10 Essential Questions to Ask When Interviewing a Real Estate Agent to List Your Home

Selling your home is a major financial and emotional decision, and choosing the right real estate agent can make all the difference. With the recent National Association of Realtors (NAR) settlement bringing changes to real estate transactions, it’s more important than ever to work with a knowledgeable and experienced agent who understands the complexities of real estate law and evolving industry standards.

Here are 10 critical questions you should ask when interviewing an agent to list your home:

1. What is your experience in my local market?

Every real estate market is unique. Ask how long the agent has been working in your area, their track record of sales, and if they specialize in your neighborhood or property type. A seasoned local agent will have insight into pricing trends, buyer demand, and what strategies work best in your community.

2. How will you price my home?

Overpricing can cause your home to sit on the market, while underpricing leaves money on the table. A strong agent will provide a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) and discuss pricing strategies that align with current market conditions.

3. How will you market my home?

In today's digital age, a "For Sale" sign isn’t enough. Ask about their marketing plan, including professional photography, virtual tours, social media promotion, and online listing exposure. A well-marketed home attracts more buyers and sells faster.

4. What is your commission structure and how has it changed with the new NAR settlement?

The NAR settlement has introduced new transparency rules about agent compensation. Your agent should be upfront about their commission structure and how buyer’s agents are compensated in today’s market. Understanding these changes helps you make an informed decision.

5. How will you negotiate offers on my behalf?

A great listing agent doesn’t just bring you offers—they maximize your profit. Ask about their negotiation strategy and how they advocate for your best interests when it comes to price, contingencies, and closing timelines.

6. What do I need to do to prepare my home for sale?

From staging advice to minor repairs, an experienced agent will guide you on what improvements can help you sell faster and for top dollar. They should also be able to connect you with trusted local contractors if needed.

7. How do you handle multiple offers?

If your home attracts multiple buyers, your agent should have a clear strategy for handling bidding wars, escalation clauses, and counteroffers to ensure you secure the best possible terms.

8. What disclosures and legal requirements do I need to be aware of?

Real estate laws can be complex, and they vary by state and local jurisdiction. With evolving industry regulations, including the new NAR ruling, your agent should be well-versed in required disclosures, fair housing laws, and contract obligations to keep your transaction legally sound.

9. How will we communicate throughout the process?

Effective communication is key to a smooth transaction. Ask whether they provide updates via phone, email, or text and how often you can expect to hear from them.

10. What is your plan if my home doesn’t sell quickly?

Not all homes sell immediately. Ask your agent what adjustments they would make if your home doesn’t receive offers in the first few weeks. Would they recommend a price adjustment, new marketing strategies, or additional staging? A proactive agent will have a plan to keep your listing competitive.

Why These Questions Matter

The real estate landscape is changing, and working with an informed, proactive agent is more important than ever. The NAR settlement has brought more transparency to commissions and compensation, making it critical for sellers to choose an agent who fully understands the latest industry shifts.

By asking these 10 essential questions, you can feel confident in selecting the right real estate professional who will guide you through the selling process with expertise, integrity, and results.

If you're thinking about selling your home and want to work with a knowledgeable local agent who stays ahead of industry changes, feel free to contact me today!