Which three comparable sales are driving your price estimate?
Ask for exact addresses and why each sale is comparable to your home, not only to your suburb.
Agent interview checklist
Questions to ask a real estate agent before selling.
Use these questions before signing an agency agreement so the discussion is about evidence, strategy, and net result, not just a headline appraisal number.
Ask these before you commit
These questions are designed to make appraisal and campaign advice more testable.
What would make buyers discount this property?
This surfaces risks around condition, layout, title, parking, building age, or competing stock.
Why auction, private treaty, or off-market?
The method should match buyer depth, price sensitivity, and the kind of property you are selling.
What will I likely net after commission and marketing?
Sale price is not the same as net proceeds. Ask for commission, marketing, styling, and likely settlement assumptions.
What pre-sale work is actually worth doing?
Separate quick presentation work from renovations that may not return enough before launch.
How to compare agents without relying on brand name alone
- Check whether the agent has sold similar property types in the same price band.
- Ask how they would handle a buyer who uses a nearby lower sale against you.
- Compare the quality of their appraisal evidence, not only the confidence of the pitch.
- Ask what happens if campaign feedback is weaker than expected after the first open inspection.
Bring better questions to the agent meeting.
Run the free address preview first, then use the full guide to compare appraisal evidence.
Full guide sections
- Selling range guardrail
- Comparable sales pack
- Campaign method fit
- Agent appraisal questions
Agent question FAQ
Should I ask these questions before or after the appraisal?
Both. Use them before the meeting to prepare, then use them again when comparing written proposals.
Is commission the most important question?
No. Commission matters, but a weak appraisal or unsuitable campaign method can cost more than a small fee difference.
Can I use this if I already have an appraisal?
Yes. Use the questions to test whether the appraisal evidence is strong enough before signing.