Questions to ask before you hire a realtor in Prince George

Most people hire the first agent they meet, usually because a friend recommended them or they happened to answer the phone. A short conversation up front tells you a lot, though, and the right questions sort out who actually knows the Prince George market from who just has a nice headshot. Here are the ones worth asking, and what a good answer sounds like.

How long have you worked in Prince George, and how many homes did you sell last year?

You are listening for someone active in this market right now, not someone who sold a handful of homes three years ago. A good answer comes with specifics and does not get defensive. The exact number matters less than whether they are genuinely working week to week.

Have you sold homes in my neighbourhood?

Prince George is a patchwork of distinct areas. An agent who has worked your neighbourhood can tell you what buyers there care about and what recent homes actually sold for. If they cannot speak to your area with any detail, take note of that.

How did you arrive at this price?

This is the most important one. A good agent walks you through recent comparable sales, what is currently competing with you, and the adjustments they made for your specific home. Be wary of a number with no reasoning behind it, especially a high one. Anyone can win a listing by quoting a price you want to hear, then walk it back with reductions a month later.

Exactly how will you market my home?

Most buyers see your home on a screen first, so the answer should start with professional photography and full MLS® exposure, then get into how they actually put it in front of people. Vague answers about marketing usually mean a sign on the lawn and not much else.

How and how often will I hear from you?

Silence is the number one complaint people have about agents. Get clear on how they communicate, how fast they respond, and whether you are dealing with them or an assistant. Setting that expectation now prevents most of the frustration later.

What do you see as the challenges with my home?

Every home has them. An agent who says yours is perfect is either not paying attention or telling you what you want to hear. You want someone who can name the honest weak spots and already has a plan for them.

What happens if it does not sell?

Not everything sells in the first three weeks. Ask what they would adjust, how often you will review the strategy together, and when they would suggest a price change. A real plan for the slow scenario is a good sign.

How do you handle negotiation and multiple offers?

The top number is not always the best offer once you weigh the deposit, the subjects, the closing date, and any repair requests. You want someone who thinks about the whole shape of a deal and can explain how they would protect you in a competing-offer situation.

Then talk to one or two more

Interview a couple of agents before you decide. Comparing their answers side by side makes the right fit clear in a way that one conversation never does. For the bigger-picture version of how to weigh them, I wrote that up in how to choose a real estate agent in Prince George.

If you would like to put these questions to me, get in touch. Ask the hard ones. I would rather earn your business with straight answers than a flattering price.