6 Key Questions To Ask Before Hiring a Real Estate Broker

You’ve decided to sell your home in 2025. Exciting, right? But as soon as you start looking for a real estate broker, you’re flooded with options, every agent claiming to be the best. It’s confusing and stressful.

You can cut through the noise by knowing exactly what to ask. These key questions will help you find a broker who truly knows how to market, price, and sell your home for the best possible outcome.

Experience and credentials. Start by understanding your broker’s background and professional standing. Experience counts, and you want someone who’s fully invested in real estate, not just dabbling on the side. Ask questions like:

• How many years have you been in the real estate business?
• Are you a full-time broker?
• What professional designations or certifications do you hold?
• Have you received any awards, accolades, or industry recognitions?
• What percentage of your business comes from referrals or repeat clients?

These questions help you gauge their expertise, reputation, and long-term commitment to the business.

Market knowledge and experience. Once you’ve established their credentials, dig deeper into their real-world results. A broker’s track record says a lot about their understanding of the local market and ability to deliver. Ask:

• How many homes have you successfully sold and closed in the last 12 months?
• What types of properties do you specialize in? (Luxury, new construction, downsizing, etc.)
• How do you determine the best listing price for a home like mine?

The best brokers use solid data and proven strategies to price homes competitively. Their approach should reflect a deep understanding of current market trends, comparable sales, and neighborhood dynamics, all backed by clear reasoning and results.

Marketing strategy and exposure. Even a perfectly priced home won’t sell if no one sees it. That’s why your broker’s marketing plan is crucial. Ask these questions to see how they plan to promote your home:

• Can you walk me through your full marketing plan from pre-listing all the way to closing?
• How do you market properties differently for online versus in-person buyers?
• Do you personally handle marketing, or do you have a team to help you?
• What unique tools or platforms do you use to maximize exposure, like 3D tours, video, or international syndication?

A top broker will have a modern, multi-platform approach to attract both local and global buyers. Their plan should combine digital visibility with traditional marketing for maximum reach.

Communication. Communication can make or break your selling experience. You deserve a broker who keeps you informed every step of the way. Ask:

• How often will I hear from you, and in what format?
• Who will be my main point of contact, you or someone on your team?
• How do you keep me informed of buyer feedback after showings or open houses?
• What is your communication style when there’s good news versus bad news?

The best brokers maintain consistent, honest, and timely communication so you’re never left wondering what’s happening.

Negotiation and results. A great broker isn’t just a marketer, they’re a skilled negotiator. When the offers start coming in, you’ll want someone who knows how to protect your bottom line. Ask:

• Can you share your list-to-sale price ratio compared to the market average?
• How do you approach multiple-offer situations?
• What is your negotiation strategy to ensure my net proceeds are maximized?

Look for confidence and evidence of past success. A strong negotiator can mean the difference between a decent offer and a great one.

Preparation and process. Finally, before your home ever hits the market, preparation is key. A good broker will guide you on what to fix, improve, or stage to make the best first impression. Ask:

• What improvements or staging do you recommend before going live on the market?

The right agent will give you honest, practical advice, not just what’s easy to hear. Their goal is to help you highlight your home’s strengths and maximize its value.

Selling your home is a major milestone, and choosing the right broker can make all the difference. By asking these questions, you’ll quickly see who has the experience, marketing strategy, and professionalism to represent your home the way it deserves.

If you’d like a detailed checklist of these questions to guide your broker interviews, just reach out for the full PDF. Call or text me at (425) 428-6195 or send an email to info@homesbymollyhaines.com. I’m here to help you every step of the way.