5 Must-Ask Questions Before Hiring a Real Estate Agent (And the Answers You Actually Want to Hear!)

Kelly Hamilton • March 28, 2022

Wait! Don’t Hire That Agent Yet…


Choosing the right real estate agent can be overwhelming. One meeting after another, pushy sales pitches, and the stress of making the best decision—it’s a lot! But what if you knew exactly what to ask and what answers to expect before sitting through another interview?

Before you commit to an agent, make sure you’re asking the right questions. The wrong agent can cost you time, money, and frustration. The right agent? They can help you maximize your home’s value, attract the best buyers, and make the process smooth and stress-free.

Here are five essential questions every home seller should ask before hiring an agent—and the answers you should expect to hear.


1. Preparation: How will you help me get my home ready to sell for top dollar?

✅ Answer You Want to Hear: “I follow a strategic prep plan, including professional staging, decluttering, and minor repairs, to ensure your home is in top shape before hitting the market.”

⚠ Red Flag: “Just clean it up, and I’ll list it as-is.”

📊 Why This Matters: Homes that are staged sell 73% faster and for up to 10% more than unstaged homes (National Association of Realtors).

🔥 Follow-Up Question:

  • Do you provide a professional cleaner, stager, or pre-listing inspection?
  • Can you walk me through your step-by-step preparation process?


2. Marketing: How will you market my home beyond the MLS?

✅ Answer You Want to Hear: “I use a mix of professional photography, targeted digital ads, email marketing, and social media campaigns to attract serious buyers and generate competition.”

⚠ Red Flag: “I put it on the MLS and wait for buyers.”

📊 Why This Matters: Listings with professional photos get 118% more online views, and homes marketed with a strong digital presence sell faster and for more money.

🔥 Follow-Up Question:

  • Can you show me examples of past marketing plans?
  • What’s your strategy for attracting out-of-town buyers?


3. Negotiation: How do you ensure I get top dollar and avoid costly mistakes?

✅ Answer You Want to Hear: “I use data-driven pricing, strategic counteroffers, and strong negotiation tactics to maximize your profit and protect your bottom line.”

⚠ Red Flag: “I’ll get you any offer and let you decide.”

📊 Why This Matters: The right negotiation strategy can add 1-3% to a home’s final sale price, potentially putting thousands more in your pocket.

🔥 Follow-Up Question:

  • Can you share a story where your negotiation strategy saved a seller thousands?
  • How do you handle lowball offers?


4. Closing Process: How will you ensure a smooth, stress-free closing?

✅ Answer You Want to Hear: “I proactively handle inspections, appraisals, and paperwork while keeping you informed every step of the way.”

⚠ Red Flag: “That’s the title company’s job.”

📊 Why This Matters: 32% of deals fall through due to financing, inspections, or contingencies—having a strong agent who can navigate these issues is critical.

🔥 Follow-Up Question:

  • What’s your process for keeping deals from falling apart?
  • How do you manage unexpected inspection issues?


5. The Team: Who do you work with to make the selling process easier for me?

✅ Answer You Want to Hear: “I have a trusted network of cleaners, stagers, movers, and contractors to take the stress off you and ensure your home is market-ready.”

⚠ Red Flag: “You’ll have to find those people yourself.”

📊 Why This Matters: 50% of sellers end up making unexpected repairs—having access to a trusted network can save time and money.

🔥 Follow-Up Question:

  • Do you offer pre-listing services like deep cleaning, window washing, or handyman repairs?
  • Can you recommend movers or storage solutions if needed?


Want to See Exactly How I’d Help You Sell?

Asking these five questions will save you time, stress, and potential headaches when choosing the right agent. But wouldn’t it be even easier if you could see exactly how a top-tier real estate professional would handle your sale—without sitting through a pushy sales pitch?

I’ve created a free, no-pressure Listing Overview Video (LOV) that walks you through my step-by-step strategy for preparing, marketing, negotiating, and closing your home sale. You’ll see exactly how my team and I work to get you top dollar—without the uncomfortable in-person meeting.

📩 Click here to request your free video today!

Declutter & Deep Clean: The 2 Simple Secrets to Sell Your Home Faster and for More Money

By Jeff Hardy • May 28, 2025
When preparing to sell a home, many homeowners think they need to make expensive upgrades—new flooring, a kitchen remodel, or even a full repaint. But the truth is, these costly improvements often don’t deliver the return on investment sellers hope for. What does? Two things: decluttering and deep cleaning. These simple, affordable actions are consistently the highest ROI projects a seller can do, and they can dramatically increase both your home's value and appeal.

