An agent interview often focuses on the property’s estimated sale price. Give equal attention to the working agreement behind that estimate. The person you meet may be part of a larger team, and the services can vary between proposals. Ask for a clear explanation of representation, communication and the written terms so you understand what you would be choosing.
Identify the people doing the work
Ask who will advise on pricing, arrange photography, handle inquiries and communicate during negotiations. Find out whether the interview contact will remain your main contact and who covers absences. Ask how you will be introduced to other team members. A larger team and an individual agent can both work well; what matters is knowing who owns each responsibility for your property.
Discuss a property-specific plan
Request examples that help explain the recommended approach for a home like yours. Ask how the agent would present its condition, choose a pricing strategy and respond if early interest differs from expectations. Separate a proposed preparation plan from work you must complete. A persuasive presentation is more useful when the reasoning behind the recommendations can be followed and questioned.
Read the service and payment terms
Ask the agent to walk through the agreement, including negotiated fees, services, duration and any exclusivity provisions. Request an explanation of costs that might arise outside the main fee. Discuss what happens if you want to pause, change direction or end the relationship. For any wording you do not understand, seek appropriate professional advice before signing rather than relying on a casual summary.
Agree on communication and decisions
Decide how often you will receive updates and what those updates will cover. Ask how showing feedback, offers and suggested changes will be presented. Establish the point when the team will review progress with you and how decisions will be documented. Keep the signed agreement and plan together so both sides can refer to the same expectations throughout the engagement.
Put it into practice
- Ask who performs each major task and handles daily updates.
- Compare the actual services and negotiated agreement terms.
- Set a communication schedule and a process for reviewing the strategy.
real-estate teams to interview for your property to choose the right category and make a more useful shortlist.