Open House Etiquette
Dusty Rhodes • November 14, 2022
Have you ever been out for a Sunday drive, saw an “open house” sign, and decided to pop in for a look, even though you weren’t planning to buy? If so, you aren’t alone. Open houses tend to attract not only potential buyers, but also curious neighbors, those seeking decorating ideas for their own homes, and area real estate agents.
An open house may seem antiquated in the age of virtual tours, but there’s still something about seeing a house in person. You can peek in the closets, get a feel for the neighborhood, and see if the back yard is actually as large as it looks online. By visiting open houses, you can get a feel for the market casually at your own pace, so it’s a great way for new home buyers to get a sense of what they like and don’t like before they reach out to a real estate agent. If you’re a seller, an open house is a great way to create a buzz. The more eyes on your home the better. You never know when a curious neighbor will decide your house would be perfect for them or someone they know.
Despite the benefits of open houses, they can be a little awkward. For buyers, you don’t quite know what you can and can’t do since it’s still someone else’s house. For sellers, it can be difficult having strangers walking through your house, peeking in your closets. Unless attending open houses is how you spend your weekends, you probably haven’t been to enough to know what’s expected and what might be frowned upon.
Open House Etiquette for Home Buyers
While there aren’t any rules for open houses, there are some generally accepted things you should and shouldn’t do. Here are some things home buyers should keep in mind:
- Unless there’s a sign stating otherwise, you don’t have to knock. While it may feel wrong to walk into someone else’s house unannounced, you aren’t supposed to ring the doorbell or knock when going to an open house. Just walk right in. If you don’t see the listing agent right away, you can call out a greeting to get their attention.
- It’s fine to examine house features, but not personal items. Yes, you can look inside the closets. After all, how else will you know if there’s enough space for your sneaker collection? Same goes for the pantry and garage. You want to make sure the spaces are adequate. However, don’t go through dresser drawers or look inside the refrigerator. Remember: people still live there, so try not to invade their privacy.
- Leave food and drink behind. For a lot of people, coffee is essential, especially in the morning. But consider what could happen if someone bumps into you or you trip on the corner of a rug. You don’t want to be sopping up spilled coffee from someone else’s carpet or worse, off their white sofa. Many homeowners will provide finger foods and snacks for guests at the open house. It’s fine to take what’s offered but stay in the area where the food is provided while eating so you aren’t leaving a trail of crumbs through the house.
- Try not to sit on the furniture. Maybe you’re tired after a long morning of open houses, or maybe your significant other is still wandering around and you just want a comfortable place to wait. While it’s tempting to flop down on the sofa, it might not be real! If the house is staged, there’s a good chance the furniture is made from cardboard. Staging furniture looks deceptively real, so if you must sit, test it out first and make sure it’s actually a sofa.
- Don’t use the bathroom. When planning your day of open house visits, be sure to schedule in a stop at a café or other place where you can use the facilities. You don’t want to find yourself in a situation where you need to use the bathroom in someone’s house. If the house has been empty, the water might not even be turned on, and you don’t want to find yourself in that situation. Also, there are other people trying to look at the house, as well, including the bathroom. If you’re in there for any length of time, it could make everyone uncomfortable. If you absolutely must go, make sure you ask first (to avoid the whole “no water” situation).
- Wait your turn. If other people are viewing a room, wait for them to leave before you enter. This allows everyone to see the space unimpeded.
- Leave young kids at home. The house likely isn’t childproofed, which means furniture could tip over or breakables might be within reach of tiny hands. Young children are easily overwhelmed, especially when they’re in a strange place, which could lead to them acting out or running around. This could lead to an unpleasant situation for everyone, including you, so try to find a sitter. If you can’t, bring someone along to help you manage the kids.
