Choosing an agent is an important part of selling a property. Asking the same questions of each agent gives you a clearer way to compare their experience, strategy, fees and approach.
Whether you’re speaking with a real estate agent in Hobart or a real estate agent in Launceston, these are the key questions to ask a real estate agent when selling.
Table of contents
- 1. What Experience Do You Have Selling Properties Like Mine?
- 2. How Did You Determine My Property’s Value?
- 3. What Sales Strategy Would You Recommend?
- 4. How Will You Market My Property?
- 5. What Are Your Fees and Marketing Costs?
- 6. How Will You Communicate With Me?
- 7. How Will You Handle Offers and Negotiations?
- Choosing the Right Real Estate Agent
Selling a house in Tasmania is a significant decision. Comparing agents on the same criteria makes it easier to look beyond first impressions and choose based on evidence. Here are the questions we’d ask a real estate agent before selling your house.
1. What Experience Do You Have Selling Properties Like Mine?
Ask for recent examples of similar properties they’ve sold in your area.
Look at:
- Recent local sales
- Experience with your property type
- Final sale prices compared with appraisals
- Time on market
Specific examples are more useful than broad claims about experience.
Understanding what a real estate agent does throughout a campaign can also help you assess whether their experience matches what you need.
2. How Did You Determine My Property’s Value?
An appraisal should be supported by comparable sales, current competition and buyer demand.
Ask the agent which properties they’ve used as comparisons and why they’re relevant to yours.
Don’t automatically choose the highest appraisal. If one agent’s figure is significantly above the others, ask them to show you the evidence supporting it.
3. What Sales Strategy Would You Recommend?
Ask whether they recommend auction, private treaty, expressions of interest or another approach — and why.
The answer should reflect your property, location, likely buyers and current market conditions. A good agent should be able to explain the reasoning behind their recommendation.
4. How Will You Market My Property?
Ask exactly what’s included in the proposed marketing campaign.
Consider:
- Professional photography
- Floor plans and copywriting
- Online property listings
- Open homes and private inspections
- How the property will reach relevant buyers
The marketing strategy should suit your property rather than simply follow the same package used for every listing.
5. What Are Your Fees and Marketing Costs?
Ask for a written breakdown covering:
- Commission
- Marketing costs
- When costs are payable
- Any additional recommended expenses
This allows you to compare the complete cost of each agent rather than commission alone.
6. How Will You Communicate With Me?
Ask how often you’ll receive updates and what they’ll cover.
You should understand how the agent will communicate:
- Enquiry and inspection numbers
- Buyer feedback
- Offers
- Changes in market conditions
- Recommended adjustments to the campaign
Clear expectations from the beginning can make the sales process considerably easier.
7. How Will You Handle Offers and Negotiations?
Ask what happens when an offer is received and how the agent approaches negotiation.
A good agent should be able to explain how they assess buyer interest, manage competing offers and determine whether a buyer may have room to improve their position.
Choosing the Right Real Estate Agent
The best questions to ask a real estate agent when selling come back to a few key areas: experience, pricing, strategy, marketing, fees, communication and negotiation.
Ask each agent the same questions and compare their answers based on evidence rather than the strongest sales pitch.
For more guidance, read our guide on how to choose a real estate agent.
Considering selling? Speak with a real estate agent at Wolf Property.
