5 Questions to Ask Before You List Your Home with Any Agent

Thinking about selling your home in Chicago? Choosing the right real estate agent is a big deal—don’t just go with the first one who says they “know the market.” Before signing any listing agreement, here are five must-ask questions to make sure your agent is truly up to the task.

1. What’s Your Strategy for My Neighborhood?
Chicago is a city of micro-markets, and pricing or marketing a home in Lincoln Park is not the same as selling in Avondale. Ask how the agent tailors their plan to your area. At Heart of Chicago Homes, we specialize in local, neighborhood-specific data that informs everything from listing price to promotion channels.

2. How Will You Market My Property?
Online visibility, social media, professional photography, and targeted ads are now table stakes. A good agent should show you a full marketing plan—ask for examples of how they’ve marketed recent listings. Our news blog often highlights trends and approaches we use to help listings stand out in a competitive market.

3. Can You Explain the Costs Upfront?
Commission isn’t the only cost to consider. Ask about staging, repairs, closing fees, and how the agent helps you manage those expenses. You may even want to explore alternate options, like getting a cash offer if speed and convenience are your priorities.

4. How Will You Communicate With Me?
If your agent’s plan is to "check in weekly," that may not cut it. You want someone who is proactive, responsive, and ready to adjust the strategy as needed. One red flag? A vague answer about updates.

5. Can You Back Up the Price You’re Suggesting?
Overpromising on price can delay your sale and lead to painful price drops later. A good agent will base their recommended price on real market data, not flattery. You can also get a free home value estimate to compare their opinion with actual trends.

Still researching? The National Association of REALTORS® offers helpful tips on working with agents. And sites like Zillow and Redfin offer tools to gauge market timing and pricing.

👉Ready to Sell Your Chicago Home? Get a Free Market Analysis!
Selling your home can be a smooth process with the right strategy. We provide a free home value report and connect sellers with qualified buyers.
📍 Request your free market analysis at HeartOfChicagoHomes.com or call/text (312) 361-8288.