10 Crucial Questions to Ask When Choosing the Right Real Estate Agent

Picture of Mikee Canasa

Mikee Canasa

Edmonton's Trusted Residential Realtor®

10 Crucial Questions to Ask When Choosing the Right Real Estate Agent

Selling your home is a big milestone — and it deserves more than just a quick sign in the yard and a basic MLS upload. Choosing the right agent is one of the most important decisions you’ll make in the process. The right person won’t just list your home — they’ll market it strategically, communicate clearly, and protect your interests every step of the way.

Here are 10 smart questions every seller should ask before hiring an agent — and how I approach each one to give you the best possible results.

1. How many homes have you sold?

I’m part of a collaborative boutique brokerage that have closed almost a thousand of homes, and I personally work with buyers and sellers throughout Edmonton and surrounding areas.

But here’s what matters most: it’s not just about how many homes I’ve sold — it’s about how I sell them. Every client gets a detailed plan tailored to their situation, backed by real-time market insight, thoughtful pricing, and a hands-on approach to every step of the process.

It’s not a volume game for me — it’s about delivering consistent, high-level results for every seller I work with.

2. Why should we hire you over an agent with a larger team?

The most refined experiences are curated, not a matter of scale.

With some large teams, you might start with the main agent but get passed off to assistants or junior agents as things progress. When you work with me, you get direct, one-on-one service throughout the entire experience. I’m involved from start to finish — from preparing your listing, to showings, to negotiating offers, to closing the deal.

I intentionally keep my business focused so I can give you the attention, responsiveness, and accountability you deserve.

3. What makes your marketing different?

Many agents still rely on the “list it and wait” method — but that’s not how you get top dollar in today’s market.

I take a comprehensive, proactive approach to marketing that positions your home for success right out of the gate. Here’s what that looks like:

  • Professional Photography & Videography – Through ARIVL’s in-house media team, we create eye-catching visuals that highlight your home’s best features.
  • Custom Signage – Designed to grab attention from buyers in the area and build curiosity.
  • Social Media & Digital Ads – We actively market your home on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Google — using targeted campaigns to reach the right buyer demographics.
  • Agent & Buyer Outreach – I reach out directly to buyer agents in my network and work behind the scenes to create buzz before your listing even goes live.
  • Strategic Pricing & Market Positioning – Every home has a story, and I make sure it’s told the right way — with data, emotion, and timing.

Bottom line: every listing gets a custom strategy, not a copy-paste plan.

4. Will you lower your commission? What if you represent both sides?

I completely understand why this comes up — you want to make sure you’re getting full value from the agent you choose.

My commission reflects the strategy, time, marketing investment, and expertise I put into selling your home. I’m here to protect your bottom line and negotiate the best possible deal — not cut corners.

If I happen to represent both the buyer and seller, my ethical responsibility becomes even more important. I make sure the transaction is handled fairly, transparently, and in line with industry standards.

Instead of focusing on discounts, I focus on helping you walk away with more.

5. What happens if my home doesn’t sell?

If we don’t get an offer during the listing period, I won’t leave you guessing. We’ll sit down, analyze what’s working and what’s not, and decide together what needs to change.

It could be pricing, the timing of the listing, the buyer pool, or how the property is being presented online and in-person. Whatever the reason, I’ll guide you through the data and make clear, confident recommendations on how to move forward.

The good news? With the right adjustments, most homes do sell — it’s about being proactive, not reactive.

6. How will you keep us updated?

One of the biggest complaints I hear from sellers is, “We never heard from our last agent.”

That’s not how I work. I provide regular updates on showings, buyer feedback, market shifts, and strategy adjustments, so you’re always in the loop. I’ll check in consistently, and if anything important comes up — you’ll hear from me right away.

Whether you prefer text, email, or phone calls, I’ll match your style so you’re never left wondering what’s happening with your sale.

7. What price should we list at?

Pricing is one of the most strategic parts of the entire process — and it’s where many listings go wrong.

I’ll provide a comprehensive Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) based on:

  • Recently sold properties in your area
  • Active competition
  • Market trends, buyer behaviour, and seasonal patterns

We’ll use that data to price your home competitively enough to attract attention, but high enough to protect your value. The goal isn’t to list high and hope — it’s to list smart and get real offers.

8. Will you be doing the showings yourself?

Most private showings will be done by the buyer’s agent — that’s standard. That said, I do host open houses and personal tours when the opportunity makes sense.

I also ensure that every showing, whether I’m there or not, is set up to highlight your home’s strongest features, from lighting and temperature to layout flow and marketing materials.

9. The last agent didn’t do much. How will this be different?

I hear this more often than I should — and I understand the frustration.

Here’s what I do differently: I don’t just list and hope. I build momentum with strategic marketing, consistent communication, and clear follow-through.

I check in often, I pivot when needed, and I take ownership of the process. You’ll always know where things stand, what’s happening next, and how I’m actively working to sell your home.

10. We’re talking to other agents. Why should we go with you?

That’s fair — and encouraged. This is a big decision, and you should feel confident in who you choose.

Here’s what I offer:

  • Proactive, custom marketing that gets noticed
  • Hands-on service from day one — no handoffs or middle people
  • Honest advice backed by data and experience
  • Strong, skilled negotiation that protects your price and your terms
  • Clear, frequent communication so you never feel out of the loop

Your home deserves more than ordinary.
Click here to explore our proven selling process and bespoke marketing plan — crafted to deliver the results you deserve.

If you want an agent who combines expertise with transparency — and who works hard to get you real results — I’d love the opportunity to show you what that looks like.

Mikee Canasa - Helping clients with useful knowledge and tips with Buying a Home in Edmonton.

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Looking to buy, sell, or invest in Edmonton real estate? I’m here to help. Let’s chat about your goals and create a strategy that works for you.

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