Insider Discussion – Do Not List Before Asking These Vital Questions

Insider Discussion – Do Not List Before Asking These Vital Questions

What are the most important questions to ask a realtor before listing?

Before you list, ask your agent these 3 questions. Ask your agent: 1) What is your suggested price and why? 2) What marketing will you use: photos, video, social? 3) What is your contract length and cancellation clause? Check out our blog at HoosierHomeListings.com for more.

I hope this information was helpful! If you are considering buying or selling a home, I would love to talk to you. I am a seasoned agent with over 24 years of experience in the local real estate market. I would love to be able to get you the financial result you desire from your current home to get you in to that Dream Home! Don’t hesitate to call me anytime at 260-579-1516 or you can email me at mike@mikearchbold.com.

The Most Important Questions to Ask a Realtor Before Listing Your Home

If you’re thinking about selling your home, choosing the right real estate agent is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. A good agent can help you price your home competitively, market it effectively, and negotiate the best deal possible. But before you sign a listing agreement, it’s crucial to ask a few key questions to ensure you’re partnering with the right professional for your needs.

Here are the top three questions every seller should ask their agent before listing:

1. What’s Your Suggested Listing Price—and Why?

Pricing your home correctly from the start is critical. Ask your agent:

• How did you determine this price?
• Can I see a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA)?
• Are you recommending a price based on similar homes that recently sold—or homes currently sitting on the market?

Some agents may try to “buy your listing” by suggesting a high price just to secure your business. That can lead to price reductions and a longer time on the market. A knowledgeable agent will base their recommendation on data, not guesswork—and they’ll be honest with you about how your home stacks up against the competition.

Pro Tip: Also ask what strategy they recommend—should you price it slightly below market value to drive demand, or start higher and adjust if needed?

2. What Marketing Strategies Will You Use to Sell My Home?

Not all marketing is created equal. In today’s digital world, simply putting a sign in the yard and listing your home on the MLS isn’t enough. Ask your agent:

• Will you use professional photography and/or video tours?
• Do you use social media and online advertising?
• How will my listing be promoted on platforms like Zillow, Realtor.com, and Facebook?
• Will you hold open houses or private showings?

Effective marketing can bring in more qualified buyers, shorten your time on market, and even help you receive multiple offers. Make sure your agent has a clear, modern marketing plan—ideally with examples of how they’ve marketed similar homes.

3. What’s the Length of the Contract—and What Happens If I Change My Mind?

Before signing a listing agreement, understand the commitment you’re making:

• How long is the listing agreement? (Common terms range from 3 to 6 months.)
• What’s the cancellation policy? Can you get out of the agreement if you’re unhappy?
• Will I owe any fees if I cancel early?

This is especially important if you’re interviewing multiple agents. Some contracts lock you in with limited flexibility. A confident agent should be transparent about how to part ways if needed—and ideally won’t tie your hands if things aren’t working out.

Bonus Questions to Consider

While the three questions above are the most essential, you might also ask:

• How many homes have you sold in my neighborhood or price range?
• Do you work with a team or handle everything yourself?
• How will we communicate, and how often?

Bottom Line

Selling your home is a major milestone—and the right real estate agent can make all the difference. By asking these smart questions up front, you’ll gain valuable insight into how your agent works and what you can expect throughout the selling process.

Whether you’re selling for the first time or you’ve done it before, preparing the right questions is key to a smooth, successful sale.

Need more guidance before listing your home in Fort Wayne or the surrounding area?
Check out our blog at HoosierHomeListings.com for expert advice, local market trends, and selling tips from experienced professionals.

Michael J Archbold
Associate Broker, REALTOR, ePro
RE/MAX Results
8101 Coldwater Rd
Fort Wayne, IN 46825
c. 260-579-1516
e. Mike@MikeArchbold.com
w. www.MikeArchbold.com

Oh, by the way… if you know of someone who would appreciate the level of service I provide, please call me with their name and business number. I’ll be happy to follow up and take great care of them. 

Why Does RE/MAX Results Stand Out Among the Competition?

Simply put: Relationships. We pride ourselves not only in our professional service but more importantly in the personal touch we bring to our business. Has an agent/lawyer/contractor/vendor ever treated you like you were just another paycheck? The reason our clients come back time and again and refer all their friends and family to us is because they know we are part of the family.

Genuinely caring about the people we serve enables us to do things other agencies can’t. Rest assured, we will ALWAYS have your best interest at heart and work vigorously to get you the best deal possible on your home or business. The relationships we build with our clients enable us to work 100% by referral.

The reason we are able to give top notch service to our clients is because our clients refer us a constant stream of quality family and friends to assist in their real estate needs. While other agents are out making cold calls and chasing “potential” leads, we are freed up by our referral base to service our clients like no other broker can. We are never too busy for your referrals!

Want to experience the difference for yourself? Call or text me today at 260-579-1516.

“Professional Service with a Personal Touch“

We’re Here To Help

Are you or someone you know considering a home purchase? Don’t hesitate to call or text me, Michael Archbold, at 260-579-1516 and I will connect you with the best mortgage professionals in the business who can get you your score, discuss ways to improve it if necessary, and put you on the path to home ownership. Click here to read more about our Buyer Services. Click here to browse listings NOW! Looking to sell your home? Call today to set up an appointment to begin developing your customized marketing plan. Click here to read more about our Seller Services.

Hoosier Home Listings by RE/MAX Results is a full service real estate Web site serving Northeast Indiana. We assist residential and commercial clients in locating, buying, and selling real property in the State of Indiana including but not limited to the counties of Allen, Huntington, Wells, Adams, Whitley, Wabash, Kosciusko, Noble, Dekalb, Lagrange, Steuben and cities including Fort Wayne, Decatur, Bluffton, Huntington, Warsaw, Columbia City, Butler, and Angola. RE/MAX Results is an Equal Housing Opportunity company.

Hoosier Home Listings – Insider Discussion – Do Not List Before Asking These Vital Questions …

… brought to you by Michael Archbold, Hoosier Home Listings, and RE/MAX Results.

The consummate professional, Michael Archbold (Associate Broker, REALTOR, ePro) brings a diversified background to the world of real estate. Born and raised in Fort Wayne, Mike graduated Wayne High School in 1992. He received bachelors degrees in Accounting in 1997 from Indiana University and Information Technology in 2005 from Indiana Wesleyan University. Mike comes to Re/MAX with more than 20 years of experience in sales and accounting. He began his career in real estate in 2000 as an investor.