10 Questions Every Home Seller Should Ask of Their Agent
March 9, 2025
By Elena Garrett, Realtor, 72SOLD Area Director – March 2025
When selling your home, the agent you choose can mean the difference between leaving tens of thousands of dollars on the table or walking away with top dollar. But how can you tell which agent will actually maximize your profit?
The truth is, not all real estate agents have the same level of expertise, marketing strategy, or negotiation skills. Some simply list your home on the MLS and wait for offers, while others actively create demand, urgency, and competition to drive up your home’s value.
That’s why it’s crucial to ask the right questions when interviewing agents. Instead of asking generic questions like, “How long have you been in real estate?” or “How many homes have you sold?”, dig deeper. Ask questions that reveal how an agent’s approach impacts your bottom line.
Below are 10 strategic questions you should ask any agent before deciding who will represent you. The way they answer these will tell you whether they are truly capable of maximizing your home’s value—or if they’re just another traditional agent relying on outdated methods.
1. What specific strategies do you plan to use to ensure my home sells for more than home in similar condition?
Most agents can’t confidently answer this because they don’t have a clear, proven strategy for selling homes at a premium. A great agent should have a process that actively increases the perceived value of your home and creates buyer competition.
2. How do you determine the highest price that a buyer is willing to pay for my home, and how do you ensure I capture that amount??
An agent’s ability to strategically set and negotiate your home’s price can determine whether you sell at the highest possible price or leave money on the table.
3. What marketing strategies do you use beyond listing on the MLS to attract additional buyers who might not have a prequalification letter yet?
Traditional agents rely on the buyers. Top agents leverage innovative marketing, pre-qualified buyer networks, and lender partnerships to bring in more buyers who might not even realize they can afford your home.
4. What techniques do you use to enhance the perceived value of my home before buyers even schedule the showings?
Marketing isn’t just about photos—it’s about storytelling and psychology. Agents who understand this know how to present your home in a way that makes buyers emotionally attached before they even visit.
5. How do you ensure my home gets the most attention during the critical first few weeks so I don’t have to drop the price later?
The first two weeks are your golden window to attract the strongest offers. If an agent’s strategy isn’t built around maximizing exposure during the first 2 weeks, your home could sit on the market, forcing price reductions.
6. Can you role-play how you would handle a hesitant buyer to encourage a higher offer?
The best agents don’t just passively accept offers; they skillfully guide buyers into making stronger ones. If an agent stumbles here, they likely lack the negotiation skills that could mean thousands of dollars for you.
7. How do you minimize buyer requests for repairs or monetary concessions? Can you role-play this with me?
The wrong negotiation approach can lead to buyers chipping away at your hard-earned equity with unnecessary repair demands. A skilled agent will know how to handle these requests in a way that protects your bottom line.
8. How much time do you spend each week training to improve your negotiation skills, and what techniques do you use to extract the highest possible offer?
Most agents don’t train in negotiation at all—meaning they might not know how to get you the best possible deal. The best agents refine their skills constantly, ensuring no money is left on the table.
9. What do you say to buyers during showings to keep them engaged longer and increase their likelihood of making an offer?
Some agents never attend showings, relying solely on lockboxes. But the best agents use showings as an opportunity to highlight the home’s best features, redirect attention from minor flaws, and create a sense of urgency.
10. How do you plan to personally guide buyers through my home to maximize the chances of receiving an offer? Can you role play this with me?
Most traditional agents do not attend any buyer appointments at all, although these showings are sometimes the ONLY opportunity to drive up the offer price in the buyers’ mind. But if the agent attends the showings, ask him to roleplay a discussion about a feature of your home what may be in need of improvement. How will the agent handle those questions?
What These Questions Reveal About Your Agent
If an agent struggles to answer these questions—or relies on vague, generic responses—they may lack the strategic plan needed to maximize your home’s value. On the other hand, agents who have clear, structured answers with real examples are far more likely to help you secure the highest possible price.
When you’re selling your biggest financial asset, don’t settle for an agent who simply “lists” your home. Choose an agent who understands how to sell your home for the most money, in the shortest time, with the least hassle.
At 72SOLD, we specialize in a proven strategy designed to sell homes faster and for more money than traditional methods. If you’re curious about how our approach compares, we’d love to walk you through our process and show you how it works.
Before hiring any agent, ask these questions—and see who truly has the strategy to maximize your home sale.
Ready to Maximize Your Home’s Value?
Don’t risk your equity with an outdated selling process. Contact us today to see how the 72SOLD method can help you sell for more while protecting your biggest investment.
Call Elena Garrett at 469-371-4961
Your home is one of your largest financial assets—don’t leave money on the table!
