19 CRITICAL QUESTIONS TO ASK BEFORE LISTING YOUR HOME

  1. Am I locked into a listing with you or do I have the right to cancel the listing agreement if you don’t live up to your promises? Is that guarantee in writing?
  2. Do you have any testimonial letters from previous clients I can see?
  3. Do you stay in touch with me from the beginning of the listing until the closing?
  4. Do you offer any advice on how to prepare my home for the market?
  5. How much time and money are you willing to invest in telemarketing to the homeowners in this area to find out if they know a potential buyer?
  6. Do you do direct mailings about my property? To Whom? How often? How many?
  7. Do you prepare professional feature sheets with several pictures detailing the amenities and highlights of the home and neighbourhood?
  8. Will you personally be there when offers are presented to handle all the negotiations?
  9. How long have you been selling real estate? May I see your resume or personal brochure?
  10. How many listings do you currently have? How many homes did you sell last year?
  11. What is your average market time compared with the average board market time?
  12. What is your list/sales ratio compared with the average board ratio?
  13. What extra services do you offer me compared to the other agent who is calling?
  14. Do you personally spend money on advertising? Does your company spend money? Where? How often?
  15. Do you have a written marketing plan for marketing my property? Can I have a copy?
  16. Do you work evenings and weekends? Will you hold open houses if I wish?
  17. How will you encourage other realtors to sell my home?
  18. Do you have a system in place to ensure advertising or sign calls are handled by you and not just “the agent on duty”?
  19. Will you advertise my home on the internet with extra pictures until sold?