Before You Sell: Key Questions to Ask a Real Estate Agent

Selling a home is one of the biggest financial decisions most people will make, and experienced real estate agents know that the smoothest, most successful sales usually come from good preparation well before the property is listed.

We spoke with one of our experienced sales agents at Fitzpatricks, Lazetta Gaffney, about the key questions sellers should be asking their agent before starting the selling process, and how taking the time to ask these can help make the whole experience smoother and more successful.

Here are the questions that really make a difference.

What’s happening in my local market right now?

The market you sold in five years ago may not be the market you’re selling in today.

Before listing your home, ask your agent: “What’s happening in the local market right now, and how does it affect my property?”

Also ask things like:

• Are homes in your area selling quickly?
• Are buyers cautious?
• What types of properties are performing best?

In a market like Wagga Wagga, conditions can vary significantly between suburbs, price brackets, and property styles. A home in one part of town may attract strong competition, while another may require a very different strategy.

Lazetta Gaffney says:

The Wagga market is currently going through a change, so having strong local knowledge is key. Working with an agent who is honest and provides the facts will help you make informed decisions when listing your property.

Understanding the current market helps you have more realistic and confident conversations with your agent.

What is my property realistically worth?

This is often one of the hardest conversations to have, but one of the most important.

Instead of guessing, ask your agent: “What do you believe my property is realistically worth in today’s market?”

It’s natural to have emotional attachment to your home, especially if you’ve lived there for many years or invested in improvements. However, the market value is determined by buyer demand, not sentiment.

Online estimates can be a starting point, but they don’t tell the full story. Factors like presentation, location, comparable sales, and current demand all influence price.

Lazetta Gaffney says:

I believe in being honest about pricing from the beginning, rather than overpricing a property just to secure the listing. Pricing a home correctly helps avoid the property sitting on the market and requiring multiple price reductions, which can ultimately affect the strength of the marketing campaign and buyer interest.

Setting expectations early helps create a smoother, less stressful sales process.

Are you the right real estate agent for me?

Not every agent works the same way, and that’s a good thing.

Before deciding who to work with, ask: “Are you the right agent for me, and how will you approach selling my home?”

You might also ask:

• How often will I receive updates?
• How do you communicate with your clients?
• What is your negotiation strategy?
• What kind of sales strategy will you use for my property?

Different sellers want different things, some prefer constant communication, while others want a more hands-off experience. The key is finding the right fit.

Lazetta Gaffney says:

Having a trustworthy agent who is honest and provides constant feedback on how the property is being received in the market is essential. Some conversations can be tough, but they need to be had to ensure the best possible outcome for your sale.

Clarity early on leads to a much better experience for everyone involved.

What documents and approvals should I have ready before I sell?

Before your home hits the market, ask your agent: “What documents or approvals do I need to have ready before selling?”

Many sellers overlook paperwork until the last minute, which can cause delays later in the process.

If you’ve made changes to the property, it’s important to confirm whether council approvals and documentation are in place. This may include renovations, extensions, sheds, or pools.

Helpful documents to prepare include:

• Council approvals
• Rates notices
• Floor plans
• Warranties
• Any renovation or building records

Lazetta Gaffney says:

We have seen many cases lately where sales are taking weeks to exchange contracts due to council approvals and compliance matters not being completed. Being upfront and addressing these issues early helps make the entire sale process much more seamless.

Small paperwork issues can sometimes create larger delays during a sale, so being prepared early can save time and reduce complications later in the process.

Preparation makes all the difference

The best sales usually start long before a property officially hits the market.

By asking your agent the right questions early, you’ll gain clearer expectations, better preparation, and greater confidence throughout the process.

A good agent will guide you every step of the way, but the smoother the preparation, the smoother the sale.

If you’re thinking about selling or simply want an understanding of what your property is worth, our team is always here to help. Request your free appraisal today at fitzpatricks.au/appraisal.