The 5 Secrets to Selling Your Home for Top Dollar

By Jeff Hardy • March 25, 2025
Selling your home for the highest possible price isn't just about putting a sign in the yard and waiting for offers. Strategic preparation, marketing, and negotiation are key. Here are five secrets that can help you maximize your home’s value and get the best terms possible when selling. The 5 Secrets: Secret #1: The Power of Staging First impressions matter. A well-staged home can make a lasting impact on buyers and drive up the final sale price. According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), 58% of buyers’ agents reported that home staging affected buyers’ perceptions, while 23% stated that staging led to higher offers—sometimes by as much as 5% over asking price (NAR). Professional staging highlights your home's best features, making it feel move-in ready and helping buyers emotionally connect to the space. Secret #2: Professional Photos & Video Matter Many agents snap a few pictures with their phones and call it a day, but high-quality photography and video can make a huge difference. Listings with professional photography sell 32% faster than those without, and homes marketed with high-quality images can sell for up to $11,000 more (Redfin). 3D interactive tours and video walkthroughs further enhance a listing’s appeal, giving remote buyers a better perspective of the home and increasing engagement on listing platforms. Secret #3: Paid Advertising for Maximum Exposure Most agents rely on the MLS and syndicated sites like Zillow and Realtor.com to market a listing, but paid advertising takes your home’s exposure to the next level. Facebook, Instagram, and Google Ads allow sellers to target specific demographics, ensuring their listing is seen by the right buyers. According to ListerPros, paid ads can generate 3-5x more interest than organic listings alone ( ListerPros ). Additionally, tracking ad performance provides valuable market feedback, helping determine if a price adjustment is necessary. Secret #4: Hiring a Skilled Negotiator Many believe that the toughest negotiator wins, but successful real estate negotiations require a balance of firmness and compromise. An experienced agent knows when to push for better terms and when to offer flexibility to keep the deal moving forward. A top negotiator can save sellers thousands by structuring deals that avoid unnecessary concessions while still closing smoothly. As HomeLight notes, skilled agents help sellers secure the best terms and navigate complex negotiations successfully ( HomeLight ). Secret #5: Pricing Your Home Strategically Pricing is one of the most debated topics in real estate. Some believe in pricing competitively from the start, but there’s another approach—starting high and adjusting based on market feedback. Pricing within 3% of a home’s actual value ensures you don’t lose serious buyers while still leaving room to negotiate. Market feedback from showings and online engagement can help pinpoint the best price. A study by Mark Hughes Coaching suggests that adjusting price based on early market response can help maximize final sale value ( Mark Hughes Coaching ). Final Thoughts Selling your home for top dollar requires more than just listing it and hoping for the best. Staging, professional photography, strategic marketing, expert negotiation, and smart pricing all play crucial roles. By implementing these five secrets, you can ensure your home attracts the right buyers, generates strong offers, and ultimately sells for the highest price possible. If you're thinking about selling, let's talk about how I would recommend you implement these strategies into your home sale!
ranch style home with for sale sign out front

Act Now: 3 Steps to Guarantee Top Dollar for Your Home This Spring

By Mike Lloyd • February 13, 2025
Are you thinking about selling your home this spring or summer? While warmer months may seem far away, the smartest sellers start preparing now. The steps you take today can set you up for a smoother, more profitable sale when the market heats up. Here are 3 key steps to ensure you sell for top dollar in the spring market: 1. Decide: Sell As-Is or Make Updates? One of the biggest questions homeowners face is: “ Should I sell my home as-is or invest in upgrades? ” The truth? Not all renovations pay off. Many sellers spend money on improvements they think buyers will love, only to find that new owners redo everything anyway. For example, I recently worked with a seller who owned a well-maintained but slightly outdated home. He considered making upgrades, but instead, we focused on maximizing its potential without major renovations : ✅ Lawn makeover for instant curb appeal ✅ Professional cleaning for a spotless interior ✅ Window washing to brighten the space ✅ Staging to highlight the home’s best features ✅ High-quality photos to attract buyers online The result? His home sold for $25,000 over the appraised value —without unnecessary expenses or delays. Key takeaway : Before spending a dime on repairs, consult with an expert. A skilled agent can help you determine what’s worth doing—and what’s not. 2. Hire an Agent—Before You Think You Need One Many homeowners wait until they’re “ready” to list before hiring an agent. Big mistake . A great agent can add value long before your home hits the market by: ✔ Recommending only the most valuable updates (if any) ✔ Connecting you with trusted contractors who may offer deferred payment until closing ✔ Providing professional cleaning, staging, and marketing—often included in their commission For instance, my client didn’t pay upfront for staging, cleaning, or professional photography. It was part of my service—and it helped him net thousands more on his sale. When interviewing agents, ask what’s included. The right agent can save you time, money, and stress . 3. Set a Listing Date & “Catch the Wave” In Utah, spring and early summer (March–July) are the hottest months for real estate . Home values rise, buyer demand peaks, and competition drives up prices. Even with new construction, Utah’s housing market still has a shortage —meaning well-prepared homes are selling fast and for top dollar. If you’re planning to sell and buy , timing is even more critical. Selling early in the market’s upswing means your next home will also gain equity faster . Think of it like surfing —you want to catch the wave at the right time . A skilled agent will help you time your sale perfectly for maximum profit . Ready to See What This Means for YOUR Home? You now know the 3 key steps to prepare for the spring market. But every home is different—and making the right moves now can mean thousands more in your pocket when you sell. Get Your FREE Personalized Home Selling Strategy! ✔ A custom plan outlining what your home needs to sell for top dollar ✔ Clear next steps to maximize your home’s value ✔ No pressure, no obligation - just expert insights It’s easy! Fill out this quick form with a few details about your home, and I’ll send you a tailored strategy to help you make the most of this spring market. 👉 Click Here to Get Your Personalized Strategy Now!
modern and high end office with couches and chairs

