Home Seller’s Checklist: 10 Must-Ask Questions Before Hiring an Agent

Home Seller’s Checklist: 10 Must-Ask Questions Before Hiring an Agent

Protect your profit, peace of mind, and property by getting the answers to these make-or-break questions before signing anything. At Coastline Properties We Will Gladly Answer Each & Every One Of Them!!

  1. How Will You Price My Home Accurately for Today’s Market?
    Pricing too high means it sits. Too low, and you lose money. Ask your agent:
  • What local data will you use to determine my list price?
  • Do you provide a comparative market analysis (CMA)?
  • How do you factor in upgrades or unique features?
  1. What Is Your Marketing Strategy Beyond the MLS?
    Marketing makes the sale. Don’t settle for “post and pray.” Ask:
  • Do you use professional photography and video?
  • Will you market through social media, email, or targeted ads?
  • How will you make my home stand out from similar listings?
  1. What’s Your Track Record With Homes Like Mine?
    You want experience that matches your property type and price point. Ask:
  • How many homes have you sold in this area recently?
  • What was the average time on market and sale-to-list ratio?
  • Can you provide recent client references?
  1. Who Handles the Showings and Communication?
    Clarity prevents stress and missed opportunities. Ask:
  • Will you be my main point of contact from start to finish?
  • How do you handle showing requests and follow-ups?
  • Do you provide real-time updates or weekly check-ins?
  1. What Are the Hidden Costs or Commission Expectations?
    Don’t get blindsided by fine print. Ask:
  • What is your total commission, and is it negotiable?
  • Are there any upfront or out-of-pocket costs for staging or marketing?
  • Do you offer flexible listing agreements?
  1. How Will You Help Me Prepare My Home for Sale?
    Presentation is profit. Ask:
  • Will you advise on repairs or improvements with the best ROI?
  • Do you provide access to staging, photography, or handyman services?
  • Can you help me prioritize what matters most to buyers?
  1. How Do You Screen and Negotiate With Buyers?
    Not every offer is a good one. Ask:
  • How do you verify buyer qualifications?
  • What’s your approach to handling multiple offers?
  • How do you protect my bottom line in negotiations?
  1. What Happens If My Home Doesn’t Sell?
    You need a plan B. Ask:
  • How often will you review and adjust our strategy?
  • What’s your policy on contract cancellation or extensions?
  • Will you re-evaluate pricing and marketing after a set time?
  1. What Technology Do You Use to Streamline the Process?
    Tech saves time and stress. Ask:
  • Do you offer electronic document signing and digital updates?
  • Can I track showings, feedback, or offer activity online?
  • Are virtual tours or remote closing options available?
  1. How Will You Guide Me Through Inspection, Appraisal, and Closing?
    The sale isn’t over after the offer. Ask:
  • What’s your process for handling inspections or repair requests?
  • How do you handle low appraisals or closing delays?
  • Will you coordinate with the title company and lenders?

 

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Cheri represented us on the purchase and close of our home to an area we were new to. She was very knowledgable and helped us to get settled along the way. Pleasure to work with! Very well respected in her field of work.~ Koena T.
Coastline Properties is a very qualified Real Estate Agency in Corpus Christi, TX. They have great knowledge of the market, are proficient and very personable. I Have recommended several clients to them with like results.~ John L. Sullivan
Recently I asked my 10 closest friends who they would vote for as North Padre Island''s top Realtor; emphatically every single one of them came back and said "Cheri Sperling." This is why I trust Coastline Properties for all my real estate transactions.~ Alex K.
Absolute Best Corpus Christi Realtor!! Cheri Sperling from Coastline Properties came to our rescue, and we finalized the deal that closed on 04/09/12. Her impeccable communication skills helped us to truly create a win/win transaction. Her patience, commitment to people’s feelings and knowledge of Real Estate Law make her an outstanding Realtor. After dealing with a horrible Commercial Realtor trying to sell our business building that just wasn't going anywhere. We called Cheri, today I feel so blessed with the deal that she helped us negotiate. Thank You for everything Cheri....you are THE BEST!~ Astoria Properties, LLC
It is with our utmost privilege we endorse Coastline Properties! We have known Cheri Sperling for at least 15+ years. As a real estate professional and dear mutual friend! Thanks to Cheri we have been avoided many costly mistakes, in connection with the various houses she has shown us over the years. Her expertise and valuable advice, has prevented us numerous unnecessary expenses that could have had traumatic lasting affects!~ William & Norma Twijnstra
In the 37 years that I have lived in Corpus Christi, I have been involved in the purchase or sale of Real Estate 16 times. In the last three, my wife and I have been represented by Cheri Sperling of Coastline Properties. I highly recommend Cheri Sperling and feel she is the finest realtor I have ever had the pleasure of dealing with. She is knowledgeable, honest, energetic and dependable. Not only does Cheri know all of the ins and outs of the local real estate market and the applicable rules and regulations, she is willing to always go the extra mile to make the deal work and take the burden off of her client in the process. If I ever find myself in another real estate transaction in the future, I will make every effort to have Cheri Sperling represent me.~ Michael O’Reilly, P.C.
Cheri, Thank You for visiting with me this morning. I learn much from you. It is always so pleasant to walk into Coastline as I am always warmly greeted, the office is very inviting and full of helpful information for your clients. I am grateful for you putting 14318 Caribe Dr. on your calendar for October 9. I am excited about you and the agents seeing every nook and cranny that this amazing home has to offer.Have a great weekend..~ Mary Melick Real Estate
Cheri, We will always have fond memories of our time in Corpus Christi and our relocation experience because of you. You have done an outstanding job not only in buying and selling our house but throughout the entire relocation process creating a seamless transition. If we ever return to the Corpus Christi area, we know who to call. Thank you so much!~ Ken, Padre Islander
Thanks to Tara Gallaspy for doing such a great job on our recent home sale! It was nice to leave the job in such a capable person's hands and not have to worry about the myriad of details that take place in order to finalize a sale. Our house had a contract one week from listing, and the closing went off early without a hitch. Tara also went above and beyond between those two events. I would never hesitate to recommend her to a friend.~ Shannon Trial, Padre Islander