What makes you different? Why should I list my home with you?

It is a much tougher real estate market than it was a decade ago. What unique marketing plan programs does this agent have in place to make sure that your home stands out favorably versus other competing homes?

What is your track record and reputation in the market place?

“Why should I care about how many homes one agent sold over another?” You should care about the number of homes an agent sells, and here’s why. It is not unusual for an agent to sell only 10 homes a year. This volume makes it difficult for agents to do full impact marketing on your home, and this could directly affect your pocketbook. Real estate agents operating at a low volume cannot raise the money it requires to afford the advertising and special programs to give your home a high profile. Ask the agents you interview how many homes they have sold in the last year, and the year before that. I am sure you will agree that success in real estate is selling homes.

What are your marketing plans for my home?

How much money does this agent spend in advertising the homes he or she lists versus the other agents you are interviewing? In what media (newspaper, magazine, Internet, etc.) does this agent advertise? What does he or she know about the effectiveness of one medium over the other? Do you have their marketing plan in writing so you can hold them to it if a problem arises?

On average, how close is the selling price to the asking price for the homes you list for sale?

This information is available from the Real Estate Board. Is this agent’s performance higher or lower than the Board average?

On average, how long does it take for your listings to sell?

This information is also available from the Real Estate Board. Does the agent tend to sell faster or slower than the Board average? Their performance on this measurement will help you predict how long your home will be on the market before it sells.

Do you have a reference list of clients I may contact?

Ask to see this list, and then proceed to spot check some of the names.

What happens if I am not happy with your performance? Can I cancel my contract?

Be wary of agents that lock you into a lengthy listing contract that they can get out of (by ceasing to effectively market your home) but which you cannot. Does the agent have an unconditional satisfaction guarantee? You will want an agent who is confident enough to provide a guarantee.