Main Content

What should I ask a Realtor before hiring them to sell my home (top questions)?

Home > Blog > What should I ask a Realtor before hiring them to sell my home (top questions)?

Lofty IDX Page

What should I ask a Realtor before hiring them to sell my home (top questions)?

Before hiring a Realtor to sell your home, ask questions that reveal their pricing strategy, marketing plan, communication style, negotiation approach, and track record in your neighborhood. On Bainbridge Island, the best answers should reference real market signals like Bainbridge Island homes days on market and realistic pricing tied to Bainbridge Island median home price. A Bainbridge Island Best Realtor should also explain how they’ll help you Bainbridge Island Sell your home smoothly—especially if you plan to Bainbridge Island Buy your home next.

1) “How will you price my home—and how do you avoid underpricing or overpricing?”

This is the #1 question because pricing affects everything: your timeline, your final sale price, and how buyers respond in the first week. A strong Realtor should explain how they use comparable sales, current competition, and buyer behavior—not just “what you want” or “what your neighbor got.” As a result, you’ll hear a clear pricing range with a reason behind it.

Listen for specifics like: “Here’s how your home compares,” “Here’s where buyers will search,” and “Here’s how we align with Bainbridge Island median home price while still positioning you to win.” Additionally, ask how they track momentum using Bainbridge Island homes days on market and what they’ll do if showings are slow. Above all, a Bainbridge Island Best Realtor should price with confidence and a plan—not wishful thinking..


Want a data-backed pricing plan for your Bainbridge sale? https://relocatetobainbridge.com/seller/deciding-to-sell/

2) “What’s your marketing plan—and how will you make my home stand out fast?”

Marketing isn’t just photos and a sign. It’s a launch strategy that creates urgency, attracts the right buyers, and generates strong offers. Ask what they’ll do before listing (prep guidance, staging advice, repairs, photography), what happens at launch (online exposure, agent network, open house strategy), and how they’ll keep momentum going.

A great answer connects marketing to timing. For example, when Bainbridge Island homes days on market is low, the first week is pure gold, so a Realtor should focus on a sharp launch. Conversely, if the market is slower, you’ll want a plan for consistent traffic and buyer feedback loops. Additionally, marketing should match your price point and neighborhood expectations tied to Bainbridge Island median home price. Not only … but also … a true Bainbridge Island Best Realtor will explain how they attract qualified buyers—not just clicks.


See how sellers describe Tamara’s approach and results: https://relocatetobainbridge.com/testimonials/

3) “How will you communicate with me, and who handles what during the sale?”

This question protects your sanity. Selling a home includes dozens of moving parts—showings, feedback, deadlines, negotiations, and paperwork—so you want clarity on communication and responsibilities. Ask how often they update you, whether updates are proactive, and how quickly they respond to you and to buyers.

Also ask: “Do you personally handle negotiations?” “Who coordinates inspections and repair requests?” “How do you manage showing logistics?” Because, as a matter of fact, communication gaps are a common reason deals get stressful. Additionally, when Bainbridge Island homes days on market is short, response speed matters even more—buyers move quickly, and delays can cost you leverage. A Bainbridge Island Best Realtor keeps you informed, keeps buyers engaged, and keeps the timeline moving—especially when you’re trying to Bainbridge Island Sell your home and plan your next move.


Want a clear, calm selling plan with direct communication? https://relocatetobainbridge.com/contact/

4) “How do you negotiate offers and handle inspection requests (so I keep more net)?”

Negotiation is where money is won or lost. Ask how they’ll evaluate offers beyond price: financing strength, contingencies, closing timeline, and buyer reliability. Then ask how they approach counteroffers and multiple-offer situations. A solid Realtor will explain how they protect your leverage and prevent unnecessary concessions.

Inspection requests matter too. Ask: “How do you separate real issues from nitpicks?” “When do you recommend repairs vs credits?” “How do you keep buyers from re-trading the deal?” Additionally, negotiation should reflect the market. When Bainbridge Island homes days on market is low, sellers often have stronger leverage; when it’s higher, you may use different tactics. In the same fashion, a good Realtor ties negotiation strategy back to Bainbridge Island median home price and current buyer expectations in your neighborhood.

If you plan to Bainbridge Island Buy your home after you Bainbridge Island Sell your home, negotiation also affects timing—because delays can squeeze your next purchase. Above all, a Bainbridge Island Best Realtor negotiates with confidence and keeps deals stable.


Want a negotiation strategy that protects your timeline and your net? https://relocatetobainbridge.com/seller/deciding-to-sell/

5) “What are your fees, what’s included, and why are you the best fit for Bainbridge?”

This question is about clarity and value. You want to understand exactly what you’re paying for: marketing costs, photography, staging support, open houses, agent coordination, negotiation, and transaction management. Ask what’s included, what’s optional, and how they measure success. Then ask the most important follow-up: “How does your strategy help me net more or sell faster?”

Also, ask for proof. Request recent examples of listings, average days on market, and how their pricing performed. A confident Realtor can explain performance in plain English and relate it to Bainbridge Island homes days on market and Bainbridge Island median home price. Finally, ask: “What makes you the Bainbridge Island Best Realtor for my situation?” The best answer should feel specific to Bainbridge, your home, and your goals—not generic.

All things considered, if you want a friendly expert who knows the island, keeps the process upbeat, and protects your bottom line, Tamara Tobler stands out for both strategy and service—helping clients Bainbridge Island Sell your home confidently and, when needed, Bainbridge Island Buy your home next with a clear plan.


Want to interview Tamara and get a tailored selling strategy? https://relocatetobainbridge.com/contact/

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

Q1: What should I ask a Realtor before hiring them to sell my home?
Ask about pricing strategy, marketing plan, negotiation approach, communication style, fees, and local track record—especially with Bainbridge Island homes days on market and Bainbridge Island median home price.

Q2: How do I know if a Realtor can price my home correctly?
They should explain comps, show you a pricing range with reasoning, and connect it to Bainbridge Island median home price while tracking Bainbridge Island homes days on market for timing and demand.

Q3: What marketing should a great listing agent provide?
Professional photography, strong online exposure, launch strategy, showing management, feedback reporting, and proactive negotiation support—so you Bainbridge Island Sell your home efficiently.

Q4: What should I ask about negotiations and inspections?
Ask how they handle multiple offers, counteroffers, and inspection requests—what they push back on, what they fix, and how they protect your net during the repair/credit phase.

Q5: What should I ask about fees and what’s included?
Ask for a clear breakdown of services included, marketing costs, and how their strategy helps you sell faster and/or net more. A Bainbridge Island Best Realtor will explain value clearly, not vaguely.

Meet Carii Clawson Team — Your Trusted Bainbridge Island Realtor!

Best realtor on bainbridge island

With professionalism, resourcefulness, and dedication, Carii Clawson delivers elevated results for her valued clients. Highly skilled in the marketing and acquisition of residential, luxury, and investment properties, she combines deep local knowledge with strategic insight across Bainbridge Island, Kitsap County, Seattle, and King County.

Her clients value her honest guidance, strong negotiations, and warm, approachable style. Whether buying your first home, investing in property, or selling a luxury estate, Carii makes the process both successful and stress-free.

📞 Click here and Let’s connect today!

Share

WORK WITH US

Carii Clawson