What to Look for When Hiring a Listing Agent (And Why It Matters)
Selling your home is a big decision—and who you hire to represent you can make or break your experience. If I were in your shoes interviewing listing agents, I wouldn’t just go with someone I know or someone who “seems nice.” I’d look for a smart marketer, a strong communicator, and someone with a clear plan from day one to closing.
Here’s exactly what I’d look for if I were hiring a real estate agent to list my home:
1. Don’t Hire Someone Just Because You Know Them
This happens all the time—and it’s usually a mistake. Just because someone is a family friend or a neighbor doesn’t mean they’re the right person to sell your most valuable asset. Selling a home takes strategy, experience, and market knowledge. You need someone who has the tools to do it well, not just someone doing you a favor.
Do your homework. Interview a few agents. Look at how they market their listings. Ask tough questions. You deserve a professional—not just someone you happen to know.
2. Local Knowledge or a Willingness to Learn It Fast
Your agent doesn’t need to live in the neighborhood, but they should take time to learn the area, the buyer pool, and what makes your home stand out. I’ve sold homes all over Central Ohio—including Westerville, Gahanna, and luxury communities like Highland Lakes—even when I wasn’t familiar with the area at first.
The key? Doing the work. I research schools, walkability, amenities, and neighborhood trends so I can position every listing the right way.
3. A Real Marketing Plan That’s Built for Today’s Buyer
Most buyers start online. If your home isn’t marketed well there, you’re missing the mark. I’d expect any listing agent I hired to present a full plan that includes:
-
Professional photos and video tours
-
Staging support or recommendations
-
Custom brochures or digital guides
-
Targeted social media marketing (especially Instagram and Facebook)
-
YouTube visibility and SEO-optimized listings
-
Email campaigns and paid ad reach
For example, I use lifestyle-driven videos to highlight the feel of a home—not just its square footage. These videos walk buyers through the home and the neighborhood so they can picture their life there.
If your agent’s “marketing plan” is just a sign in the yard and some MLS photos, keep looking.
4. A Modern Approach to Selling Homes
Buyers today are browsing on phones, scrolling through Instagram, and watching videos on YouTube. That’s where your listing needs to show up. Some agents dabble in social media. I use it strategically—with SEO, video, and paid campaigns to put listings in front of the right buyers.
I treat every listing like a mini brand launch. No shortcuts. No copy-paste templates. Every home gets a custom plan built to get attention and attract strong offers.
5. Experience in Your Price Point and Market
You want someone who knows how to market and sell homes like yours. Whether it’s a starter home in Gahanna or a luxury home in Sorrento at Highland Lakes, pricing, marketing, and negotiating all need to match the level of the property.
Ask your agent:
-
How many homes have you sold in this area or price range?
-
What did your last few listings sell for?
-
How many days were they on the market?
6. Strong Communication (Without the Runaround)
Selling your home comes with questions—and sometimes stress. You want an agent who picks up the phone, responds quickly, and keeps you in the loop. I keep my clients informed from the first consultation through closing day, so they’re never left wondering what’s going on.
7. Data-Backed Pricing Strategy
Your agent should arrive with a detailed market analysis and a clear reason behind the list price they suggest. I walk sellers through recent sales, local trends, buyer behavior, and online activity. Pricing too high means you sit. Pricing too low means you leave money on the table. Strategy matters.
8. Negotiation Skills and Calm Under Pressure
Getting an offer is great. Getting through inspections, appraisal, and final negotiations is where experience matters. Ask how your agent handles tough negotiations or multiple offer situations. You want someone who’s steady, strategic, and focused on protecting your bottom line.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right agent means trusting someone to guide you through a major transaction. It’s not just about listing a home—it’s about positioning it to sell for the best possible price with the least amount of stress.
If you’re looking for someone who creates high-quality marketing, uses lifestyle video to attract attention, and treats every listing like a top priority, I’d love to connect.
🔍 Curious what your home is worth in today’s Columbus market?
▶ Request your free home value estimate
📬 Want neighborhood market updates sent straight to your inbox?
▶ Sign up here
📅 Or book a time to chat:
▶ Schedule a discovery session
🌐 Visit my website: www.Luxehometeam.com
📸 Preview my marketing style on Instagram
