Most people pick the first agent who answers the phone or seems nice. That's a mistake. Do this right once and skip the headache.
Licensing & Insurance Questions
Ask for their license number on the spot. Every state has a public database where you can look it up in two minutes. If they hesitate or give you a story, move on. Also ask if they carry errors and omissions insurance. Most do, but some newer ones don't. Without it, you have zero recourse if they mess up the paperwork or miss a deadline.
Experience & References Questions
Don't ask 'how long have you been doing this?' Ask 'how many deals did you close last year that were similar to mine?' A 20-year veteran who mostly sold condos isn't the best person to sell a rural farmhouse. Ask for two recent references. Call them. Ask what went wrong and how the agent handled it. If the references are all family friends, that's a red flag.
Pricing & Timeline Questions
Ask how they arrived at their suggested price. If they just pull comps from a website without walking the property or adjusting for condition, they're guessing. A good agent will show you at least three comparable sold properties and explain why yours is higher or lower. On timeline, ask for a realistic range and what happens if it sits past that mark. If they promise a quick sale with no strategy, they want the listing, not the result.
Contract Questions
Read the contract before signing. Ask what the cancellation policy is. Some lock you in for six months with no way out. Others let you leave with 30 days notice. Also ask about dual agency — if their firm represents both buyer and seller, they legally can't fight for your best interests. Make sure that's clear upfront.
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