Most people hire the first agent they meet at an open house. That’s a mistake. You’re about to hand someone a big chunk of your money — treat it like a job interview, not a favor.
Licensing & Insurance Questions
Ask for their license number upfront. Look it up on your state’s regulatory site — takes two minutes. If they hesitate or say they’ll send it later, move on. Also ask about errors and omissions insurance. Not all agents carry it. If they don’t, and they mess up your paperwork, you’re on the hook.
Experience & References Questions
Don’t ask how many years they’ve been in the business. Ask how many deals they closed last year. Someone who does two deals a year is a hobbyist, not a pro. Then ask for three recent client references. Call them. Ask one question: what went wrong, and how did they handle it? If the agent can’t give you three names, you’re the test subject.
Pricing & Timeline Questions
Ask what similar homes in your area actually sold for, not what they listed at. If they quote a price without showing you comparable sales data, they’re guessing. For timelines, ask how long their last five listings sat on the market. If the answer is all over the place, they don’t have a system. You want an agent who can say ‘typically 30 to 45 days’ and back it up.
Contract Questions
Read the contract before you sign. Look for the cancellation clause. If you can’t get out without paying the full commission, that’s a trap. Good agents let you leave with 30 days’ notice. Also check how long the contract lasts. Anything over six months is too long. If they push back on either point, walk.
Take the names you’ve vetted and compare their recent sales history on RatingsNearMe before you sign anything.