Navigating the real estate market is like a roller-coaster ride because of its constant fluctuations. Sellers of  find it quite challenging to do their business.

For starters, they must hire good real estate agents. Such professionals have the right background and tools required to aid in selling homes in the current market. However, there are some questions to ask to select and use the right professional.

It is good to be picky as the right agent will sell the home faster and enable gaining more profits and reduce the stress involved in such transactions. But to know the right agent, the right questions should be asked, like the following:

What credentials do you have?

When you set out on the journey to sell a home, the most important consideration is to hire an agent with the right credentials. For instance, it is good to know whether the agent has a state license and is a member of the local real estate trade association. This implies that they have access to MLS (Multiple Listing Services) and will be able to market your , far and wide, to attract buyers.

What is the number of sales closed last year?

While it is true that the past performance of an agent is no indication that it will guarantee a quick sale, their track record of success is an assurance that they are professionals who know what to do to sell the home.

Enquire from potential agents how many clients they have served in the past and the price range of homes sold by them. Ideally, you desire the services of an agent who knows the exact features buyers value in the suitable income bracket. Also, seek suggestions and reviews from former clients.

How did you determine the listing price?

Note that the question is not – ‘What should be my listing price?’ Of course, all agents will suggest a listing price. But the vital aspect is how did they arrive at this price. After all, setting the right price is key to selling the property quickly. The home is worth what a buyer is ready to pay, but the initial starting point is the listing price. If the listing price is too high, it will scare away genuine buyers; if it is too low, much money will be wasted.

So, it is good to ask the agent the above question to ensure the following:

• They know to justify the price during negotiations with the buyer or buyer’s agent.
• They are not demanding an inflated price to secure the business.

Data should ideally back the answer to this question. The agent should use a CMA (Comparative Market Analysis). This analysis helps the listing agent compare your home’s list price with those sold by comps (competitors). With this information, you can peruse a breakdown of how the  compares to each property sold recently. Key factors identified to determine the listing price include the condition of the home, square footage, size of the lot, nature & the number of bedrooms and bathrooms, proximity to schools & road noise, etc.

Be cautious if the agent is suggesting a listing price that seems inflated. This common tactic will result in your property sitting on the market for a long time, wasting time, money and effort.

With whom will I be working?

Knowing whether the clients will work with one agent or a team of agents is desirable. Ask all relevant questions about both scenarios. Various agents work with clients in varied ways. Working with a team of agents makes it easier, but sellers often get lost in the crowd. On the other hand, working with a single agent may get you more personalised service, but you will not benefit from the added expertise working with a team brings.

What will be the cost of selling?

Enquire from the agent about all the costs that must be borne by the seller in any real estate transaction, like closure fees, broker’s commission and other items, so that you can plan accordingly and make comparisons among various agents. This factor should be covered in the listing agreement with the agent.

What sales plan will you design?

Good real estate agents must have a written plan for selling the home, which determines the marketing plan for attracting buyers to the property through channels ranging from listing services to social media to open houses. With a comprehensive plan, the property will surely capture buyers’ interest.

Proper marketing is vital to successful sales. Use an agent who will arrange professional photography of the listed property, create website content, liaise with social media and even create video guides for the property. All these will make a good impression on buyers.

How to prepare the home for showings?

Seek the agent’s advice about what repairs and upgrades are needed for the property before staging it for buyers. Consider any budget-friendly tips for staging strategy or whether you can manage only with decluttering and a good cleaning. Additionally, ask agents whether buyers can accommodate your schedule and arrive for tours or inspections on days and hours convenient to you.

In sum, these are some helpful questions to be asked by the real estate agent to make use of their skills and experience. The idea is not simply to ask the relevant questions but, more crucially, to get the right answers. This way, you can hire suitable agents to help make the most money quickly.