20 questions to ask a listing agent before you hire them
Short answer
Ask every listing agent the same questions about five things: their recent results with homes like yours, how they would price your home, how they will market it, how they will keep you updated and what the listing agreement says. Good agents answer with specific addresses, numbers and dates, not general promises.
Interviewing agents is the best way to see the difference between them. Ask every agent the same questions, write down the answers and compare them side by side. These questions are the core of the Interview Questionnaire in our free Seller Guidance Kit.
Results and experience
- How many homes like mine have you sold near here in the last 12 months? Look for real addresses of similar homes at a similar price. Volume elsewhere says little about your sale.
- How long did your recent listings take to sell? Ask for their own numbers, then compare them with the other agents you interview.
- How close to the asking price did your recent listings sell? This shows whether their pricing holds up once real buyers make offers.
- How long have you been licensed, and what is your license number? You can check the answer yourself on the California DRE Public License Lookup.
Pricing
- What price would you list my home at, and which recent sales support it? A good answer comes with comparable sales, not just a number.
- What would you do if we get no offers in the first two weeks? A clear plan for price changes or new marketing shows experience.
- What should I fix or update before listing, and what should I leave alone? Strong agents tell you where the money is worth spending and where it is not.
Marketing
- How will you market my home, and to whom? Ask for a written plan: photos, online listing, open houses and how they reach other agents' buyers.
- Who pays for photos, staging or video? Know the costs before you sign so nothing surprises you later.
- Can I see a recent listing you marketed? Their past listings show the quality you can expect.
Communication
- Who will I talk to day to day: you or someone on your team? Many agents work with assistants. Know who your real contact is.
- How often will I hear from you, and how? Agree on a rhythm, for example a weekly update by text or call.
- How do you handle multiple offers? You want a fair, clear process explained before it happens.
- Can I talk to two recent sellers you worked with? Recent clients will tell you what it is really like to work with the agent.
The listing agreement
- How long is the listing agreement, and how can I end it early? Read the end date and the cancellation terms before you sign.
- What is your commission, and what does it include? Commissions are negotiable. Ask what services come with the rate.
- Are there any other fees? Ask about admin or transaction fees so the full cost is clear.
- Who do you represent in the sale? California agents give you an agency disclosure. Ask them to explain it in plain words.
- What happens if I am not happy with your work? A confident agent has a clear answer to this.
- Why should I choose you over the other agents I am interviewing? Listen for specifics about your home, not a general sales pitch.
Want the printable version? Every seller who requests a free second opinion from A Wiser Move gets the Seller Guidance Kit: the Interview Questionnaire and the Ultimate Seller Checklist.
Common questions
How long should a listing agent interview take?
Plan for 30 to 60 minutes. Many agents like to see the home in person so they can price it well. Ask for their pricing plan in writing afterward so you can compare it with the others.
Should I tell agents I am interviewing others?
Yes. It is normal and good agents expect it. It also helps you get their best thinking on price and marketing.
What should I bring to the interview?
A list of updates you have made to the home, any known issues, your ideal timeline and these questions. Take notes on every answer so you can compare agents side by side.
Sources
- California Department of Real Estate, Public License Lookup. Official lookup for any California real estate license by name or license ID.