5 Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Listing Agent

Choosing a listing agent is one of the highest-stakes decisions in your sale. The right agent can mean tens of thousands of dollars in your pocket; the wrong one can cost you months of stress. Before you sign a listing agreement, ask these five questions – and listen carefully to the answers.

1. What is your track record in my neighbourhood and price range?

General experience matters less than local, relevant results. Ask how many homes the agent has sold in your neighbourhood in the past year, at what price points, and what their sale-to-list ratio looks like. An agent who dominates Burnaby condos may not be the best choice for your Dunbar detached home. Ask for recent sold examples, not just active listings.

2. How will you price my home – and why?

Beware the agent who simply agrees with the highest number you mention. That is called buying the listing, and it usually ends in a price reduction. A strong agent shows you a comparative market analysis of recent solds, explains the pricing strategy, and is honest when your expectations need adjusting.

3. What is your marketing plan for my property?

Putting a home on the MLS is not a marketing plan by itself. Expect professional photography – non-negotiable in 2026 – plus floor plans, a compelling listing description, targeted online promotion, social media exposure and proactive outreach to buyer agents. Ask how the agent handles showings and open houses, and how quickly you will hear feedback.

4. How will we communicate, and how often?

Selling is stressful enough without chasing your agent for updates. Agree upfront on communication style: weekly calls? Same-day showing feedback? Text or email? Also ask who actually does the work – the agent you meet, or a junior team member you have never spoken to.

5. What are your fees, contract length and cancellation terms?

Commission structures vary, and in BC they are negotiable. Understand exactly what you will pay, when, and what services are included: staging advice, photography, advertising costs. Check the listing agreement’s term and expiry – and whether you can cancel if the relationship is not working. Everything should be in writing before the sign goes up.

Interview at least two or three agents before deciding. The best choice is not always the biggest name or the lowest commission – it is the professional whose local results, strategy and communication style give you confidence. Your home deserves nothing less.