What Questions to Ask a Real Estate Professional When Starting the Property Sale Process

Selling a property can be an exciting, nerve-wracking, and occasionally confusing journey. Whether it’s your first time selling or you’ve been around the block a few times, knowing the right questions to ask your real estate professional can make all the difference. After all, selling your home is a big decision, and the guidance of an experienced pro can either ease the process or leave you with more questions than answers.

Here’s a list of essential (and a few fun!) questions to ask to ensure you’re starting the sale process on the right foot:

1. What’s the Market Like Right Now?

Let’s face it: the real estate market changes faster than your favorite streaming show’s plot twists. Ask your agent about current trends in your local market. Are homes selling quickly? Is it a buyer’s or seller’s market? This will help you understand what to expect and how to position your property.

2. How Should I Price My Home?

Pricing your home correctly is an art and a science. A good real estate agent will provide a comparative market analysis (CMA) to help you determine a fair and competitive price. Bonus tip: Ask how they arrived at their recommendation—it’ll give you confidence in their expertise.

3. What’s Your Marketing Plan for My Property?

Gone are the days when a “For Sale” sign in the yard was enough to attract buyers. Ask your agent how they plan to market your home. Will they use online listings, social media, or professional photography? The more creative and comprehensive their strategy, the better.

4. What Should I Do to Prepare My Home for Sale?

This is a biggie. A seasoned pro will have insights on what repairs or updates (if any) will give you the best bang for your buck. They can also advise on staging, decluttering, and curb appeal—all crucial elements for a successful sale.

5. How Long Do Homes Like Mine Typically Take to Sell?

It’s a fair question, and the answer will vary depending on your market and the condition of your property. A good agent will set realistic expectations so you can plan accordingly.

6. What Are Your Fees and Contract Terms?

Transparency is key! Be sure to understand your agent’s commission structure and any other fees associated with the sale. Don’t hesitate to ask about the length of their contract and whether there’s flexibility if things don’t go as planned.

7. How Will You Communicate With Me?

Selling a property involves a lot of moving parts, and you’ll want to stay in the loop. Ask how often you’ll get updates and through what channels (email, phone, text, or carrier pigeon—hey, you never know!). Clear communication is a must for a stress-free experience.

8. What Happens If the Home Inspection Finds Issues?

Ah, the dreaded home inspection. No property is perfect, but how issues are handled can make or break a deal. Your agent should have a game plan for negotiating repairs or concessions with the buyer.

9. What’s Your Experience With Properties Like Mine?

Every home—and every seller—is unique. If you’re selling a fixer-upper, luxury home, or investment property, it’s important to work with someone who has experience in that niche.

10. What’s Plan B If My Home Doesn’t Sell?

Nobody wants to think about their property lingering on the market, but it’s wise to discuss contingencies. Will you adjust the price? Try new marketing strategies? Knowing there’s a backup plan can ease your mind.

A Fun (But Important) Bonus Question: What’s Your Favorite Part of Helping People Sell Their Homes?

This might seem like a lighthearted question, but it can give you a sense of the agent’s personality and passion for their work. After all, selling your home is a partnership, and you want to work with someone who genuinely cares about your goals.

Or Skip the Agent Altogether…

Now, if reading through this list of questions feels like a lot, we have another option for you: skip the traditional sale process altogether. At We Buy Houses, we simplify the experience by purchasing your home as-is, with no repairs, no staging, and no endless questions.

Curious? Contact us today for a no-obligation cash offer, and see just how easy selling your home can be.

Whether you choose to work with a real estate professional or go the as-is route, we hope these questions help you feel confident and prepared as you start your property sale journey. Happy selling!