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How do you actually vet a listing agent?

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Radoslav_Tech
Joined:
05.12.2023
Posts: 388
Topic Starter
10.01.2025 16:35
I'm planning to list my home in the spring and I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed by the number of agents reaching out. I've heard horror stories about people getting stuck with agents who just put the sign in the yard and wait for the MLS to do the work. What specific questions should I be asking during the interview process to see if they're actually going to put in the effort? I really want someone who has a solid marketing strategy beyond just the basic listing photos. Any tips on red flags to watch out for would be greatly appreciated.
18 replies in this topic
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Simeon_W
Joined:
29.11.2022
Posts: 219
12.01.2025 16:57
Ask them for a list of their last five sales and actually call those sellers. If an agent is hesitant to give you references, that's your first red flag.
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kamilo
Joined:
29.11.2023
Posts: 2348
16.02.2025 19:51
In reply to a previous post
Totally agree with the references point. I also ask them to show me a 'comparative market analysis' and see if they can explain how they arrived at the price, not just what the computer spits out.
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tech_geek_bg
Joined:
06.11.2019
Posts: 2498
15.03.2025 11:46
Don't let them tell you they'll find a buyer 'in their network' as a primary strategy. That's usually code for 'I'm not going to market this property properly.'
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otgovor_BG
Joined:
07.02.2023
Posts: 2381
25.04.2025 17:37
In reply to a previous post
Exactly. If they aren't talking about Zillow Premier, professional staging, and targeted social media ads, they are stuck in the 90s.
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Ekspert_11
Joined:
10.02.2022
Posts: 27
19.08.2025 17:42
Ask them specifically how they handle open houses. Do they just sit there, or do they actively follow up with every lead that walks through the door?
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Yana_P
Joined:
06.05.2024
Posts: 2273
09.10.2025 14:47
I'd add: ask them who is actually going to be doing the work. Sometimes you interview the 'big name' agent, but then you get handed off to a junior assistant who doesn't know the property at all.
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Yavor_K
Joined:
06.02.2022
Posts: 425
13.10.2025 04:11
In reply to a previous post
That happened to me! It was a disaster. Definitely get it in writing who your point of contact is.
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Bg_Pechba
Joined:
13.05.2022
Posts: 1207
28.10.2025 15:17
Look at their current listings. If the photos are dark, blurry, or clearly taken with a phone, run away. If they can't be bothered to make the listing look good, they don't care about your sale.
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robert_d
Joined:
10.05.2023
Posts: 258
06.11.2025 17:19
What about commission? Is it worth negotiating that, or should I just stick to the standard percentage?
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Zuzi_P
Joined:
06.07.2020
Posts: 1030
17.12.2025 10:14
In reply to a previous post
Commission is negotiable, but remember that you get what you pay for. A discount agent might not invest in the marketing budget you're looking for.
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Alisa_K
Joined:
26.10.2023
Posts: 959
03.01.2026 04:13
Check their online reviews, but look for the 3-star ones. The 5-star ones are often fluff, but the middle-of-the-road reviews tell you how they handle problems when things actually go wrong.
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Viktoria_S
Joined:
26.04.2025
Posts: 1573
03.01.2026 18:27
In reply to a previous post
Great advice on the 3-star reviews, I never thought of that.
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robert_d
Joined:
14.05.2022
Posts: 1777
04.02.2026 22:13
Ask them what their 'days on market' average is compared to the neighborhood average. If it's significantly higher, they might be overpricing just to get the listing signed.
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vuprositel
Joined:
08.08.2021
Posts: 63
09.02.2026 08:22
In reply to a previous post
This is a solid point. Overpricing to win the listing is a classic trap.
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nov_tuk
Joined:
21.02.2023
Posts: 1283
02.03.2026 01:27
I always ask: 'What is the one thing that will prevent my house from selling?' A good agent will give you an honest answer about repairs or staging, not just tell you what you want to hear.
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Simeon_W
Joined:
09.10.2024
Posts: 114
09.03.2026 04:38
In reply to a previous post
That's a good test of character. If they just agree with everything you say, they're just trying to get the contract.
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Oliviya_T
Joined:
27.03.2021
Posts: 261
12.04.2026 01:49
Make sure they have a videographer for a walkthrough. It makes a huge difference in the current market.
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Oli_L
Joined:
18.10.2022
Posts: 938
13.04.2026 16:59
I'm saving this thread for when I list in the fall. Thanks for all the tips everyone!

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