10 Essential Questions to Ask a Real Estate Agent When Selling

Time for the next adventure? Whether you're moving for work, starting a family or finally embracing that sea change, sometimes you’ve just got to sell up. If you haven't done it before, it can also be pretty overwhelming. Usually, your property is your biggest asset and you absolutely don't want to make a mistake that could see you lose out on thousands of dollars. Knowing what questions to ask your realtor can help put you on the right track.. 

When you’re hiring a real estate agent to sell your property, you want to make sure that they represent your best interests. Choosing a real estate agent can feel difficult. If you’re just starting out or doing your research, we have some tips for choosing the best real estate agent for you. Asking the right questions in your initial meeting helps you understand how the agent and the company operate. 

“Knowing you’re in good hands makes all the difference,” says Nick Jacob, Director at Independent Property Group. “Your agent handles a lot more than open for inspections. There are over 180 touchpoints in the selling of a home, and for a professional, it takes more than 100 man-hours per property. Getting all these touchpoints right is vitally important when achieving the very best result for the sale of your home. When you have the right person working with you, the process gets a whole lot easier.”

But how do you choose the right real estate agent? Here is a list of questions to ask a real estate agent when selling.

1. What is your experience?

You want an agent who has experience in determining the right market price for your property and negotiating the maximum sale price on your behalf. That means looking for someone with great communication skills and who has also built strong relationships with buyers. Not all experience is equal either. Choose the agent who is skilled in your property type. Commercial, rural, and established home markets all require different knowledge bases and skill sets. Pick an agent who has a strong history of working with your type of property, and especially within your suburb or area. 

2. What were your last five local sales?

People want to know what they should ask a real estate agent about their local sales. You’ll hear a lot about sales volume, but that doesn’t tell you anything about individual results. Agents who are churning through properties might be pushing their vendors to accept prices lower than the home is worth just to get them off their books quickly.

When you’re thinking of things to ask real estate agents, specific sales results are very important. Ask your prospective agent to give you the details of their most recent sales, what price they were listed for, and what they sold for. You’ll be able to tell whether the price they’re quoting you is based on actual market performance instead of wishful thinking. Plus, you’ll know whether they are prepared to put in a bit of extra effort to get the price for your property.

3. What do you know about the local area?

One of the key questions to ask a realtor is about their local knowledge. It also means having a good understanding of the planning regulations. “Buyers want to see themselves living in your home,” says Nick. “They’re already planning who gets which bedroom, what they’ll do on the weekend and if the commute is going to be okay. They’ll ask your agent questions, such as, which school is the property zoned for? Are there buses that run nearby? The more your agent knows, the better, especially about those local secrets that don't show up on a map.”

4. How do you maintain relationships with buyers?

A strong buyer network is critical. Ask how your real estate agent manages their database. A strong buyer database means that when your property comes up for sale, they can contact potential buyers who might be looking for that type of home and arrange an early inspection. It would be a more efficient sale for you, and often at a price from a buyer who’s been waiting for that perfect property.

The best agents don’t stop at the database, though. A really effective agent sees potential buyers everywhere. Look for an agent who cultivates relationships wherever they go. That means being active in the community, attending local events and being open to every possibility.

5. Can you give me some references from recent sales?

Testimonials and client references are social proof. These are some of the important things to know if you’re wondering what to ask real estate agents when selling and choosing a real estate agent. 

"Most people are really happy to talk,” says Nick. “If they’ve been happy with their agent, they want to pass that on. And if they’re unhappy, you’ll definitely hear about it!”

6. Who do you see buying my home?

Among the top questions to ask real estate agent when selling is understanding your potential buyer. This helps shape your marketing approach. Is your home ideal for downsizers, first-home buyers, families, or investors? A well-prepared agent will be able to answer this in detail.

7. Do you recommend an auction or private treaty, and why?

Just as different properties call for different marketing strategies, they also suit different methods of sale. You’ll want to know which method your real estate agent recommends, but it’s just as important to understand why. Your agent’s rationale should be based on market conditions and your property type, not just personal preference.

8. Do you have a plan for property inspections?

Open inspections are one of the most important marketing tools out there. They give you a chance to show off your beautiful home, attract buyers and entice people who might not even be looking seriously. Private inspections, on the other hand, attract genuine buyers, give you more control over the sale, and save you money on marketing costs. One important thing to ask a real estate agent when selling is their strategy for both open homes and private inspections. They should be able to recommend the right option for your property. 

9. What is the timeline for the marketing campaign?

This is where we get down to the nuts and bolts of the plan. A well-structured marketing plan is one of those questions to ask a realtor if you're looking for structure and reliability during the sale. Ask your agent what they see the timeline being, from the initial preparations to finally taking the property to market. Getting an accurate timeline and marketing plan will also give you an indication of the cost. Marketing costs can go up or down depending on many factors. Knowing that your agent has a plan can ensure that resources are used efficiently. 

10. How (and how often) do you communicate?

You want to be kept up to date with the sale of your property. But how an agent communicates is also important. Whether it's texts, emails, or weekly phone calls, you need communication that suits you. Effective communication is essential, and a top-tier agent will tailor their approach to keep you in the loop without overwhelming you.

When planning your strategy with your real estate agent, think about it from the perspective of potential buyers. How your agent answers your questions is also how they would address buyers' queries. It is an important part of the questions to ask a real estate agent when you’re considering selling. 

Final Thoughts

Selling your home is a major decision. Being prepared with the right questions to ask a real estate agent means fewer surprises and a smoother journey overall.

If you’re just starting to think about selling, head to our online appraisal page for a free, instant, and obligation-free online appraisal of your property.