tours, are your home's first impression.

Staging recommendations: They should advise on whether professional staging is needed to help buyers envision themselves living there.

Social media promotion: Targeted ads on platforms like Facebook and Instagram to reach buyers where they are.

Email marketing: Blasting your listing to their network of active buyer clients and other agents.

Open house strategy: A plan for both in-person and virtual open houses to generate maximum exposure and buzz.

Bonus: Ask if they use targeted marketing to reach San Francisco buyers looking to move to the East Bay. Tapping into this pool of buyers can be a game-changer.

3. How Do You Handle Multiple Offers or Bidding Wars?

In sought-after areas, multiple offers are common. You need an agent who isn't just familiar with this process but is an expert at managing it to your advantage. Your agent should:

Know how to create urgency: They know how to set an offer deadline and communicate effectively with all buying agents to ensure the best possible terms for you.

Can manage a transparent and fair process: They must adhere to legal and ethical standards while ensuring every buyer feels they were treated fairly, protecting you from potential disputes.

Has strong negotiation skills: This is where their skill truly shines. A skilled negotiator can push for higher prices, better terms, and fewer contingencies, ultimately putting more money in your pocket.

Follow-up: Always ask for a real example of how they’ve handled a competitive multiple-offer situation in the past. The proof is in the pudding.

4. What’s Your Communication Style and Availability?

The home-selling process is fast-paced and can be emotional. You should never feel like you're in the dark. It's essential to set clear communication expectations from the beginning.

Ask:

How often will I hear from you? Will you provide weekly updates, or is communication on an as-needed basis?

Do you work solo or with a team? If it's a team, who will be your primary point of contact?

Will I communicate directly with you throughout the process? This will help set expectations and ensure you're not left in the dark during critical moments.

A good realtor is proactive and responsive, ensuring you're informed and confident at every step.

5. What’s Your Plan for Pre-Market Prep, and Who Pays for It?

First impressions are everything. How your home looks before it hits the market significantly impacts how quickly it sells and for how much.

Why it matters: Ask what they specifically recommend for your home—staging, painting, landscaping, or pre-listing inspections.

The Investment: This is the critical part. Who pays for these improvements?

Some agents offer concierge services or project management. A key bonus: Some top agents will front the cost for certain services and get reimbursed at closing, which shows a high level of confidence in their ability to sell your home.

Asking this question upfront prevents misunderstandings later and helps you choose an agent who is truly invested in your success.

Choosing your realtor is the first and most important step in your home-selling journey. By asking these five essential questions, you can move forward with confidence, knowing you have a skilled and strategic partner dedicated to achieving your goals.