If you’re preparing to sell your home, one of the most important decisions you’ll make is hiring the right real estate agent. With over two million realtors nationwide and more than 2,500 agents right here in Ventura, it can feel overwhelming trying to figure out who is truly qualified to guide you through the process.
Not all agents are created equal. Some are seasoned professionals with full-time experience and a proven track record. Others are part-time or less committed, often relying on outdated tactics or minimal effort. So how do you cut through the noise and hire the right realtor to sell your house?
As someone who started buying real estate before I was licensed, I wish I had known what to look for when I hired my first agent. Today, I want to share the exact questions you should be asking during your realtor interviews. These questions will help you identify true professionals and avoid costly mistakes when selling your home.
1. How Will You Determine the Price of My Home?
One of the most critical decisions in the home selling process is pricing. Ask your agent to walk you through how they determine your home’s value. You’ll often hear the term “comps,” which is short for Comparable Sales. This refers to other properties that have sold recently in your area that are similar in size, location, and condition.
A strong real estate agent will use a clearly defined process, looking at homes that sold within a one-mile radius, within the last 90 days, or with similar lot sizes and amenities. They should be able to analyze this data and explain their pricing strategy. Pricing your home correctly from the start is key to attracting serious buyers and maximizing your sale price.
2. How Will You Help Me Prepare My Home for Sale?
A professional realtor does more than put a sign in the yard. They provide expert advice on how to prepare your home to stand out in the market.
During the listing appointment, the agent should take detailed notes as they walk through your home. They might suggest painting over bold colors (shout out to Swiss Coffee), decluttering spaces like a man cave filled with sports memorabilia, or refreshing your landscaping if your backyard has become a jungle. A quality agent will offer solutions, and if needed, refer trusted professionals to get the job done.
3. Who Is Your Photographer and Videographer?
In today’s digital world, most buyers begin their search online. That means your home needs to make a great first impression on platforms like Zillow and Redfin. If an agent tells you they take their own listing photos, consider that a red flag.
Professional real estate agents hire professional photographers and videographers. High-quality images and videos generate more interest, increase the number of showings, and ultimately lead to a faster and more profitable sale. Marketing your home with stunning visuals is no longer optional—it’s essential.
4. What Is Your Marketing Plan for My Home?
Ask your agent to outline their full marketing strategy. Posting your listing on the MLS and waiting for the phone to ring is not a strategy—it’s a hope.
Look for a realtor who uses a multi-pronged approach to promote your home across every available channel. This could include:
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Local print advertising and magazine features
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Direct mail campaigns to target neighborhoods
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Social media ads on Facebook and Instagram
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Google search ads
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Hosting open houses or broker previews
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Creating property websites and digital brochures
When I market a listing, I make sure it follows people around online. Wherever buyers are spending their time—on their phones, laptops, or tablets—I want your home to show up there too.
5. What Happens if My Home Doesn’t Sell in 30 Days?
This is a great test question. Inexperienced agents may panic and immediately suggest a price drop. A professional will refer back to the comps and market data. If homes in your area are averaging 80 days on market, then lowering the price at day 30 might be premature.
Have this conversation up front so you and your agent are aligned on expectations. A data-driven agent will advise you when to be patient and when to pivot based on how your home is performing.
6. How Often Will You Be Communicating With Me—and Everyone Else?
Selling a home can be stressful, and communication makes all the difference. Ask your agent:
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How often will you update me on showings and feedback?
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Will I get weekly reports on marketing activity?
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How often are you in touch with buyer’s agents, escrow officers, title reps, and others involved in the transaction?
Clear, consistent communication is one of the most valuable services a great agent can provide.
7. Who Will Be Showing My Home?
Finally, ask who will actually be showing your property. If the agent is unavailable, do they use a licensed showing assistant? Will your home be on a lockbox or will it be personally shown?
This question helps you understand how much attention your listing will receive. If you’re trusting someone with the sale of your biggest asset, they need to treat it like a priority.
Ready to Sell Your Ventura Home?
If you are thinking about selling a home in Ventura, I’d love to be your trusted real estate resource. Let’s start with a quick, no-pressure exploration call. We’ll see if we’re a good fit for each other and take it from there.
You can reach me anytime to schedule a chat.
Grant Leichtfuss
Ventura Realtor | Berkshire Hathaway
Your Local Expert in Buying and Selling Homes in Ventura, CA