- Leave your dog at home, too. Unless it’s a service animal, leave your pet at home when touring open houses. Even though you might want to make sure your dog likes the back yard, an unfamiliar place where strangers are coming and going will likely stress your dog out and make other visitors uncomfortable. Besides, some people are allergic. If you must know if your dog likes the house, wait for a private viewing, get permission from the seller, and only do this with homes you’re seriously considering.
- Be careful what you say. You don’t know who’s listening, so don’t be overly critical of the house as you tour, and don’t criticize the homeowner’s taste in décor or style. On the flip side, don’t gush about how much you adore the house and how it’s perfect for you. If you do, the seller could leverage that information to their advantage when you submit an offer. Stay neutral and save your comments for the ride home.
Open House Etiquette for Sellers
- Clean, then clean a little more. This is your home’s time to shine, so make sure it sparkles. Remember: people will be looking in cabinets and closets, so make sure these spaces are cleaned and organized, as well.
- Put away personal items. The more “you” that’s in the home, the less buyers will be able to imagine themselves living there. Put personal photos, pet supplies, and collections away. While you’re at it, hide your valuables or remove them from the house. There will be strangers in your home, and while they’ll likely be trustworthy, it isn’t worth the risk of having a valuable item turn up missing.
- Leave the house. Let your real estate agent handle the showing of the house. You want buyers to imagine themselves living there, and they can’t do that with you there. Leave for the day and stay away until the open house is over.
- Take your pets with you. Don’t leave your pets in the house. First, the door will be opened a lot and your pet could get out. Second, if you keep your pet secured in a room with the door closed, buyers won’t be able to view the room, which isn’t ideal. And third, having a bunch of strangers wandering through the home might be stressful for your pet, even if they’re crated. Take your pet with you when you leave or find a pet-sitter to watch them for the day.
- Keep the driveway and street clear. Visitors will need a convenient place to park, so make sure the driveway and street in front of your house is clear of vehicles.
- Invite the neighbors. Let everyone know you’ll be having an open house well in advance. This is helpful in a variety of ways. First, they’ll know to expect extra traffic and cars on that day so it won’t catch them unaware. They’ll be less likely to complain about people milling around the neighborhood. And if you make them aware of your open house, perhaps they won’t choose that day to cut down trees or host a garage sale. If they come to the open house, they can share their knowledge of the neighborhood with potential buyers and make them feel welcome.
- View the open house as your grand reveal. Typically, the open house is held soon after you put your home on the market, so it’s like a debut. You can learn a lot from your open house. This valuable information can help you sell your home faster if you use it to your advantage. Consider setting out comment cards for guests to fill out before they leave. This will provide you with instant feedback about your home and what people are thinking so you can make any necessary changes or adjustments while it’s still early in the process.
Open houses are still a great tool for buyers, sellers, and agents. While they have the potential to be awkward, knowing what to expect and some basic etiquette will help make the event a success for everyone involved.
