Questions to Ask Your Realtor Before Hiring Them (Selling)
The essential questions to ask a listing agent before you trust them with your Houston home sale — with Alan's own answer to each one, published in writing.
Before you hire a listing agent in Houston, ask about their track record and closure rate, pricing method, full marketing plan, recent sales in your area, total costs and net proceeds, staging approach, days-on-market, and reviews. The answers reveal whether they'll sell your home fast and for top dollar.
Listing your home is too important to hand to whoever sends the flashiest mailer. Use this checklist when you interview listing agents (including Alan) — every question below links to Alan's own answer, so you can hold him to the same standard you are holding everyone else. Pair it with the free Seller Net Sheet calculator so you walk in knowing your numbers.
The questions — and what a strong answer sounds like
Download the printable checklist (PDF)
What questions should you ask a seller at a listing appointment?
A strong listing agent will ask you: why you're selling and by when, what you owe and what you need to net, what you've already repaired or upgraded, whether you'll be living in the home while it's shown, and what your backup plan is if it doesn't sell on the first try. If an agent skips these, they're pricing a house instead of planning your move.
Alan's answerSee how Alan plans a sale, day by day →What questions should I ask a realtor when selling my house?
Ask for their list-to-sale price ratio and average days on market in your zip code, exactly how they'll market the home, what the total cost to sell will be in writing, how often they'll update you and how, whether the listing agreement can be cancelled, and who actually shows up to your showings. Get every answer in numbers, not adjectives.
Alan's answerAll twenty answered in writing →What questions should you ask a motivated seller?
The questions that matter are about timing and constraints, not price: how soon do you need to close, what happens if it doesn't sell, is there a payoff or lien deadline, have you already bought elsewhere, and would a faster certain sale be worth more to you than a higher uncertain one. The answers decide whether a traditional listing or a cash-as-is sale is the better route.
Alan's answerAlan's 30-day plan, and the cash alternative →Are you a broker or an agent, and what's your track record and closure rate?
Your home is likely your biggest asset — ask who's actually handling it. Alan is a licensed Texas broker (TREC #9001525) with $145M+ in sales and a 98.9% closure rate.
Alan's answerAlan's record: $145M+, 98.9% closure →How do you arrive at a list price for my home?
Pricing is the single biggest lever on speed and final sale amount. A strong agent shows you comparable sales and market data — not just a flattering number to win the listing.
Alan's answerHow Alan sets the price, from closed comps only →What exactly is your marketing plan?
Ask to see it: professional photography, online syndication, and targeted exposure to real buyers. Vague answers are a red flag.
Alan's answerThe fourteen channels, by name and by day →How many homes have you sold in my area and price range recently?
Relevant, recent experience beats general tenure. You want someone who's sold homes like yours, near yours, lately.
Alan's answerRecent Houston sales →What are all the costs and commissions — and what will I actually net?
Insist on a full net sheet, not just a commission percentage. Try Alan's free Seller Net Sheet calculator, then have him run your real numbers.
Alan's answerAlan's fee in full: 4% + $500, and what you net →How will you prepare and stage my home to sell?
Small prep moves can add real money. A good listing agent gives specific, practical guidance. Alan literally wrote 'How to Sell Homes Fast for Top Dollar.'
Alan's answerHow Alan makes a listing stand out →What are your average days-on-market and list-to-sale-price ratio?
These two numbers reveal how well an agent prices and sells. Ask for their actual figures.
Alan's answerThe day 7 / 14 / 21 checkpoints →How do you handle offers and negotiation?
You want a clear process for reviewing, countering, and protecting your interests. Alan is a 2× Battle of the Brokers Champion.
Alan's answerThe nine terms, not just price →Do you offer cash or as-is options if I need speed?
Sometimes certainty beats top dollar. As an active investor, Alan can present a cash/as-is option and compare it honestly to listing on the open market.
Alan's answerThe cash / as-is option, compared honestly →Can you share seller references or reviews?
Verified reviews from real sellers tell you what to expect. Alan holds a 4.9-star rating from 149 verified Google reviews.
Alan's answer4.9 stars from 149 verified reviews →How Alan answers these
Alan is a licensed Texas broker who has closed $145M+ with a 98.9% closure rate and authored two books on selling homes fast for top dollar. He answers all of these openly. Book a free consultation or call (832) 532-9229. Ready to list? See Selling in Houston.
Put these questions to Alan.
Book a free consultation and ask him anything — no pressure, no pitch.