7 Questions to Ask a Real Estate Agent Before Selling

After 25 years and 500+ sales, I've seen sellers make the same mistake over and over: they choose the agent who tells them the highest price, not the agent who'll actually get them the best result.

Here are the 7 questions you should ask every agent before signing. I'll tell you what the good answers look like — and what the red flags are.

1. "How Many Properties Have You Sold in MY Suburb?"

Why it matters: An agent who's sold 200 properties in Brighton-Le-Sands will price your home accurately. An agent who's sold 5 will guess — and guessing costs you money.

Good answer: A specific number with recent examples. "I've sold 47 properties in Rockdale in the last 3 years, including 3 on your street."

Red flag: Vague answers like "I sell all across Sydney" or "I know the area well."

My answer: 500+ properties across St George since 1999. I can name the last 10 sales on most streets in 2216.

2. "What's Your Actual Commission — And What Does It Include?"

Why it matters: Commission varies from 1.5% to 2.5%. But cheap commission often means cheap marketing, cheap photography, and cheap results.

Good answer: A clear breakdown. "My commission is X%, which includes professional photography, floor plans, online listings on realestate.com.au and domain.com.au, and social media marketing."

Red flag: Agents who drop their commission immediately when you push back. If they can't negotiate their own fee, how will they negotiate your sale price?

3. "Should I Sell at Auction or Private Treaty?"

Why it matters: The wrong method can cost you tens of thousands. Auctions work brilliantly for some properties and terribly for others.

Good answer: "It depends on your property. Here's why I recommend [specific method] for YOUR situation..."

Red flag: Agents who always recommend the same method regardless of the property. Auction isn't always best. Private treaty isn't always best.

My approach: I've done both for 25 years. I recommend auction when competition is strong and private treaty when the buyer pool is narrow. Read my full comparison.

4. "Can I See Your Reviews and Recent Sales?"

Why it matters: Past performance is the best predictor of future results. An agent with 127 five-star reviews didn't get them by accident.

Good answer: Immediate access to Google reviews, Rate My Agent profile, and specific recent comparable sales.

Red flag: "I don't really do the online reviews thing" or no public review presence.

My stats: 127+ five-star Google reviews and a 5.0 rating. I'm happy for you to call any of my past clients.

5. "What's Your Marketing Plan For My Property?"

Why it matters: A property that's professionally photographed, styled, and marketed will sell for 5-10% more than one with iPhone photos and a basic listing.

Good answer: A specific marketing plan including professional photography, video walkthrough, targeted online advertising, social media promotion, database outreach, and signboard.

Red flag: "We'll put it on realestate.com.au and see what happens." That's not a plan — that's hope.

6. "How Will You Keep Me Updated?"

Why it matters: The #1 complaint sellers have about agents is lack of communication. You should know what's happening with your sale every single week.

Good answer: "I'll call you every [day] with inspection feedback and market updates. You'll have my mobile number, and I respond within 2 hours."

Red flag: Vague promises or "my assistant will keep you posted."

My approach: I personally call every seller weekly. No assistants, no automated emails. You deal with me directly, always.

7. "What Happens If My Property Doesn't Sell?"

Why it matters: This question reveals whether the agent has a Plan B — or whether they'll just drop your price.

Good answer: "If we haven't achieved a result in [timeframe], here's what we'll adjust: marketing angles, pricing strategy, presentation. I don't just reduce price — I diagnose why."

Red flag: "We'll just lower the price." Lazy agents use price drops instead of strategy.

The Bonus Question: "Why Should I Choose You Over the Agent Down the Road?"

Every agent will have an answer for this. The difference is whether their answer is backed by evidence or hot air.

My answer:

25+ years in St George — longer than most agents have been in real estate
500+ properties sold in the region
127+ five-star Google reviews with a 5.0 rating
I live and work in 2216 — I'm not commuting from Bondi to sell your home
Fluent in English and Macedonian
Century 21's network with a local agent's care

Ready to Interview Me?

I welcome tough questions. The best sellers are informed sellers, and I'd rather earn your business than inherit it.

Call Michael Kalinovski: 0411 818 171

→ Get a free property appraisal → Read my 127+ Google reviews → View my full profile

7 Questions to Ask a Real Estate Agent Before Selling Your Home (2026)