A listing agreement or buyer-broker agreement is a commitment — often for months. Before you sign one, a short, pointed interview tells you whether you're hiring a professional with a system or someone who's winging it. You don't need to be an expert to ask good questions; you just need to know which ones reveal the difference. Here are twelve, grouped by what they're really testing.
Source: RESMP editorial guidance, drawing on standard real estate consumer best practices.
Track record and local expertise
1) How many homes have you helped buy or sell in my area in the last 12 months? 2) What's your typical list-to-sale price ratio? 3) How long do your listings usually take to go under contract? 4) Do you work this neighborhood and price range regularly, or would I be an outlier for you? You're testing for current, local, relevant experience — not a tenure number.
The plan
5) Exactly how will you price my home (or find homes for me)? 6) What's your marketing plan, and which costs — photography, staging — are included? 7) How will you screen buyers and handle negotiations? 8) What happens if the home doesn't sell, or my offers keep losing? Specific, concrete answers signal a real system; vague reassurance signals improvisation.
Fees and the agreement
9) What's your fee, and what exactly does it cover? 10) Is anything else billed to me, and when? 11) How long is the agreement, and can I cancel if it isn't working? Remember: commissions and terms are negotiable, and you should never sign an agreement you haven't read and understood. If an agent resists explaining the fee, that's information too.
Communication and fit
12) How — and how often — will you keep me updated, and who actually handles my deal day to day (you, or a team member)? You'll be in close contact through a stressful process; a mismatch here causes more failed transactions than people realize. RESMP helps you compare verified local agents before any of this, so the two or three you interview are already a strong fit on paper.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the most important question to ask a realtor?
Probably: 'How many homes have you helped buy or sell in my specific area and price range in the last year, and what were the results?' Recent, local, relevant track record predicts performance better than total years in the business.
Can I cancel a listing agreement if it isn't working?
It depends on the agreement's terms, which is exactly why you should ask about length and cancellation before signing. Many agents will include a reasonable exit clause if you ask. Always read the agreement first.
How do I line up agents to interview?
RESMP matches you with verified local agents scored to your needs, so the two or three you interview are already strong candidates. Comparing them is free — no referral fees.
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February 2026