Why asking the right questions matters when listing your home:

When you decide to sell your home, you’re not just handing over keys—you’re putting a major investment in someone else’s hands. That’s why choosing the right Realtor is critical. And if you’re considering the team at Kit Anstey Team (based in West Chester and the surrounding area), you’ll want to ensure you’re asking the questions that identify a truly professional partner.

Here’s a blog post you can use on the Kit Anstey Team website (or adapt for your newsletter/social media) titled:

“10 Questions to Ask Before You Hire a Realtor to List Your Home”

1. What’s your experience in my local market?

You want an agent (or team) who knows not just the region, but the neighborhood—pricing trends, buyer preferences, typical days-on-market. Kit Anstey, for example, has decades of experience in the Chester County/West Chester area.
Why it matters: Homes in the same town can have wildly different selling dynamics (school district, lot size, style). A local expert knows how to position your listing appropriately.

2. What is your marketing plan for my home?

Don’t just settle for “we’ll list it on the MLS.” Ask for specifics: professional photography, virtual tours, floor plans, staging guidance, targeted digital ads, open house strategy. According to Kit’s profile, his team emphasizes print media, digital marketing and personal mailings.
Tip: Ask for examples of past listings (especially those similar to yours) and what marketing techniques helped them sell.

3. How do you determine list price—and how flexible is that based on market feedback?

Pricing too high can lead to stagnation; too low and you leave money on the table. The right question: “What comparable homes have you sold recently in my specific neighborhood (or similar one) and at what price/timeframe?”
Bonus: Ask what happens if the market shifts mid-listing.

4. Who will actually be working on my file and how are communications handled?

Large teams (like the Kit Anstey Team) often delegate tasks—listing specialist, marketing coordinator, showing agent, closing coordinator.
Ask:

• Who is my primary point of contact?

• How often will I be updated? (Weekly? By phone/email?)

• How will feedback from showings be gathered and reported?
  Why: Clear communication avoids surprises and frustration.

5. What is your track record for homes like mine (style, price range, location)?

You want to hire someone who has proven they can sell homes comparable to yours—not just “we sell homes.” Kit’s team shows a broad price-range and many home sales in West Chester and surrounding areas.
Pro tip: Ask for number of homes sold in your price band, average days on market, and average sale price versus list price.

6. What costs will I incur as the seller—and what about your commission/fees?

Commission is often negotiable and varies by region, but you should know exactly what you’re paying for:

• Agent commission (listing + cooperative broker)

• Marketing expenses (are they covered by the agent/team or do they come out of your pocket?)

• Other seller costs (staging, inspection prep, repairs)
  Why: Transparent cost breakdowns help you budget and compare offers from different agents.

7. What is your negotiation strategy—how do you handle offers, multiple offers, and buyer contingencies?

A strong Realtor should have a proactive plan, not just let offers “come in.” Ask:

• How will you help evaluate offers beyond just price (terms, contingencies, timing)?

• In a multiple‐offer scenario, how do you advise clients?

• How do you protect my interests in inspections/appraisal contingencies?
  Why: Selling a home is more than accepting the highest offer—it’s about terms, timeframe and risk.

8. How will you help me prepare my home for listing (repairs, staging, timing)?

Preparation can impact how quickly your home sells and at what price. Ask:

• Do you provide a “listing checklist”?

• Will you walk through the home and point out improvements or staging ideas?

• Are there recommended vendors (cleaning, photographers, stagers) that you work with?
  Kit’s team mentions attention to detail in print media, digital marketing and personal mailings—implying a strong prep & marketing backbone. Fox & Roach REALTORS®
  Tip: Be realistic about cost vs. return—some improvements pay off more than others.

9. What happens if things don’t go as planned?

For example: not enough showings, offers below expectations, or you need to withdraw from the market. Ask:

• Is there a minimum listing period?

• What if we don’t get an offer within the expected time?

• How flexible are you if I change my mind or need to adjust pricing?
  Having clear expectations and exit strategies keeps you in control.

10. Can you provide references (past sellers) I can talk to?

Talking directly to past clients gives you real-world insight into the agent/team’s performance. Ask for 2-3 recent sellers in your area and price range.
Why: Published stats and awards are great, but peer feedback tells you how this team works day-to-day.

Final thoughts

Selling your home is a major life milestone. By asking these 10 questions, you’ll go beyond surface impressions and really dig into how the Realtor will manage your sale, protect your interests, and strive for the best outcome. When you sit down with the Kit Anstey Team (or any listing professional), you’ll be armed with the right questions—and you’ll be able to choose with confidence.

If you’d like, I can also help craft a printable “Buyer/Seller Interview Checklist” tailored to the Kit Anstey Team’s services—would you like that?

 👉 Connect with The Kit Anstey Team today and turn your real estate goals into reality.