Hiring someone to sell your home is a big bet. Most people pick the first name they find. That's a mistake. Here's how to shop smart.
Licensing & Insurance Questions
Ask to see their license number on the spot. Look it up on your state's real estate commission website. If the license is expired or shows a complaint history, move on. Next question: do they carry errors and omissions insurance? Some skip it to save money. That means if they screw up your paperwork, you're on the hook. Don't work with someone who can't show proof.
Experience & References Questions
Years in business matter less than recent sales. Ask how many homes they closed last year. If the number is under five, they're not doing this full time. Call at least two references from the past six months. Ask the sellers: did they communicate? Did they price realistically? Did they handle problems without drama? One bad reference is all you need to walk.
Pricing & Timeline Questions
Don't accept a price opinion without seeing the data behind it. Ask for a list of comparable sales from the last three months. If they can't produce one, they're guessing. Then ask: how long did similar homes in your area sit on market? A person who promises a sale in two weeks is lying or desperate for the listing. Average days on market for your neighborhood tells you the truth.
Contract Questions
Read the termination clause before you sign. Can you fire them with a simple email? How many days notice do you need? If there's a penalty for canceling, that's a red flag. Also ask about the commission: is it a flat fee or a percentage? Can you negotiate it down? Some will drop half a point if you push. Get everything in writing, including what happens if the buyer walks away.
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