Questions You Should Ask

Ask for relevant closed sales, current competition and a clear explanation of adjustments for condition, location, layout and lot. A useful pricing discussion includes a defensible range and a launch strategy. The highest suggested asking price is not proof of the strongest plan.

Look for examples with similar property type, location and price range. Ask whether the agent represented the seller, the buyer or both, and what they handled personally. A team’s overall production is useful context; relevant experience explains how it may help your sale.

Ask the agent to separate repairs, presentation improvements and optional renovations. Request a practical order of priorities, estimated costs and the reason for each recommendation. Start with condition, cleaning and first impressions before committing to a large project that may not fit your timeline or likely buyer.

Ask for the photography plan, listing presentation, property description, online distribution, showing process and follow-up. Discuss whether video, floor plans or other materials suit your home. A useful plan explains the purpose and timing of each element, along with which services are included and which cost extra.

Agree on the main contact, preferred communication method and a reasonable update schedule. Ask who covers showings, offers and deadlines when that person is unavailable. You should know how feedback reaches you and how urgent decisions will be handled before the listing goes live.

Ask how the agent evaluates financing, deposits, contingencies, appraisal exposure, requested credits and settlement timing. A larger offer can come with tradeoffs. Request a side-by-side explanation of the likely net proceeds and the practical risks so you can make an informed decision.

Ask which signals the agent will review: showing activity, buyer feedback, competing listings and new closed sales. Discuss when you will reassess price, presentation or access. The response should be a review process tied to evidence, rather than an automatic price cut or a promise to wait indefinitely.

Request a written explanation of brokerage compensation, included services and other expected selling costs. Brokerage compensation is negotiable. Ask for a seller net sheet that also considers mortgage payoff, transfer taxes, settlement charges, credits and agreed repairs. Estimates should be updated as your terms become clearer.

Review the agreement’s duration, services, compensation, exclusivity, any protection period and the process for ending or changing the relationship. Ask about situations that could create a fee obligation after the agreement ends. Get unclear terms explained before signing and seek legal advice when needed.

Ask who tracks contract deadlines, coordinates access and helps you evaluate inspection or appraisal requests. Discuss how proposed changes are documented and approved. An agent should help you understand your options within the contract and coordinate with the lender, settlement company and other professionals as appropriate.

Ask the agent to explain the agency relationship, their duties and how potential conflicts are handled. Understand what changes if the brokerage or agent also represents the seller. Review the applicable disclosures and agreements before sharing negotiating priorities or making an offer.

Review services, duration, geographic scope, exclusivity, compensation and termination terms. Ask when the agreement must be in place and how it applies to homes you find yourself. These terms should be understandable and agreed upon before you begin working together under the agreement.

Ask for a clear explanation of the agreed compensation and possible payment sources. Brokerage compensation is negotiable. Do not assume the seller will pay it. Discuss how any seller contribution or other permitted arrangement would affect your cash needs, subject to the agreement, contract and lender requirements.

Ask for relevant examples and how the agent researches municipality, school assignment, taxes, association obligations and local sale patterns. In Central Pennsylvania, a Hershey, Hummelstown or Palmyra mailing address does not establish all of those details. Expect property-specific verification rather than broad assurances.

Ask for comparable sales and current competition, with attention to condition, size, property type, lot and location. A price-per-square-foot figure alone is rarely enough. The agent should explain the evidence, the uncertainty and how your offer fits both the market and your budget.

Discuss seller disclosures, visible condition, major systems, flood information, utilities and association documents. Ask when qualified inspectors or other specialists should be involved. An agent’s observations can guide further investigation; they do not replace inspections, technical evaluations or independent verification.

Ask the agent to explain price, timing, deposit, financing and contingency options individually. Understand what protection each term provides and what you risk by changing it. Your comfort with the payment, cash commitment and potential downside should guide the offer, even in a competitive situation.

Clarify who attends showings, who writes and explains offers, and who covers the agent when unavailable. Discuss your schedule and communication preferences. If you are relocating, ask how live video tours, document review and inspection access will work while you are out of the area.

Ask how the agent would map financing, listing, offer, settlement and possession dates. Explore what happens if one transaction is delayed and which options your lender permits. A workable plan includes contingencies and backup housing arrangements appropriate to your circumstances.

Ask who tracks deadlines and coordinates inspections, lender requests, title work, the final walkthrough and settlement. Find out how unexpected findings or delays are communicated. You should understand what the team handles, which decisions remain yours and which questions belong with a specialist.