How to Take Advantage of the Spring Real Estate Market

By Kelly Hamilton • February 6, 2025
Are you thinking about selling your home this spring or summer? While it might seem like the warmer months are still far away, now is the perfect time to start preparing. The groundwork you lay during the winter can set you up for a smooth, successful sale when the market heats up. Let’s talk about some of the biggest questions homeowners face when planning to sell—and how to address them effectively. 1. Should You Make Repairs or Sell As-Is? One of the first questions many homeowners ask is, “Should I update or sell my home as it is?” Here’s the truth: Not all updates are worth the time or money. Too often, sellers pour resources into renovations they think buyers will love, only to find out the new owners plan to rip them out and start fresh. For example, I recently worked with a client who owned a vacant home. It was well-maintained but a bit dated. He was tempted to make upgrades, but together, we decided to sell it as-is. Instead of costly renovations, we focused on maximizing the home’s potential in its current condition. Here’s what we did: Lawn makeover to improve curb appeal. Professional cleaning to make the home spotless. Window washing to brighten the interior. Staging to highlight the space. High-quality photos to attract buyers online. The result? His home sold for $25,000 over the appraised value—and he avoided unnecessary expenses and delays. The key takeaway? Before you spend a dime on repairs, consult with an expert. A knowledgeable agent can help you decide what’s worth doing and what’s better left as-is. 2. Is It Worth Hiring an Agent? Many homeowners hesitate to hire an agent until they’re “ready” to list their home. But waiting too long is a missed opportunity. A good agent can add value long before your home hits the market by: Helping you decide what (if any) updates or repairs to make. Connecting you with reliable contractors and services—some of whom may offer deferred payment until after the sale. Providing resources like cleaning, staging, and marketing as part of their commission. For instance, the services I provided for my client—staging, cleaning, and professional photography—were included in my listing fee. He didn’t pay a dime upfront, and those investments paid off big time. When interviewing an agent, ask about the services they offer and what’s included. A proactive agent can save you time, money, and stress. 3. Is Now the Right Time to Sell? The Utah real estate market is strongest in the spring and early summer. From March to July, home values typically see the most appreciation, and buyer demand is at its peak. Why? Utah has a housing shortage, with far more buyers than available homes. Even with the surge in new construction, we’re still tens of thousands of homes short. This strong demand keeps home values rising, making now an excellent time to sell. If you’re planning to buy another home after selling, this is especially important. Selling during the early months of market appreciation means your new home will also gain equity. A skilled agent can help you strategize the timing of your sale and purchase to maximize your financial gain. Think of it like surfing: You need to catch the wave at the right time, and an experienced agent is your guide to spotting that wave. Ready to Start Planning? Selling your home is a big decision, and the sooner you start planning, the better positioned you’ll be to take advantage of the spring market. To help you get started, schedule a call and we can walk through the steps you need to take to make the most of the Spring selling season In this consultation, you’ll learn: How to decide whether to make repairs or sell as-is. What to expect from current market conditions. Tips for choosing the right agent and understanding their value. Click here to schedule a call and get actionable insights to make your home-selling journey a success. Let’s make this spring the season you achieve your real estate goals!