What Should You Ask a Listing Agent Before Signing an Agreement?

Smith Top Team Realtors, an award-winning, 5-star rated father/son real estate team, stands as the #1 small Real Estate team with Coldwell Banker across all of central Pennsylvania for the past 4 years. Our reputation is further solidified by our recognition as “Best of Zillow” and “Top Agents on Zillow” for the past 5 years, highlighting our unwavering commitment to excellence and client satisfaction in every transaction we undertake.

A search for “listing agent near me” returns many names. A signed agreement is a bigger commitment than a name on a list.

Asking the right questions first helps you choose with confidence. Here is what to ask a listing agent before you sign.

Who Will Represent Me?

Pennsylvania’s Consumer Notice explains the ways a licensee can work with you. A seller agent works exclusively for the seller and must act in the seller’s best interest.

A buyer agent works exclusively for the buyer, even when the seller pays the fee.

The notice also says a licensee does not represent you unless you sign a written agreement.

Ask how the agent will work with you and who else in the office may be involved.

Dual agency requires written consent from both parties, so ask whether it could apply to your sale.

What Are the Terms and Fees?

According to the same notice, the length of the agreement, the fee or commission, the scope of activities and fee sharing with other brokers are negotiable.

Ask how long the agreement lasts and what activities it covers.

Ask for each of those terms in writing and keep a copy for your records. Compare them with what other agents offer before you decide.

Is the License in Good Standing?

Confirm the license through the Pennsylvania Licensing System. It shows license status and any disciplinary actions.

Ask any real estate agent about experience in your area and property type. Specific examples are more useful than general claims.

How Will You Price and Market My Home?

Ask how the price will be set. A sound recommendation comes from recent nearby sales and current competition.

A home marketing plan realtor should explain photography, listing copy, MLS distribution, paid social and search ads, and outreach to agents with matching buyers.

Ask what the first two weeks on the market will look like. That period reaches the largest audience, so the launch matters.

Ask whether open houses will be scheduled for peak weekend traffic and whether video or drone footage fits your property.

Ask a listing agent in Harrisburg, PA how nearby homes were priced and marketed. Real examples show how the agent works.

How Will We Stay in Touch?

Ask how often you will get updates and what they will include, such as showing counts and buyer feedback.

Ask about the team, too. A full-service real estate team may share showings, paperwork and questions among several people, so ask who your main contact will be.

Ask any home marketing plan realtor in Harrisburg, PA when the plan is reviewed and how quickly it changes if showings are slow.

What Should the Written Plan Include?

A written plan should name the price strategy, marketing steps and update schedule. It should also name who handles showings and questions.

Take your time when reading it. Good agents expect questions. Ask for a copy to keep.

Choose an Agent With Smith Top Team Realtors

At Smith Top Team Realtors, we are happy to answer every question on this list. We listen, advise and advocate, and we explain each term of an agreement before you sign.

Please contact us to talk with a team that serves Camp Hill and nearby towns.