Think Twice Before You List: Why the Right Real Estate Agent Matters
A reader recently reached out to share their frustrating experience selling their home, and I believe it’s a scenario worth unpacking because it highlights important lessons for anyone preparing to sell. This scenario is also why it might be time to fire your real estate agent.
This family had decided to leave the bustle of a large city for the quieter feel of suburbia, moving about an hour away. They had a great experience working with a real estate agent recommended by a friend. After interviewing her and another agent, they selected her to help them buy their new home. The process went smoothly and they were thrilled with their new place.
Once they moved in, they turned their attention to selling their old home. Since they were already carrying two mortgages, time was money. They listed the property with the same agent who had just helped them buy. Unfortunately, that’s where the good experience ended.
Five weeks went by with only one showing. The agent wasn’t offering much guidance. When they handed off the keys, they noticed she took listing photos with her phone. The photos were poorly lit and oddly framed. It looked more like she was photographing furniture than rooms. The description of the home was also barebones. It barely covered the basics like bedroom and bathroom count, and had no narrative about the home or the neighborhood.
This is why they reached out to me. They were stuck with a stale listing and were wondering what to do next and their friends started asking them if “it was time to fire your real estate agent”.
My First Question: Did You Interview Listing Agents?
The answer was no. They had a relationship with the agent, so they didn’t think it was necessary. This is a common misstep. Buying and selling are two very different specialties. Just because someone is a great buyer’s agent does not mean they are skilled at selling homes. You should always interview listing agents even if you already know and trust someone. You may find that different agents bring different strengths to the table, and some are more experienced in pricing, prepping, and marketing a home.
Second: Local Expertise Really Matters
The agent who helped them buy their new home worked in their new area, not the one they were leaving. That’s a big deal. She was now an hour away from the house she was trying to sell. Does she know the school district boundaries? The grocery store everyone shops at? The cut-through traffic patterns or the weekend farmers market?
When I was actively selling, I rarely took a listing more than 30 minutes from my office. That’s because I couldn’t properly service a home if I didn’t have micro-local knowledge. You deserve an agent who knows your neighborhood like the back of their hand and is physically close enough to meet photographers, install signage, or attend every showing if needed.
Third: Pricing Requires Data, Not Guesswork
I asked how they arrived at the listing price. They told me they picked a number and the agent agreed. No market analysis was provided. That’s another red flag. Pricing a home correctly requires a detailed look at recent sales, neighborhood trends, and current competition. You should expect a listing agent to walk you through all of that before setting a price.
Fourth: What’s the Marketing Plan?
When I asked if they discussed a marketing plan before listing, the answer was again no. They assumed because they had worked with this agent before, she would handle it all. The truth is, marketing a home is one of the most important things a listing agent does. You need someone who brings a professional photographer, writes compelling listing copy, creates a digital advertising strategy, and has a game plan to get your home in front of the right buyers.
My Advice to Them
I told them it was probably time to fire your real estate agent. I encouraged them to interview two or three local agents who specialize in their old neighborhood. I connected them with professionals I know and trust. A new agent should provide a full comparative market analysis, explain how they would price the home, and outline exactly what they will do to get it sold.
While they may have lost some time, they are now on the right path to correcting course and getting their home sold.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to real estate, relationships matter. But expertise matters even more. Always interview listing agents. Choose someone with hyper-local knowledge. Make sure they can price with precision and market with intention.
If you’re unsure whether your listing agent is the right fit or want a second opinion, feel free to reach out. I’m happy to connect you with trusted professionals in your area so you can make an informed decision and get your home sold for the best price possible.
