Questions to Ask a Realtor Before You Sell Your House
The agent you hire to sell your home shapes your price, your timeline and your stress level. Before you sign a listing agreement, ask each agent you are considering about their services, local knowledge, pricing advice and pay. Use these questions.
By Jason Green · Selling a Home · Published November 12, 2026 · Updated November 12, 2026 · 6 min read
Questions about price
What do you think my home will sell for, and which recent nearby sales support that?
What would you list it at, and why?
Be careful with the agent who simply quotes the highest number. Ask to see the comparable sales behind it. 1
Questions about marketing and showings
Where will my home be listed, and who takes the photos?
How will you handle showings, open houses and feedback?
How often will you update me, and how?
Questions about fees
What is your commission, and what does it cover? Agent pay is negotiable and not set by law. 2
Would you recommend offering pay to a buyer's agent, and why? It is your choice. Since August 17, 2024, those offers cannot be posted on covered MLSs but can be shared other ways, and your agent needs your written OK on the amount first. 2
Are there any other fees, such as marketing or admin charges?
Questions about the listing agreement
How long does the agreement last?
Can I cancel if I am unhappy, and what happens if I do?
Read the whole agreement before signing, and ask for any promise the agent made to be written into it.
Check the agent's license
Check the agent's license with the real estate regulator in the state where you are selling. ARELLO keeps a directory of these regulators. 3
Look for disciplinary records too; some regulators list them separately. California's Department of Real Estate, for example, offers both a license lookup and disciplinary records. 4
Interview more than one agent
Compare each agent's pricing advice, marketing plan, services and pay before you choose. 1
Henry connects you with up to three local listing agents and never resells your request. Henry takes no cut of the agent's commission, so the fee you negotiate is between you and your agent.
Common questions
How many agents should I interview before selling?
There is no rule. Talking to more than one lets you compare pricing advice, marketing plans, services and pay before you sign. 1
Is the listing agent's commission negotiable?
Yes. Agent pay is negotiable and not set by law. 2
How do I check if a Realtor is licensed?
Use the license lookup from the real estate regulator in your state. ARELLO's directory helps you find it. 3
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What to expect from a good agent.
Communicate clearly
Agree on how often you will hear from them and who handles your day-to-day questions.
Explain representation and fees
Understand whom the agent represents, potential conflicts and how compensation will be paid.
Help you make informed decisions
Expect evidence for pricing advice and room to consider risks, not pressure to waive protections.
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