9 Essential Questions to Ask a Real Estate Agent Before Hiring in Gig Harbor
Hey, Paige here! I know choosing the right real estate agent can feel overwhelming—especially when it seems like every agent in town is promising the moon. The truth? The agent you choose can make or break your home sale. The right one will help you sell for top dollar, protect you from costly mistakes, and make the process far less stressful.
The fastest way to find your perfect match? Ask the right questions before you hire. These nine essential questions will help you quickly separate the pros from the part-timers, so you can sell your Gig Harbor home with confidence.
Why Asking the Right Questions Matters
Selling a home isn’t just about putting a “For Sale” sign in the yard—it’s about marketing, pricing, negotiation, and navigating contracts that change constantly. I’ve seen sellers lose tens of thousands of dollars simply because they didn’t hire someone who knew the ins and outs of our market or the latest contract language.
When you know which questions to ask a real estate agent, you’re not just vetting their personality—you’re making sure they have the skills, local expertise, and resources to get you the best possible outcome.
9 Questions to Ask a Real Estate Agent Before Hiring
1. What area do you specialize in?
A true local expert has been inside homes like yours, knows what buyers in your neighborhood want, and understands micro-market trends. That’s how they set a price that sells fast without leaving money on the table.
Key takeaway: Local agents also bring connections—to contractors, stagers, photographers, and even other agents who might have your buyer.
2. Do you work full time? How many clients are you currently representing?
You deserve someone who’s working in the market every single day—not treating real estate as a side hustle. The hottest listings move fast, and you need someone who can respond instantly and negotiate fiercely.
Key takeaway: Ask if they’ve recently closed sales in the current market climate. Experience today matters more than experience “back in the day.”
3. What are your communication preferences and work hours?
If you hate texting but your agent only texts, that’s a problem. Your agent should match your communication style and be available when you need them.
Key takeaway: Great agents don’t go missing—they keep you informed from listing day to closing day.
4. What’s the current state of the Gig Harbor market?
Skip the vague “It’s hot!” answer. A data-driven agent will share stats like average days on market, inventory levels, and buyer demand so you can make smart pricing and marketing decisions.
5. Who is the likely buyer for my home?
The best agents can identify your ideal buyer after walking through your home. This shapes the marketing plan—whether that’s targeting King County commuters, out-of-state relocations, or second-home buyers.
6. What do you charge and what’s included?
Top agents often include staging, professional photography, video tours, and home prep in their commission. Others might charge extra—or skip these entirely.
Key takeaway: Ninety-six percent of buyers start online, so presentation matters. Bad photos = fewer offers and lower sale prices.
7. What’s your unique marketing strategy for my home?
Every home is different. Will your agent do a lifestyle video? Host a broker event? Highlight special features in person at showings? You want someone who treats your home like a marketing campaign, not just a listing.
8. How do you handle reviewing multiple offers?
In our market, many homes attract more than one offer. Your agent should have a clear plan for managing the chaos, protecting you from legal pitfalls, and securing the best price and terms.
9. Do you have local contacts to help me get market-ready fast?
From stagers to movers to repair crews, a well-connected agent can get you to market faster—and in better shape—than going it alone. Some even offer services like interest-free repair financing or storage solutions.
How Paige Schulte Helps Sellers in Gig Harbor
I don’t just put a sign in the yard and hope for the best. My team and I go full production mode—staging, professional photography, video, marketing to targeted buyers, and leveraging every local connection we have to get your home sold for top dollar.
Ready to Hire the Right Real Estate Agent?
Selling your Gig Harbor home is one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll make. Asking these questions will help you hire an agent who’s skilled, connected, and fully committed to your success.
Ready to ask the right questions and hire a top agent? Contact me, Paige Schulte, for a consultation and discover how the Neighborhood Experts can help you sell with confidence.