Source: Homes.com
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Walking into a house showing can be exciting. You may immediately start picturing where your furniture will go, imagining your morning coffee on the back patio, or thinking about how quickly you could make the house your own. But before you fall in love with a property, it is important to slow down and ask the right questions. A house showing is more than an opportunity to look at the kitchen, bedrooms, and backyard. It is your chance to gather information that may help you determine whether the home is actually a good fit—and whether there could be expensive surprises waiting after you move in. As a real estate agent, I recommend that buyers come prepared with questions. You do not need to ask every question at every showing, but knowing what to look for can help you compare homes and make a much more informed decision. Here are the most important questions to ask at a house showing. 1. Why Is the Seller Moving? This is one of the first questions I recommend asking. The answer may tell you something about the seller's situation and potentially the property itself. Maybe the sellers are relocating for work. Perhaps they are downsizing, moving closer to family, or simply ready for a change. There may not be anything wrong with the house at all. However, if the seller is moving because of a problem with the neighborhood, recurring property issues, excessive maintenance, or something else that isn't immediately obvious, it is useful information to know. Your real estate agent may also be able to provide additional context about the seller's motivation. 2. How Long Has the House Been on the Market? Ask how long the home has been listed and whether it has been on the market previously. A house that has been sitting for several months isn't automatically a bad house. There could be many explanations, including pricing, seasonality, buyer demand, or a previous contract that fell apart. Still, extended time on the market can be a reason to ask additional questions. You may also want to ask: Has the price been reduced? Has the property gone under contract before? If so, why did the contract fall through? Has the home been listed with another agent previously? The answers can give you useful negotiating and due-diligence information. 3. How Much Are the Property Taxes? Property taxes are an important part of your monthly housing costs. Don't simply look at the current owner's tax bill and assume your taxes will be exactly the same. Depending on the location and circumstances, taxes can change after a sale or reassessment. Ask your real estate agent to help you understand the current property taxes and estimate what your taxes could look like after purchasing the home. This is especially important when comparing homes in different neighborhoods or communities. 4. How Much Is the HOA Fee? If the home is located in an HOA community, ask about the HOA fee and exactly what it covers. An HOA fee can vary dramatically from one community to another. Ask: How much is the current HOA fee? What does the fee include? Are there separate amenity or community fees? How often can the HOA increase dues? Are there any pending special assessments? Are there rental restrictions? Are there restrictions on pets, vehicles, or exterior modifications? A home with a seemingly attractive price can become considerably more expensive if it comes with substantial HOA fees or upcoming assessments. 5. Are There Any Special Assessments? This deserves its own question. A special assessment is an additional charge imposed by an HOA or condominium association for a specific expense, such as major repairs, infrastructure improvements, roofs, or other community projects. If you're buying a condo or a home in an HOA community, ask whether any special assessments are currently pending or have recently been approved. This can be particularly important in coastal areas where properties and communities may face significant maintenance expenses. 6. How Old Is the Roof? The roof is one of the biggest potential expenses associated with owning a home. Ask when the roof was installed and whether there are records documenting the work. A newer roof may provide peace of mind, while an older roof doesn't necessarily mean you should walk away. It simply means you should understand its remaining useful life and potential replacement cost. During your inspection, have the inspector take a close look at the roof and related components. 7. How Old Are the HVAC Systems? Ask about the age and maintenance history of the heating and air-conditioning systems. In a warm climate like the Myrtle Beach area, air conditioning is particularly important. Questions worth asking include: How old is the HVAC system? Has it been serviced regularly? Has it ever needed major repairs? Is there more than one HVAC system? Are there warranties that transfer to the buyer? Replacing an HVAC system can be a significant expense, so knowing its age can help you plan ahead. 8. How Old Is the Water Heater? Water heaters don't last forever. Ask how old the water heater is, whether it has been serviced, and whether the seller has experienced any leaks or problems. Also look around the water heater for signs of previous water damage or corrosion. Again, an older water heater isn't necessarily a deal breaker. It is simply something to factor into your ownership costs. 