15 Questions to Ask a Real Estate Agent Before Signing a Contract

Selling a home is a big step -- and hiring the right real estate agent could spell the difference between a smooth, successful process and a tough, disappointing one. Before you agree to work with a real estate agent, make sure to run through these key questions.

5 Stocks Under $49

Presented by Motley Fool Stock Advisor

We hear it over and over from investors, "I wish I had bought Amazon or Netflix when they were first recommended by The Motley Fool. I'd be sitting on a gold mine!" It's true, but we think these 5 other stocks are screaming buys. And you can buy them now for less than $49 a share! Click here to learn how you can grab a copy of "5 Growth Stocks Under $49" for FREE for a limited time only.

Someone who's been selling homes for 10 years or more may have more tricks up their sleeves than someone who got a real estate license a few months ago. While this isn't to say that a newly minted agent won't serve you well, you may want to opt for someone with a decent amount of experience.

ALSO READ: 3 Reasons to Interview Potential Real Estate Agents

While it's a good idea to work with a generally experienced agent, it's even more important to find someone who knows your specific neighborhood well. That knowledge could come in handy when marketing your home and pricing it correctly.

You may have a certain idea in mind about the price your home will command, only to have that number be way off. It's important to get a realistic picture of what your home can sell for before signing a real estate contract.

ALSO READ: Home Appraisals: What to Know, How Much It Costs, and How It Works

Real estate agents don't have crystal balls, so your agent may not be able to predict with certainty how long it will take for your home to move off of the market. But your agent should be able to give you a ballpark estimate before you begin the process.

It's common for sellers to pay real estate agent fees. But make sure that their commission is reasonable before signing a contract. If you're being asked to pay more than 5% or 6%, you may want to look at working with someone else.

5 Stocks Under $49

Presented by Motley Fool Stock Advisor

We hear it over and over from investors, "I wish I had bought Amazon or Netflix when they were first recommended by The Motley Fool. I'd be sitting on a gold mine!" It's true, but we think these 5 other stocks are screaming buys. And you can buy them now for less than $49 a share! Click here to learn how you can grab a copy of "5 Growth Stocks Under $49" for FREE for a limited time only.

Your real estate agent might require you to sign a contract giving them 90 days to sell your home before you're allowed to move on to another agent. You may even be looking at a 120-day commitment or longer. Take a look at those details before signing up.

ALSO READ: 3 Signs You Should Fire Your Real Estate Agent

A real estate agent who's loaded with clients may not have the capacity to give your home the attention it deserves. While having no current clients might raise a red flag, you might also hesitate to sign up with an agent who's juggling a few dozen homes and sellers.

Some real estate agents work completely independently. But you may want to find someone who has a partner or assistant. That way, you're more likely to get help or support on the fly when you need it.

ALSO READ: 2 Mistakes I Made When Hiring a Real Estate Agent

It may be that your agent knows your area well but hasn't dabbled in it recently. But ideally, you should try to find an agent with a solid pulse on the market, which means working with someone who's recently sold a home or two where you live.

Maybe your real estate agent is an expert home stager. Or maybe they've mastered the art of the virtual tour. Either way, figure out what specific steps your agent will take to find you a buyer.

5 Stocks Under $49

Presented by Motley Fool Stock Advisor

We hear it over and over from investors, "I wish I had bought Amazon or Netflix when they were first recommended by The Motley Fool. I'd be sitting on a gold mine!" It's true, but we think these 5 other stocks are screaming buys. And you can buy them now for less than $49 a share! Click here to learn how you can grab a copy of "5 Growth Stocks Under $49" for FREE for a limited time only.

You may face some hiccups in the course of selling your home, whether it's competition from nearby properties for sale or a specific issue with your home, like an outdated kitchen. Ask your agent to spell out these potential problems, so you know what to expect.

ALSO READ: How to Finance a Kitchen Remodel

Selling a home during a pandemic is different from selling a home during normal times. Make sure to ask your agent about the steps they'll take to keep your family safe during showings and open houses. That could involve forcing visitors to mask up, providing sanitizer, and scheduling viewings to coincide with when you're not home.

Real estate agents are allowed to have a life outside of work and don't have to be on the clock 24/7. But you may want to steer clear of an agent who expressly only works part-time, as that person may not be as available to you as you'd like.

While it's more than possible to go out and find your own real estate attorney, an easier bet may be to find an agent who already has a solid relationship with a local lawyer.

Chances are, an agent in that situation will be in a great position to coordinate all matters related to your closing. That way, you don't have to do as much -- or stress as much.

ALSO READ: Closing on a House: What to Expect

When it comes to hiring a real estate agent, an impressive track record of selling homes might speak for itself. But you still want to make sure the agent you sign up to work with is respectful, pleasant, and responsive. So, to that end, don't hesitate to ask for a list of references. It's something your agent should be more than willing to provide.

5 Stocks Under $49

Presented by Motley Fool Stock Advisor

We hear it over and over from investors, "I wish I had bought Amazon or Netflix when they were first recommended by The Motley Fool. I'd be sitting on a gold mine!" It's true, but we think these 5 other stocks are screaming buys. And you can buy them now for less than $49 a share! Click here to learn how you can grab a copy of "5 Growth Stocks Under $49" for FREE for a limited time only.

Choosing the right real estate agent to team up with could make for a quick, lucrative sale of your home. Be sure to run through these questions before you sign a contract so that you can approach the process with confidence from start to finish.

The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.