Interviewing listing agents can feel overwhelming. You want a fast, smooth sale and the best possible net, but it is hard to compare apples to apples. The right questions help you separate polished pitches from proven plans.
This guide gives you 11 smart questions tailored to East Hartford. You will know what to listen for, which follow-ups to ask, and what documents to request so you can verify claims. You will also find local resources to check permits, taxes, and licensing. Let’s dive in.
How to use this checklist
- Bring this list to each interview. Take notes on the agent’s answers and tone.
- Ask for documents during the meeting. A strong agent will have them ready or send them quickly.
- Compare side by side. Look for clear strategies, data-backed decisions, and examples from East Hartford or nearby Hartford County neighborhoods.
Pricing strategy and market analysis
1) What’s your pricing strategy and how did you arrive at my suggested list price?
- What to listen for: Recent solds from the last 90 days, pending comps, active inventory, list-to-sale ratios, days on market, and adjustments for features and updates. Avoid vague “price it high and see” answers.
- Follow-ups to ask:
- Can I see a written CMA with 3–5 nearby sold comps and any pending comps?
- Will you provide a seller net sheet at list price, 2 percent below, and 5 percent below so I can see my proceeds?
- Ask for proof: A written CMA from SmartMLS and a net sheet that outlines estimated fees and closing costs.
- Example response: “I recommend starting at $X based on three sold comps within 0.5–1 mile from the last 90 days, adjusted for size, beds/baths, and renovations. I’ll provide a CMA and a net sheet at list, 2 percent below, and 5 percent below.”
2) How will you handle pricing if we don’t get offers in the first 2–4 weeks?
- What to listen for: Specific timing, showings-to-offer metrics, days on market compared to the neighborhood, and a plan for a targeted relaunch if needed.
- Follow-ups to ask:
- Can you show an example of a past listing where you adjusted price and the outcome?
- What metrics will trigger a recommendation to adjust price?
- Ask for proof: Before-and-after days on market and final sale price examples.
- Example response: “If showings are below neighborhood norms or we see no offers by day 14–21, we will review feedback and consider a staged price adjustment with a targeted relaunch.”
Launch and marketing plan
3) What marketing channels and budget will you use to promote my listing?
- What to listen for: MLS plus syndication, professional photography, floor plans, 3D tours, targeted social ads, email to agent networks, print pieces, a broker open, and paid boosts tailored to 06108 and 06118.
- Follow-ups to ask:
- Can I see a written marketing plan and sample calendar?
- Do you have examples of ads, postcards, and social posts from East Hartford listings?
- Ask for proof: A marketing plan with channels, cadence, and a budget range for paid advertising.
- Example response: “Our plan includes pro photos, a Matterport tour, a floor plan, enhanced MLS remarks, targeted social ads to Hartford-area buyers, a broker email blast, and two weekend open houses.”
4) What staging or prep work do you recommend, and who pays for it?
- What to listen for: Specific, high-ROI updates like decluttering, neutral paint, light landscaping, and minor repairs, plus whether the agent offers a staging consult or partners with local vendors.
- Follow-ups to ask:
- Do you have before-and-after examples from East Hartford?
- What are typical costs and timelines for a 3-bed home?
- Ask for proof: A written prep checklist, vendor referrals, and estimated ROI per item.
- Example response: “Start with a staging consult. Low-cost wins often include neutral paint, landscaping touchups, and a deep clean. For full staging, we partner with local pros and build the scope around your goals.”
5) How will you prepare the listing to capture online attention?
- What to listen for: Professional photography, twilight shots, 3D or virtual tours, floor plans with measurements, and a copywritten description that is clear and accurate.
- Follow-ups to ask:
- Can I see a recent listing page and full photo gallery you produced?
- How fast can you deliver media after the shoot?
- Ask for proof: A sample listing page and media package from a recent Hartford County sale.
- Example response: “We use a pro photographer, add a floor plan and a 3D tour, and upload everything within 48–72 hours of going live.”
Showings, open houses, and safety
6) What’s your plan for open houses, showings, and safety?
- What to listen for: Broker open timing, weekend open houses, appointment-only showings, lockbox use, buyer pre-qualification, and a system for feedback.
- Follow-ups to ask:
- How do you handle visitor tracking and agent feedback after each showing?
- Will I receive weekly summaries of showings and comments?
- Ask for proof: A sample weekly feedback report and the written showing policy.
- Example response: “We hold a broker open before public open houses, schedule agent showings through the MLS service with a lockbox, and request pre-qualification or proof of funds. You will receive a weekly feedback report.”
Communication and negotiation
7) How do you communicate with sellers and what metrics will I see?
- What to listen for: Clear cadence, immediate notification of offers, and reporting on showings, online views, feedback, and market updates.
- Follow-ups to ask:
- Can I see a sample launch report and a weekly update?
- What is your response time by phone, text, and email?
- Ask for proof: A sample weekly seller report.
- Example response: “You will get a launch report within 48 hours, then weekly updates on showings, online activity, and feedback. Offers are communicated immediately.”
8) What are your fees, contract terms, and the length of your listing agreement?
- What to listen for: Total commission, buyer agent split, any up-front marketing fees, exclusive right-to-sell agreement, term length, and cancellation terms.