9. Have There Been Any Major Repairs or Renovations? Ask the seller or listing agent about major improvements made to the property. You may want to know about: New roofing HVAC replacement Plumbing work Electrical upgrades Kitchen renovations Bathroom renovations Window replacement Foundation or structural work Water intrusion repairs Additions or conversions Whenever possible, ask whether permits were obtained and whether documentation is available. A beautiful renovation is great—but you want to know that the work was done properly. 10. Have There Ever Been Any Water Intrusion or Flooding Issues? This is a particularly important question for buyers in coastal areas. Ask whether the property has ever experienced flooding, water intrusion, roof leaks, drainage problems, or other moisture-related issues. Don't stop at asking whether the house has "flooded." Water problems can take many forms. Look for signs such as: Musty odors Discoloration Fresh paint in isolated areas Stained ceilings Warped flooring Damaged baseboards Cracks or deterioration around windows Your home inspection should investigate potential problems further. 11. What Is the Flood Zone? If you're buying near the coast, ask about the property's flood zone and whether flood insurance is required or recommended. Even if flood insurance isn't required by your lender, you may still want to consider whether purchasing coverage makes sense. Your real estate agent can help you locate the appropriate flood-zone information, but insurance questions should ultimately be discussed with an insurance professional. 12. How Much Is Homeowners Insurance? Don't wait until you're under contract to find out whether the home is expensive to insure. Ask for an estimate before getting too far into the process. This is particularly important for properties in coastal areas where wind, hail, flood, and other coverage can affect your total housing costs. A home that looks affordable based on the mortgage payment alone could have considerably higher carrying costs once insurance, taxes, HOA fees, and utilities are included. 13. What Are the Average Utility Costs? Ask whether the seller can provide an idea of typical utility expenses. Consider asking about: Electricity Natural gas Water Sewer Trash Internet Utility costs can vary depending on the season and how the home is occupied, so treat these numbers as estimates rather than guarantees. Still, they can be helpful when comparing homes. 14. What Stays With the House? Don't assume everything you see is included in the sale. Ask about appliances, fixtures, outdoor equipment, furniture, and other items that may or may not convey. For example: Refrigerator Washer and dryer Garage refrigerator Outdoor television Mounted televisions Curtains and rods Security systems Smart-home equipment Outdoor furniture Shed Generator Your purchase contract should ultimately specify what is included, but asking during the showing can prevent confusion later. 15. Are There Any Known Problems With the House? Sometimes the best question is the most direct one: "Is there anything about this house that you think a buyer should know?" Ask the listing agent whether there are any known defects, recurring maintenance problems, neighborhood issues, or other concerns. Your agent can also help you determine what questions should be asked based on what you observe during the showing. Remember, the seller's disclosures and your inspection are extremely important. A showing is not a substitute for professional due diligence. 16. Have There Been Any Insurance Claims? Ask whether there have been previous insurance claims involving the property. Depending on the situation, claims could involve things such as: Roof damage Water damage Storm damage Fire Plumbing issues Mold A history of claims doesn't automatically make a property a bad purchase, but it can give you additional information to investigate. 17. How Old Are the Windows and Doors? Windows and exterior doors can have a meaningful impact on energy efficiency, maintenance, and storm protection. Ask when they were installed and whether they have been replaced or upgraded. For coastal properties, you may also want to ask whether windows and doors have hurricane or impact ratings. 18. What Is the Neighborhood Like? You're not just buying a house. You're buying the location around it. Ask your agent about: Traffic Noise Nearby development Schools Shopping Restaurants Commute times Flooding Future construction Neighborhood amenities And don't rely exclusively on what someone tells you. Drive through the neighborhood at different times of day and, if possible, on a weekend. A neighborhood can feel very different at 10 a.m. on a Tuesday than it does at 8 p.m. on a Saturday. 19. Are There Any Planned Developments Nearby? This is an often-overlooked question. Ask whether there are plans for new homes, commercial development, roads, apartments, hotels, or other major projects nearby. The vacant lot behind the house may not stay vacant forever. Future development could be positive—or it could change the view, traffic, noise level, or overall character of the neighborhood. 