Write down your desired timing, next destination, financial priorities and any constraints. A retirement move, relocation, downsizing decision or purchase of another home may call for different sequencing. A clear goal helps you evaluate offers and preparation choices against what matters most to you.

Start with a realistic sale-price range and subtract estimated mortgage payoff, selling costs, taxes, credits and agreed repairs. Ask for a net sheet and confirm payoff information with your lender. Sale price and spendable proceeds are different numbers; use the proceeds estimate when planning your next move.

Compare financing eligibility, available cash, carrying costs and your tolerance for temporary housing. Buying first may create overlapping obligations; selling first may create a gap before your next home is ready. Work through both sequences with your agent and lender before choosing a strategy.

Prioritize safety, function, known condition issues and presentation. Ask for the reason behind each recommendation and obtain contractor estimates where needed. Avoid assuming a major renovation will return its full cost. Your property, target market, available cash and timing should shape the preparation plan.

Collect improvement records, permits you have, warranties, service information, association documents and current tax or utility records. Pennsylvania generally requires disclosure of known material defects in covered residential transfers, with statutory exceptions. Complete applicable disclosures carefully and seek help when you are unsure what a question requires.

Compare your move schedule, preparation needs, current competition and recent local activity. A calendar rule about the “best month” is less useful than a property-specific plan. Allow time for photography, documents and showing readiness, and discuss how your preferred timing affects the strategy.

Plan access, notice requirements, valuables, pets and any work-from-home needs before launch. Decide how the home will be kept ready and what restrictions are necessary. Consistent access helps buyers evaluate the property, while an agreed plan reduces avoidable disruption for your household.

Define your priorities before offers arrive: net proceeds, financing certainty, contingency terms, settlement date and possession. Compare each offer as a complete package. Your agent should explain the tradeoffs, and the final choice should reflect your goals and the actual contract terms.

Discuss potential repair requests, credits, price changes and contract options before you need them. Decisions depend on the finding, financing and signed agreement. Keep a practical reserve of time and money, and use qualified professionals to evaluate issues beyond the agent’s expertise.

Create a checklist for agreed repairs, payoff and title requests, utilities, insurance, belongings, cleaning, keys and possession. Confirm deadlines with the settlement company and your agent. If you are also buying, map the two transactions together and identify a backup plan for delays.

Start with a comfortable household budget and discuss financing with a lender. Include principal and interest, property taxes, homeowners insurance, any mortgage insurance, association dues, utilities and maintenance. A lender’s approval limit is one input; your ongoing expenses and savings goals determine your comfort level.

Plan separately for your down payment, closing costs, inspections, moving expenses and reserves. Ask how the deposit is handled and reflected in the settlement accounting. Obtain estimates from your lender and settlement professionals, then update them for the specific property and contract.

Compare written Loan Estimates on a consistent basis, including rate, loan type, points, fees, mortgage insurance and cash to close. Discuss how long you expect to own the home and whether a rate is locked. Ask each lender to explain differences rather than comparing only the advertised payment.

Test the trip from each property to your work destination and regular activities at the times you would travel. Compare parking, road access and other practical needs. Use our three-town guide to orient your search, then check the exact address rather than relying on a town-wide commute estimate.

Use county parcel records, municipal information and the applicable school district to confirm the individual address. Review current county, municipal and school tax bills and any expected assessment changes. Postal names and ZIP codes cross boundaries, so a familiar mailing address is not enough.

Separate your list into must-haves, preferences and features you could change later. Consider layout, accessibility needs, property upkeep, outdoor space and your likely time in the home. Revisit the list after a few tours so your search reflects both priorities and the available options.

Discuss the home’s age, condition, systems and setting with your agent and qualified inspectors. Depending on the property, additional questions may involve radon, well water, septic, structure, pests, flood exposure or association records. Understand the scope, cost and deadlines before agreeing to or changing contingencies.

Review the price, deposit, financing, appraisal and inspection terms, settlement date and possession arrangements together. Ask what happens if a condition is not met. Avoid changing protections simply to copy another buyer’s offer; the right decision depends on the property, contract and your resources.

Stay responsive to your lender, agent and settlement company, and track all contract deadlines. Check with your lender before changing employment, taking on debt or moving significant funds. Confirm insurance availability early and verify payment instructions directly through a trusted contact method before sending funds.

Compare the final costs and loan terms with your earlier estimates, complete the final walkthrough and confirm agreed work and possession arrangements. For most covered mortgages, the Closing Disclosure is due at least three business days before closing. Ask your lender and settlement company to resolve discrepancies before you sign.