10 Smart Questions to Ask a Realtor When Selling Your Home

As of September 2021, about 800,000 new homes were sold. Another 379,000 new houses were listed for sale. The median sales price of new homes during the month was $408,800.

If you plan on selling your home this year, don’t try to do it alone. With an experienced realtor at your side, you can simplify the home selling process. Their experience and expertise could boost your asking price, too.

Not sure who to hire? Here are 10 questions to ask a realtor when selling your home. 

With these tips, you can make sure to find the best real estate agent for the task. They’ll help you accomplish your goals without unnecessary stress.

Simplify the home selling process this year. Find the best realtor around by asking these questions today!

1. How Many Homes Have You Sold in the Area?

It’s not enough to ask a realtor “how much real estate experience do you have?” Instead, you’ll want to make sure their experience is relevant to your needs. Ask each realtor on your list how many homes they’ve sold in your neighborhood.

Their experience with the area could streamline your entire home selling process. 

A realtor with relevant experience will understand local market conditions. They’ll also know how to stage and market your home. They’ll make these decisions while considering buyers in the area.

When selling a home, it’s important to consider your part of town. You’ll need to think about amenities, schools, and other points of interest. When selling a home, you need to think like a buyer.

A realtor with experience selling properties in the area will understand what prospective buyers are searching for. Then, they’ll frame your listing with those desires in mind.

If the realtor hasn’t sold properties in the area, determine what areas they do have experience in.

If they have sold a home in your neighborhood, ask about the experience. What tactics did they use? How long did it take to close the deal?

Try to find a real estate agent that can meet your distinct needs and expectations. 

2. How Would You Price My Home?

It’s also important to ask each realtor about their pricing strategy. Ask each realtor you speak with for an estimate. Then, ask how they determined that number.

If they can’t provide an answer, they’re likely pulling a number out of a hat. Make sure the realtor knows how to evaluate a property.

For example, they should compare your home to others in the area.

3. Can You Provide References?

Learn from the homeowners who were once in your shoes. Ask each real estate agent on your list if they can provide references. Speaking with their previous clients will help you gather important information.

You’ll have a better understanding of what it’s like to work with that realtor from someone who was once in your position.

Speak with at least three of the realtor’s most recent clients. If you can, speak with clients who had homes in your area. Then, ask each client about their experience.

Were they satisfied with the services they received? Was the realtor professional and knowledgeable? Ask each client if they encountered any issues, too.

Speaking with the realtor’s recent clients will help you determine the pros and cons of working with them.

Otherwise, head online to find more client reviews. Choose a realtor who has won the respect of other homeowners in the area. 

4. What Marketing Strategies Do You Use?

In order to find potential buyers, your realtor will need to develop a strong marketing plan.

As you review these questions to ask a realtor when selling your home, make sure you understand the strategies they use. How will they draw buyers to your listing? What strategies will help boost your asking price?

Try to find a realtor who uses a combination of traditional and digital marketing methods.

For example, they might use social media marketing to attract buyers. They could create eye-catching marketing materials as well. Perhaps they use video marketing, aerial footage, and VR.

A realtor who uses innovative marketing strategies will have an easier time helping your listing stand out. 

5. How Should I Prepare My Home?

Your real estate agent should help you prepare your listing for future buyers, too.

For example, they might suggest you make upgrades or repairs. These suggestions could boost your asking price. 

6. How Often Will We Talk?

Make sure your realtor won’t disappear once you sign an agreement. Instead, have a plan to communicate. Determine how often they’ll give you updates.

As you review these questions to ask a realtor, ask about their availability, too. Make sure they can dedicate time to your situation. 

7. How Did Your Last Few Sales Go?

Remember, you’ll want to find a realtor with experience and expertise you can depend on. Ask about their most recent sales. How long did each sale take?

Did they encounter any issues?

If their most recent sales didn’t go through, choose someone else.

8. How Has the Local Market Changed?

As you work through these questions to ask a realtor when selling your home, make sure their knowledge is up-to-date. Ask about recent market changes. How will those changes impact your home selling process?

If they lack local real estate knowledge, they might struggle when pricing and selling your home. 

9. What Are Your Average Days on Market?

Houses are on the market for an average of 37 days. Ask each real estate agent about their average.

If it takes them a few months to sell a property, consider choosing someone else. They could waste your time.

You can look here to learn more about selling your house fast.

10. What Are Your Costs?

Don’t forget to ask each realtor about their fees. Determine what’s included and how long the contract will last. Determine if there are any other clauses, including a cancellation clause, you’ll need to consider.

Make sure to review the contract in full before signing on the dotted line. 

Choose the Best: 10 Questions to Ask a Realtor When Selling Property

Choosing a realtor doesn’t have to feel stressful. Instead, consider these questions to ask a realtor when selling your home. Asking these questions will help you make a more informed choice.

Once you find the right fit, you can sell your property and start enjoying your new home, sweet home with ease. 

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