20. How Are the Neighbors? Your real estate agent may not be able to answer every question about your potential neighbors, but it is still worth paying attention to the surrounding properties. Look at: Property maintenance Parking Noise Outdoor activity Nearby construction Shared driveways or boundaries You can also visit the neighborhood on your own and talk with residents if you're comfortable doing so. 21. Is There Anything Unusual About the Property? Ask whether there are any easements, shared driveways, boundary issues, access agreements, leased equipment, or other unusual circumstances associated with the property. These things aren't necessarily problems—but you want to know about them before purchasing. For example, an easement could affect where you can build a fence, add a structure, or make other improvements. 22. What Are the Seller's Preferred Closing and Move-Out Dates? If you're serious about the house, ask about the seller's preferred timeline. Their ideal closing date may affect your offer and negotiations. For example, they may need additional time to purchase another home, or they may be ready to move quickly. Understanding their timeline can sometimes help your offer stand out without necessarily increasing the purchase price. 23. What Is the Seller's Asking Price Based On? This is a conversation I'd have with your real estate agent rather than simply asking the seller. Your agent should be able to explain how the asking price compares with recent comparable sales and competing properties. Don't just ask, "Is this house worth the asking price?" Ask: "What do the comparable sales tell us about this home's value?" That's a much more useful question. 24. Are There Any Rental Restrictions? If you're purchasing a property that you may eventually rent out, ask about rental restrictions before making an offer. This is particularly important for condos, townhomes, and HOA communities. Find out: Are short-term rentals allowed? Are long-term rentals allowed? Is there a minimum lease period? Is there a rental cap? Is there a waiting list? Are there restrictions on the number of rental properties? Don't assume that because another property in the community is being rented, you will automatically be allowed to do the same. 25. What Should I Be Looking for During the Showing? Finally, ask your real estate agent this question: "If this were your house, what would you be paying attention to?" A good agent shouldn't simply unlock the door and let you walk around. They should help you notice things you might overlook, such as: Signs of water intrusion Drainage issues Age and condition of major systems Unusual odors Cracks Deferred maintenance Location concerns HOA considerations Resale factors Your agent isn't a replacement for a licensed home inspector, contractor, insurance professional, or other specialist. But an experienced local agent can help you know which questions deserve further investigation. The Most Important Questions to Ask at a House Showing If you don't want to carry a list of 25 questions around with you, start with these ten: Why is the seller moving? How long has the house been on the market? Has it been under contract before? If so, why did it fall through? How old are the roof and HVAC system? Have there been any water, flooding, or insurance issues? How much are the property taxes and HOA fees? Are there any upcoming HOA special assessments? What major repairs or renovations have been completed? Are there any rental restrictions? What concerns do you see with this property that I should investigate further? These questions won't tell you everything you need to know about a house—but they'll help you move beyond the surface-level details. Don't Let a Beautiful House Distract You From the Important Details It's easy to fall in love with a house because of the kitchen, the flooring, the backyard, or the view. But buying a home is one of the biggest financial decisions most people will make. The goal of a house showing isn't simply to decide whether you like the property. It's to gather enough information to determine whether the property deserves a closer look. If you find a house you love, that's when the real due diligence begins. Review the seller disclosures, analyze comparable sales, investigate insurance and property taxes, research the neighborhood, review HOA documents when applicable, and have a professional home inspection performed. The right questions can save you from making the wrong purchase. Looking at Homes in the Myrtle Beach Area? If you're searching for a home in Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, Carolina Forest, Murrells Inlet, or anywhere along the Grand Strand, having a local real estate agent who understands the market can make a big difference. After nearly a decade in the Myrtle Beach real estate business, I've seen firsthand that buying a home isn't just about finding a property you like. It's about understanding the property, the neighborhood, the numbers, and the potential issues before you commit. If you're getting ready to start looking at homes, I'd be happy to help you understand what to look for, what questions to ask, and what you should investigate before making an offer.