- Follow-ups to ask:
- Will you walk me through the listing agreement and any addenda?
- What happens if I need to end the agreement early?
- Ask for proof: A copy of the listing agreement with key clauses highlighted.
- Example response: “The commission is X percent with Y percent offered to the buyer’s agent. The typical term is about 90 days. Any optional marketing upgrades are itemized up front.”
9) What negotiation strategy will you use and who will handle offers?
- What to listen for: Offer comparison sheets that show net proceeds, buyer qualification checks, a plan for multiple offers, escalation clauses, inspection negotiations, and coordination with your attorney.
- Follow-ups to ask:
- Can you share anonymized examples of recent negotiations and inspection outcomes?
- How do you evaluate backup offers?
- Ask for proof: Redacted offer comparison samples and closing rate statistics where available.
- Example response: “We confirm buyer qualifications before presenting offers and provide a comparison of net, terms, contingencies, and timelines. We coordinate with your attorney on counters and inspection items.”
Local factors in East Hartford
10) What local factors could affect my sale?
- What to listen for: Neighborhood-level demand across East Hartford, commute access to I-84 and I-91, property tax trends, school district boundaries, flood zones near river areas, and any known municipal projects.
- Follow-ups to ask:
- Can you prepare a neighborhood snapshot with recent sales, average days on market, and list-to-sale ratio?
- Will you check permits and records for my property before we list?
- Ask for proof: A neighborhood market report and a quick permit history check.
- Where to verify:
- Use SmartMLS for precise comps and days on market. Review with your agent or request a printout.
- Check the Town of East Hartford Assessor for parcel data and tax info. Visit the Town of East Hartford Assessor.
- For permit questions, contact the East Hartford building and permit office.
- For broader regional trends, review Greater Hartford Association of REALTORS market reports.
Note on housing stock: Many East Hartford homes were built before 1978. Ask your agent and attorney about required disclosures, including lead paint forms, and how that may affect buyer expectations.
Proof of performance and references
11) What references and proof of performance can you provide?
- What to listen for: Three local references, recent East Hartford addresses sold, days on market, and case studies that show pricing decisions and outcomes.
- Follow-ups to ask:
- Can I contact two or three recent sellers in East Hartford?
- Will you share links to recent MLS listing pages and media?
- Ask for proof: A reference list and MLS printouts or links showing sold price and days on market.
- Example response: “We will provide three recent East Hartford seller references and MLS pages for recent sales, including sale price and days on market.”
Documents to request from every agent
- Written CMA with 3–5 nearby sold comps, plus pending and active competition.
- Seller net sheet at list, 2 percent below, and 5 percent below list price.
- Written marketing plan and sample calendar, plus sample ads and a recent full listing presentation.
- Staging or prep checklist with vendor referrals and example before-and-after photos.
- Sample weekly seller report and a showing feedback summary.
- Listing agreement with all addenda and cancellation language highlighted.
- References and recent MLS printouts with days on market and sold price.
How to verify claims and spot red flags
- Verify with documentation. Ask for CMAs, net sheets, marketing calendars, and sample listing pages.
- Cross-check recent sales, days on market, and list-to-sale ratio on MLS printouts or public records.
- Confirm licensing and any disciplinary history through the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection.
- Watch for red flags: Vague answers about pricing, pressure to sign long agreements without documentation, refusal to provide references, or “guaranteed” sale prices.
Local resources for East Hartford sellers
- SmartMLS for comps and trends: SmartMLS — ask your agent to share relevant reports.
- Regional market data: Greater Hartford Association of REALTORS.
- Property records and taxes: Town of East Hartford Assessor.
- Permits and inspections: East Hartford building and permit office.
- State real estate forms and guidance: Connecticut Association of REALTORS.
- Population and household data: U.S. Census QuickFacts.
Why presentation and process matter
In today’s market, buyers expect clean, move-in-ready presentation and accurate, rich listing media. Sellers who invest in prep and launch with a clear strategy see stronger engagement and better negotiating positions. Your agent should bring a repeatable process, professional staging and photography, and a data-driven plan for pricing and marketing.
If you want a streamlined, high-touch experience in East Hartford, our team’s approach focuses on preparation, presentation, and predictable steps from pricing to closing. When you are ready, we will help you compare options, build a plan, and move confidently.
Ready to talk strategy for your East Hartford sale? Connect with The Corrado Group to request a complimentary home valuation and a tailored listing plan.
FAQs
What should I ask an East Hartford listing agent about pricing?
- Ask for a written CMA with 3–5 recent sold comps, pending comps, and a seller net sheet at multiple price points to understand your potential proceeds.
How do showings and open houses typically work in East Hartford?
- Expect a broker open before public open houses, appointment-based showings via the MLS service, lockbox access for agents, and weekly feedback summaries from your agent.
Do Connecticut home sellers need an attorney at closing?
- In Connecticut, closings commonly involve attorneys and a title company; ask your agent how they coordinate with your attorney and the timeline for payoffs and prorations.
Who pays for home staging in East Hartford?
- It depends on your agreement and scope; many agents offer a staging consult and vendor referrals, while full-service staging is typically a separate cost with clear estimates.
How can I verify a listing agent’s Connecticut license?
- Check licensing and any disciplinary history through the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection website or ask your agent to provide their license number for confirmation.
