Seller's Guide · Step 4 of 10

Choosing Your Listing Agent: What to Ask Before You Sign

Your listing agent prices your home, markets it and negotiates for you, so it's worth interviewing more than one. Here's what I'd ask any agent, including me.

Questions to ask

• How did you arrive at this price? Ask to see the comparable sales. A high number that wins the listing isn't a pricing strategy.
• How will you market my home? Photos, the MLS, the major home-search sites, social media and open houses.
• Who will I work with day to day? Your agent, a team member or an assistant?
• How often will you update me? And how will I hear showing feedback?
• What's the plan if we don't get offers? When would you suggest a change, and what would it be?
• How will you handle showings? Scheduling, lockbox access and keeping your home and privacy secure.
• How will you help me compare offers? And negotiate repairs after the buyer's inspection?

What's in a Texas listing agreement

Your listing agreement sets the list price, how long the listing lasts, the commission, whether you'll offer compensation to a buyer's agent, and what happens if you want to end it early. Read it before you sign, and ask about anything that isn't clear. Early on, I'll also give you the Texas Real Estate Commission's Information About Brokerage Services notice, which explains how agents work for you.

How I work with sellers

• A real pricing analysis. I build a comparative market analysis from recent sales near you, adjusted for your home's size, updates and condition, not an online estimate.
• Professional photos and marketing. Your home goes on the MLS and out to the major home-search sites, looking its best.
• Training focused on sellers. I hold the Seller Representative Specialist (SRS) designation. I'm also a Certified Probate Expert (CPE) for inherited homes and a Military Relocation Professional (MRP) for military moves.
• Straight answers. Regular updates on showings and feedback, and an honest conversation when something needs to change.

I help sellers from the Greater Austin Area to Bryan College Station.