I've had a lot of people ask me over the years, "How Do I Choose the Right Real Estate Agent for My Home Sale?" As a Myrtle Beach-area Realtor with 10+ years of experience, here are the questions I get asked frequently and my responses. 1. What have you learned about selling homes that you wish you knew when you first started? The biggest thing I’ve learned is that selling a house is not the same thing as putting a house on the market. When I first started, I probably put too much emphasis on getting the listing, getting it in the MLS, and getting people through the door. After more than 10 years in the business, I understand that the real job starts after the listing agreement is signed. You have to know how to price the property correctly, position it against the competition, identify problems before they become deal-killers, interpret showing feedback, negotiate effectively, and recognize when the original strategy isn't working. I've also learned that every seller and every property is different. There isn't one magic marketing plan or pricing formula that works for everyone. A good agent needs to be able to adapt. And probably most importantly, you need an agent who will tell you the truth, even when it's not what you want to hear. Sometimes that means telling a seller their house is overpriced. Sometimes it means telling them they need to make repairs. Sometimes it means telling them to accept an offer they aren't thrilled about because it's the best offer they're likely to get. I'd rather have an uncomfortable conversation with a client today than let them lose months and thousands of dollars because nobody was willing to be honest with them. 2. What should homeowners look for when interviewing agents? I'd look at experience, local knowledge, communication, marketing strategy, negotiation skills, and honesty. But I wouldn't necessarily choose the agent with the most sales, the biggest team, or the highest listing price. One of the biggest mistakes sellers make is interviewing three agents and choosing the one who tells them their house is worth the most. That's not necessarily the agent who will get them the most money. I'd ask each agent: How did you arrive at this recommended listing price? What properties are we competing against? What is your marketing plan beyond the MLS? How often will you communicate with me? What happens if we don't get showings? What happens if we get showings but no offers? How do you handle inspections and appraisal issues? How do you negotiate multiple offers? What happens if the first contract falls apart? The agent should have thoughtful answers—not just a sales pitch. 3. What's your philosophy on pricing? Price is a strategy, not a wish. I completely understand why sellers want to get the highest possible price for their home. It's usually one of the largest financial transactions they'll ever make. But the market doesn't care what a seller needs to get out of the house or what they believe it's worth. Buyers are comparing your property against everything else available to them. One of the worst things an agent can do is intentionally overprice a property just to win the listing. If comparable homes are selling for $400,000 and an agent tells you, "We can definitely get $450,000," you should ask them to prove it. Sometimes you can price slightly above the most recent comparable sales because of improvements, location, condition, or market momentum. But there needs to be a reason behind the number. The first few weeks on the market are extremely important. If a home is overpriced, you can lose the buyers who would have been most interested in it when it first hits the market. Eventually, the listing starts accumulating days on market, buyers begin wondering what's wrong with it, and the seller ends up making price reductions anyway. I'd rather price a home correctly from the beginning than chase the market downward for six months. 4. What do you actually do to market a listing? Putting a property in the MLS is the starting point, not the marketing plan. My approach is to make sure the property is presented correctly before we ever start marketing it. That means looking at condition, presentation, pricing, photography, description, and how the property compares to its competition. Then I want the property exposed where potential buyers are actually looking. That can include professional photography, video, social media, online advertising, email marketing, agent-to-agent exposure, open houses when appropriate, and targeted marketing depending on the property. But there's another part of marketing that gets overlooked: positioning. If you're selling a condo, a second home, an investment property, or a primary residence, the person most likely to buy it may be completely different. You don't market an oceanfront investment condo the same way you market a single-family home in Carolina Forest. After more than 10 years in the business, I've learned that good marketing isn't about doing the most things. It's about doing the right things for the property and the likely buyer. 5. What should sellers expect from their agent when it comes to communication? Your agent shouldn't disappear after putting a lockbox on your door. I believe sellers should know what's happening with their property throughout the process. That means communicating showing activity, sharing relevant feedback, discussing market changes, reviewing competing listings, and having honest conversations about what we're seeing. But communication isn't just about answering the phone. It's about proactively communicating. If we're getting 15 showings and no offers, that's information. If we're getting almost no showings, that's information too. If three competing homes just reduced their prices, that's something we need to discuss. I also think sellers should know how their agent prefers to communicate. Some people want a phone call; others prefer text or email. Whatever the preference, the important thing is that the seller doesn't have to constantly chase their agent down to find out what's happening. 