What You Should Ask a Real Estate Agent as a Seller in Southern Maryland?

The minute you even think about selling, your brain starts firing off questions: “How much can I get? How long will it take? What do I have to fix?” Underneath all of that is the big one: “What should I be asking an agent before I trust them with this?”  

Those are exactly the questions you should bring to your first meeting. The way an agent answers them will tell you a lot about how your sale is likely to go.

 “What can I realistically sell my home for?”

Make “realistically” your keyword. Ask the agent to walk you through recent, hyper‑local sales that truly compare to your home’s style, size, condition, and location—not just the highest number in the zip code. You want a pricing strategy, not a flattering guess.

 “How long do homes like mine usually take to sell?”

Time your expectations by asking how long similar homes in your part of Southern Maryland have been taking to go under contract. A good agent will talk about seasonal patterns, competition, and current buyer demand, so you are planning around what is actually happening—not what you hope will happen.

 “What should I do (and not do) to get ready?”

Ask for a prioritized prep list, not a vague “just make it look nice.” You want to know which fixes, updates, and tweaks will actually move the needle for buyers in your price range—and what is not worth the time or money. The right guidance here can save you both.

 “What happens if my home doesn’t sell right away?”

This question will show you how proactive an agent really is. Ask how they track feedback and showings, and what their plan is if activity is slower than expected. You should hear something more specific than “we wait and see.”

 People also ask

“Do I need to move out to sell?”  

Not necessarily. Many homes sell beautifully while occupied, especially when they are selectively decluttered and staged.

“Is it okay to interview more than one agent?”  

Yes—and you probably should. Talking to more than one person makes it very clear who understands your goals and who just wants to get a sign in your yard.

If you are thinking about selling and want clear answers, an honest pricing strategy, and a plan that feels doable, connect with Amanda Holmes to talk through your next steps.