Don't Hire a Realtor Until You Ask These 5 Questions

The Realtor you choose can have a significant impact on your selling experience—and your results.

When it's time to sell your home, one of the most important decisions you'll make isn't what improvements to complete or what price to list it for—it's choosing the right Realtor to guide you through the process.

Most homeowners spend weeks preparing their home for sale. They declutter, paint, make repairs, and work hard to make everything look its best.

But surprisingly, many spend only a few minutes deciding who they'll trust to help them through one of the largest financial decisions of their lives.

Some homeowners choose the agent who suggests the highest price. Others hire a friend or the first Realtor they meet. While those decisions sometimes work out well, asking a few thoughtful questions first can help you make a more informed choice.

Every Realtor has a different approach to pricing, marketing, communication, and negotiation. Before you sign a listing agreement, take the time to ask these five questions. The answers can tell you a great deal about how an agent works—and whether they're the right fit for your goals.

1. How Did You Determine the Price of My Home?

If you only ask one question before hiring a Realtor, make it this one.

If an agent simply gives you a number without explaining how they arrived at it, that's a red flag.

A professional pricing strategy should be based on:

• Recent comparable sales
• Current competition
• Buyer demand
• Market trends
• The unique features of your home

It's easy to believe that pricing your home higher leaves room to negotiate. In reality, today's buyers have access to more information than ever before. If a home is priced well above comparable properties, many buyers simply move on without ever scheduling a showing.

The goal isn't to list your home for the highest possible price.

The goal is to position your home so it attracts serious buyers and ultimately sells for the highest price the market is willing to pay.

A thoughtful pricing strategy often creates more interest, stronger offers, and a better overall outcome.

2. What Is Your Marketing Plan?

Putting a home in the MLS is only the beginning.

Today's buyers expect more than a few photos and a yard sign. Your home's first impression almost always happens online, long before someone schedules a showing.

Ask your Realtor questions like:

• Will you use professional photography?
• Will you create video content?
• How will you market the home on social media?
• Will you reach out to other agents?
• What is your plan during the critical first week on the market?

Marketing isn't about doing everything.

It's about doing the right things to help your home stand out from the competition and attract qualified buyers.

3. How Will You Keep Me Informed?

One of the biggest frustrations homeowners experience is feeling like they've been forgotten once the sign goes in the yard.

Good communication builds confidence.

Ask questions such as:

• How often will I hear from you?
• Will you update me even if nothing has changed?
• How will I receive showing feedback?
• What happens if buyer activity slows?

Selling a home can be emotional. Knowing what's happening throughout the process helps reduce uncertainty and allows you to make informed decisions with confidence.

4. What Challenges Do You See With My Home?

Every home has strengths.

Every home also has challenges.

A Realtor who tells you everything is perfect may simply be trying to earn your business.

A good Realtor should be honest enough to discuss the things buyers may notice and explain how they'll position your home to overcome those concerns.

That might include:

• Pricing
• Condition
• Competition
• Location
• Layout
• Timing

The goal isn't to criticize your home.

The goal is to prepare for buyer objections before they become reasons someone decides not to make an offer.

5. Before We Talk About My Home… What Do You Want to Know About Me?

This is the question I believe matters most.

In my opinion, this is where every real estate conversation should begin.

Before discussing price, marketing, or paperwork, I want to understand what's important to you.

Every homeowner has a different reason for moving, and those reasons should shape the strategy—not the other way around.

That's why I believe the conversation should always begin with your goals—not with my presentation.

Some of the questions I like to ask include:

• Why are you thinking about moving?
• Where would you like to go?
• What's your ideal timeline?
• What has to happen for this move to make sense?
• What's your biggest concern?

The answers to those questions influence every recommendation that follows.

If someone starts talking about your house before they understand your situation, they may be missing the most important part of the conversation.

The Right Realtor Listens First

There are many excellent Realtors.

The best ones don't begin by telling you how great they are.

They begin by asking thoughtful questions, listening carefully, and creating a plan that fits your goals.

Selling a home isn't simply about putting a sign in the yard.

It's about understanding where you are today, where you want to be tomorrow, and developing a strategy that helps you get there with confidence.

The best real estate decisions are rarely made under pressure. They're made with good information, thoughtful planning, and the right guidance. When you ask the right questions, you're much more likely to choose the Realtor who's the right fit for you—not just the one with the best presentation.

Thinking About Selling in the Next Year?

You don't have to be ready to list your home to start planning.

Whether you're considering downsizing, relocating, moving closer to family, or simply wondering what your options are, I'd be happy to have a conversation.

My goal is to help you make informed decisions—whether you decide to move next month or next year.

Sometimes a simple conversation today can help you avoid costly mistakes later.

Even if you're not ready to sell today, having a plan can make the process much smoother when the time is right.

If you'd like to have a conversation about your plans or simply have questions about today's market, I'd be happy to help. There's never any pressure—just honest advice and a conversation focused on your goals.

Fred DeMatteo
Real Estate Advisor
William Raveis Real Estate

📞 Call or Text 203-871-0936
🌐 freddematteo.com