6. Tell me about a time your negotiation or problem-solving skills made a difference. One thing I've learned over the years is that getting a property under contract is only half the job. I've had transactions where everything looked great when the offer was accepted, and then something came up during inspections, appraisal, financing, title work, or another part of the transaction. That's where experience matters. A less experienced agent may see a problem and immediately think, "We're going to lose the deal." An experienced agent starts asking, "What are our options?" Can we renegotiate? Can we find another solution? Can we bring in the right professional? Can we change the timeline? Is the problem actually as serious as it initially appears? I've learned not to panic when something unexpected happens. Real estate transactions rarely go exactly according to plan. My job is to keep the transaction moving while protecting my client's interests. 7. Tell me about a difficult listing that ultimately sold. I've had listings that took much longer to sell than anyone wanted and deals that fell apart after everyone thought we were headed to closing. Those are frustrating—but they're also some of the transactions where you learn the most. I've had a property go through multiple contracts that didn't make it to closing. At that point, the easy answer would have been to blame the buyers, the market, or everyone else involved. Instead, you have to step back and ask: What can we control? Is the price right? Is the property being presented properly? Are we attracting the right buyers? Is there something about the property that needs to be addressed? Are there terms we could structure differently? Eventually, persistence and adjusting the strategy paid off and the property sold. That's one of the biggest lessons I would give a seller: don't confuse activity with progress. A property can have showings, open houses, online views and even multiple offers and still not be moving toward a successful closing. The goal isn't simply to get a contract. The goal is to get you successfully to the closing table. 8. What makes the Myrtle Beach/Grand Strand market different? The Grand Strand isn't one market. That's something I think is incredibly important for sellers to understand. Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, Carolina Forest, Surfside Beach, Murrells Inlet, Conway, and the surrounding areas all have different types of properties, buyers, price points, communities, and market dynamics. And within those areas, you can have completely different markets. An oceanfront condo is different from an inland single-family home. A second home is different from a primary residence. An investment property is different from a home being purchased by a local family. There are also factors that buyers in this market pay particularly close attention to, including HOA fees, rental restrictions, insurance, flood considerations, property condition, amenities, rental income potential, and proximity to the beach. That's why I believe local experience matters. You don't just want someone who has a real estate license and can put your house in the MLS. You want someone who understands what buyers are looking for in your specific part of the Grand Strand. 9. What are the biggest red flags when interviewing an agent? The biggest one? An agent who tells you exactly what you want to hear. If three agents tell you your house is worth $425,000 and one agent tells you it's worth $500,000, don't automatically assume the $500,000 agent is the best one. Ask them to show you the evidence. Another red flag is an agent who spends the entire presentation talking about themselves but barely asks you questions. I want to know why you're selling, your timeline, what you're hoping to accomplish, what concerns you have, and what is important to you. I'd also be cautious of agents who make huge promises about how quickly they'll sell your house or how much money they'll get you without explaining how they're going to do it. And finally, pay attention to what happens before you even hire them. If an agent is difficult to reach, late to appointments, unprepared, or doesn't follow through during the listing presentation, don't assume they'll suddenly become highly responsive once you sign the paperwork. How an agent treats you before getting your business can be a pretty good indication of how they'll treat you after they get it. 10. If you were interviewing agents to sell your own home, what would you ask? I'd probably ask five questions: 1. "What would you price my house at, and why?" I want to understand the reasoning—not just hear a number. 2. "What is your actual marketing plan?" Not "We'll put it everywhere." I want specifics. 3. "What happens if it doesn't sell?" This tells me whether the agent has an actual strategy for adjusting when something isn't working. 4. "Tell me about a difficult transaction you've handled." I don't want to hear about the easy ones. I want to know what they do when things go wrong. 5. "What do you think I need to know that I don't want to hear?" That last question might be the most important. I want an agent who is willing to tell me the truth. After more than 10 years in real estate, I've realized that the best agent isn't necessarily the person with the flashiest presentation or the highest suggested listing price. It's the person who understands the market, knows how to create a strategy, communicates with you, negotiates when it matters, solves problems when they arise, and has the experience to know what to do when the transaction doesn't go according to plan.
