Deciding to sell your home can be stressful – even if you’re excited about the move. There is a long list of details to consider and a potentially complicated process to navigate. However, choosing the right real estate agent can make your entire experience much smoother. A knowledgeable and experienced agent can “take the helm,” so to speak, and help guide you through the process, from understanding the complexities of the market, to pricing your home competitively, and marketing effectively. They can also help you avoid costly mistakes such as overpricing, improper staging, and inexperienced negotiating.

Of course, not all real estate agents are created equal. It’s important to find an agent that aligns with your needs and goals, and who you trust to represent your best interests. Think of it this way: You are hiring someone to do a job (sell your home), and like any employee, you want to conduct an interview before you commit.

5 Important Questions to Ask Your Real Agent

Honestly, there is a long list of questions that you could ask a potential agent, depending on your unique circumstances. But these five questions and follow-ups are considered essential:

1. How much experience do you have? More specifically, you can ask how long they have been a licensed realtor and how many homes they have sold in the last year, and specifically in your neighborhood/area. You may also want to ask what the average time on the market is for his or her listings. It’s also wise to request references. Many agents will be happy to connect you with satisfied clients they have worked with in the past. (Note: You can quickly verify a real estate license at the Department of Real Estate.)

2. Do you usually represent buyers, sellers, or both? Most realtors represent both, but those with less experience usually represent buyers, especially early in their careers. An agent who represents sellers is known as a listing agent, and they typically have expertise in pricing, market knowledge, and negotiations.

3. Are you familiar with this specific market? Having knowledge about the market where your home is located can significantly increase your success. Ideally, the agent should have a good understanding of comparable sales in your area. This will help him or her determine the best price for your home. Ask the agent how they will price your home and how they arrived at that price. An agent should do an analysis that compares your property to the best recently sold homes (known as “comps”) that are close in proximity, size, condition, lot size and other factors.

4. What is your marketing strategy? This is actually a multi-pronged question. Start by asking the agent for details on online listings (i.e., MLS, Zillow, Facebook, etc.), virtual tours, open houses and other strategies they use. Some agents also use paid advertising, which can increase exposure and therefore reach more potential buyers. Secondly, will they be using professional photos and offer staging tips to present your home in the best possible light? Does this agent offer recommendations for improvements and help with staging?

Another important aspect of marketing is how the agent plans to handle open houses. Will they be weekly? Will the agent be present at the open houses, or hand them off to an assistant? How will showings be handled?

5. How much will you charge to sell my property? This amount is negotiable, but as the saying goes, “you get what you pay for.” It’s important to consider “value” – what type of service are you receiving? Sure, you might be able to find someone who charges less, but if he or she doesn’t use professional photos, video tours or the latest online marketing strategies, or is hard to contact, it may take longer to sell your home, and you may not get the best price. In addition to asking what the commission fees will be for selling your home and what is included in your listing agreement, be sure to ask if there are any other fees or hidden costs you can expect. Finally, inquire about whether you can cancel the listing agreement. A listing agreement is a binding contract, so there are stipulations regarding when you can fire an agent and hire a new one if things aren’t working out.

Bonus Questions

Since you’ll be working closely with this person, it’s also a good idea to ask about their communication style. Specifically, how often will you communicate with me and what is your preferred method of communication? How available is the agent to answer questions and address concerns? Finally, it may ease your mind to know how the agent handles negotiations and what the process is for closing the sale.

Even after asking all the right questions (and getting the right answers!), there is one more important thing to consider: Do you connect with this agent on a personal level? Having a good rapport with your agent is priceless! Remember, real estate agents are professional problem solvers. When issues arise (and trust us, they will!) it’s your agent’s job to help you make the decisions that are best for you – not for them! They can assist with offer negotiations, inspection renegotiations, low appraisals, title issues, and more. So, be sure to choose an agent who is willing to work with you to solve issues as they crop up – even when it’s 11:00 p.m.! Finding a real estate agent that has your best interests at heart, is willing to answer your questions thoroughly, and communicate often can make selling your home smooth sailing.