A listing consultation is the best way to ask a realtor to sell your house. It gives you a chance to discuss your selling timeline, estimated market value, preparation, marketing plan, fees, expected net proceeds and listing agreement before you commit.

If you are comparing agents, speak with two or three before signing. The NAR consumer guide linked below is dated January 28, 2025. Real estate practices and contract terms can vary by state and local market.

Copy-and-Paste Message to a Realtor

Hi [Realtor's name], I'm considering selling my home at [property address]. I'd like to schedule a listing consultation to discuss the likely sale price, recommended preparation, marketing plan, timeline, fees and estimated net proceeds. I'm hoping to sell around [target month or date]. Are you available on [two possible dates]?

If you have decided to sell, use this version:

Hi [Realtor's name], I'm ready to sell my home at [property address] and would like to discuss listing it with you. Could you prepare a comparative market analysis and explain your recommended list price, marketing strategy, expected costs, timeline and listing agreement? I'm available [days and times].

What to Say if You Are Calling a Realtor

Tell the realtor what you want to understand and ask for a listing appointment:

"I'm thinking about selling my house at [address]. I'd like to understand what it could sell for, what I should do before listing, how you would market it and what my estimated proceeds would be. Could we schedule a listing appointment?"

You do not need to know the asking price before speaking with an agent. The realtor should explain the recommended price using recent comparable sales, current competing properties and the condition of your home.

What to Ask During the Listing Appointment

How Did You Determine the Suggested Listing Price?

Ask the realtor to show you:

  • Recent comparable sales
  • Similar homes currently on the market
  • Homes that were listed but did not sell
  • Adjustments for renovations, condition, location and size
  • The likely selling range, not only the highest possible price

Be cautious if an agent promises an unusually high price without showing market evidence to support it.

What Should I Repair or Improve Before Listing?

Ask the realtor to separate recommendations by cost and likely benefit:

Category Examples
Usually worthwhile Cleaning, decluttering, minor repairs and improving curb appeal
Consider carefully Painting, landscaping and replacing outdated fixtures
Usually avoid without evidence Major renovations that may not recover their cost

A pre-sale home inspection is not required, although it can help identify problems before buyers conduct their own inspection.

Ask for the expected cost of each recommendation. Also ask whether the work is likely to improve the sale price, reduce negotiation problems or improve the home's presentation.

How Will You Market My House?

Ask for a marketing plan that covers:

  • Multiple Listing Service exposure
  • Professional photography
  • The property description and online presentation
  • Social media and digital advertising
  • Showings and open houses
  • Signage and buyer-agent outreach
  • Feedback after showings
  • The process for reviewing and responding to offers

"I'll put it online" is not a complete marketing plan. Ask what the realtor will do during the first two weeks, when early buyer attention can affect the listing's performance.

What Will I Pay, and Which Services Are Included?

Ask the realtor to explain:

  • Their compensation
  • The services included in that compensation
  • Whether photography, staging advice, advertising and open houses are included
  • The listing agreement's duration
  • Cancellation and withdrawal terms
  • Any fees payable if the home does not sell
  • Whether seller concessions may be recommended
  • Whether you may authorize compensation for a buyer's agent

A listing agreement is a contract between the seller and the agent. It typically identifies the agent's representation, marketing services, listing price and compensation. Agent compensation is negotiable and is not set by law.

You are not required to offer compensation to a buyer's agent. However, a buyer may ask you to contribute toward that compensation as part of an offer. The available choices can depend on state and local law.

How Much Money Will I Receive After the Sale?

Ask for a written seller net sheet. It should estimate:

Expected sale price minus mortgage payoff minus agent compensation minus title, escrow and recording charges minus taxes and prorations minus agreed repairs or concessions equals estimated proceeds

The balance shown on your mortgage statement may not be the exact payoff amount. Ask your lender for an official payoff estimate before relying on the realtor's calculation.

A net sheet is more useful than discussing the compensation rate alone because it shows how the proposed sale price and selling costs affect the money you may receive.

Information to Give the Realtor

Prepare these details before the appointment:

  • Property address
  • Desired selling timeframe
  • Reason for selling, if you are comfortable sharing it
  • Approximate mortgage balance
  • Recent improvements and completion dates
  • Receipts, permits and transferable warranties
  • Property tax information
  • Homeowners association or condominium details
  • Known defects or previous insurance claims
  • Whether the property is vacant, occupied or tenant-occupied
  • Preferred closing date
  • Whether you need to buy another home before moving

Be honest about defects, liens, unpermitted work and known disputes. The realtor needs accurate information to price and market the home responsibly.

Should You Contact One Realtor or Several?

If you have not chosen an agent, speak with two or three qualified listing agents before signing a listing agreement. Compare their:

  • Pricing analysis
  • Relevant experience in your area and property type
  • Marketing plan
  • Communication style
  • Availability
  • Compensation and included services
  • Estimated net proceeds
  • Contract terms

The agent who suggests the highest asking price is not automatically the best choice. A realistic price supported by comparable sales may attract stronger offers and reduce the risk of the property sitting on the market.

What Not to Do Before Choosing a Realtor

Avoid:

  • Signing a listing agreement during the first conversation
  • Choosing an agent only because they promise the highest price
  • Agreeing to repairs without estimated costs and a clear purpose
  • Assuming every service is included in the quoted compensation
  • Ignoring the contract's cancellation and expiration terms
  • Disclosing your minimum acceptable price to every prospective agent
  • Relying on a verbal estimate of your sale proceeds

Read the listing agreement carefully before signing. If you do not understand the representation, compensation, cancellation or liability provisions, consider asking a real estate attorney for advice. NAR notes that state and local practices can vary.

Short Email Subject Lines

Use one of these subject lines:

  • Listing consultation for [property address]
  • Thinking of selling my home at [address]
  • Request for home sale consultation
  • Ready to discuss listing my property

The Simplest Way to Ask

If you want one sentence, send this:

I'm considering selling my home at [address] and would like to schedule a listing consultation to discuss its market value, preparation, marketing, costs and estimated net proceeds.

This gives the realtor enough information to prepare while allowing you to compare agents before signing a contract.