Homeownership remains the largest source of wealth for most Americans. According to a Realtor.com® analysis, a homeowner who purchased a single-family home between 2014 and 2024 likely built $204,000 in housing wealth. Every mortgage payment and repair adds to that equity, making it essential to have the right professional guiding your sale.

If you are preparing to sell your home, one of the most important decisions you can make is choosing the right real estate agent. Too often, sellers hire the first agent they meet or go with a recommendation from a friend, without asking key questions or comparing qualifications. This can lead to costly mistakes and missed opportunities.

Here’s why it pays to interview multiple agents and how to make smart comparisons when hiring.

Hiring the Wrong Agent Can Cost You Thousands

Selling a home is not just about sticking a sign in the yard and waiting for offers. It is a complex financial transaction that requires experience, strategy, and negotiation skills. Choosing the wrong agent can lead to two major issues:

1. You could underprice your home
An agent looking to close quickly might suggest a lower listing price, especially if they prioritize volume over value. Undervaluing your home even by 5% on a $400,000 sale could cost you $20,000 in equity.

2. You could give too much in concessions
Some agents may push for unnecessary repairs or price reductions to avoid losing a deal. That new roof or water heater you are asked to replace? Those can easily add thousands in seller costs. A strong listing agent will know how to navigate offers without giving up your profits.

How Many Agents Should You Interview?

Ideally, you should interview at least three agents. Speak with professionals from different brokerages and with varied experience levels. This gives you a wider range of perspectives on pricing, marketing, and negotiation. Each agent should provide a comparative market analysis (CMA), which you can review side by side to better understand the current market value of your home.

Spending a few hours interviewing can potentially lead to tens of thousands more at closing.

What to Ask When Comparing Real Estate Agents

Not all agents offer the same level of service, expertise, or commitment. When evaluating who to hire, focus on these key questions:

• What services are included in your commission?
• Do you provide staging, professional photography, and open house support?
• How will you market my home online and offline?
• How many listings are you currently managing?
• Will I work directly with you or someone else on your team?
• What challenges do you anticipate with selling my home?
• What is your pricing strategy based on the local market?

You are looking for someone who has the time, tools, and expertise to prioritize your home and maximize your return.

Don’t Just Look at Commission – Look at Value

The lowest commission does not always equal the best value. Some agents may charge less but offer limited services, while others may deliver premium marketing and negotiation support that justifies their rate. Make sure to understand what each agent offers in return for their fee.

If an agent is vague about what they will do or avoids discussing pricing strategies, that is a red flag.

Gauge Compatibility and Communication

Selling a home can take weeks or even months. You will likely communicate with your agent often, sometimes daily. Choose someone who listens, communicates clearly, and understands your goals. An agent you get along with professionally will make the entire process more manageable, and less stressful.

20 Questions to Ask When Interviewing Real Estate Agents

If you are not sure where to start, here are some strong questions to include in your interviews:

1. Are you a full-time agent?
2. How long have you been in residential real estate?
3. How many homes have you sold in my neighborhood in the past year?
4. How well do you know this area?
5. What is your pricing recommendation, and why?
6. What does your marketing strategy include?
7. How do you generate online exposure for listings?
8. What vendors do you regularly work with?
9. How will you keep me updated?
10. What is your typical response time to client questions?
11. Do you host open houses? Why or why not?
12. How many clients are you currently working with?
13. Can you walk me through your listing process?
14. What is your preferred method of communication?
15. What online platforms will my listing be featured on?
16. Will you be my primary contact throughout the sale?
17. How do you handle pricing objections from buyers?
18. Can you provide three recent client references?
19. Do you see any repairs I should complete before listing?
20. What would you do differently than the other agents I interview?

Keep your questions consistent so you can compare each agent’s approach side by side.

Interviewing Multiple Agents is the Smart Move

You are hiring someone to help sell one of your largest financial assets. The right agent will not only market your home effectively but will also negotiate on your behalf, guide you through inspections, and protect your equity. Most agents understand they are competing for your business and will expect you to interview others.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why should I interview more than one real estate agent?
A: Interviewing multiple agents helps you compare marketing strategies, pricing recommendations, experience, and communication style. It gives you the confidence to choose the professional who will best represent your interests and maximize your profit.

Q: How many real estate agents should I interview before hiring one?
A: It is recommended to interview at least three agents. Speaking with professionals from different brokerages and backgrounds will give you a well-rounded view of your options and help you make an informed decision.

Q: What are the risks of hiring the wrong agent?
A: Hiring the wrong agent can result in underpricing your home, losing money on buyer concessions, or having a listing that sits on the market too long. Poor representation can also lead to communication breakdowns and missed opportunities.

Q: What should I ask when interviewing real estate agents?
A: Ask about their experience, pricing strategy, marketing plan, local knowledge, and availability. Focus on open-ended questions that help you understand their approach and commitment. For example, ask how they would market your home and how they determine the right listing price.

Q: Does a lower commission rate mean a better deal?
A: Not always. A lower commission might come with fewer services or limited marketing. Focus on the value provided, not just the rate. A strong agent may help you earn more from the sale, even with a slightly higher commission.

Q: What is a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA), and why does it matter?
A: A CMA is a report prepared by an agent that shows recently sold homes similar to yours. It helps determine a competitive and realistic listing price. Comparing CMAs from multiple agents can help you assess whether their pricing strategy is accurate and aligned with current market conditions.

Q: Can I tell agents that I’m interviewing others?
A: Yes. Most agents expect sellers to compare options. Being transparent about your process ensures that everyone is on the same page and may even encourage agents to be more thorough in presenting their services.

Q: What are signs an agent might not be a good fit?
A: If an agent is too busy, lacks experience in your price range, seems unfamiliar with your neighborhood, or does not listen to your goals, those are red flags. You want someone who will prioritize your sale and advocate for your best interests.

Q: Should I work with a friend or family member who is an agent?
A: While working with someone you know might seem convenient, personal relationships can complicate business decisions. It is often better to hire a qualified professional based on expertise, not just personal connection.

Q: How can I tell if an agent is pricing my home too low just to sell it fast?
A: Compare pricing strategies across multiple agents, review their CMAs, and ask how they arrived at their recommended price. Be cautious of agents who cannot justify their figures or who suggest a price far below other professionals.

If you are thinking about selling your home in San Antonio or surrounding areas, schedule a consultation with Tami Price, Realtor. With more than 18 years of listing experience and a proven record of strong client advocacy, Tami brings market knowledge, negotiation skill, and personalized service to every transaction. Compare your options, and see why choosing the right agent makes all the difference.