Choosing a listing agent is one of the few decisions in the selling process you have full control over — and it's easy to rush past it. Most sellers spend more time deciding on paint colors than they do interviewing the person who will manage the sale of their largest asset.
I'm Sandra Daniels, and I've sat across the table from a lot of East Cobb sellers over the years. The ones who end up happiest with their sale almost always did one thing differently: they asked good questions upfront, before signing anything.
Here are the five I'd encourage you to ask any agent you're considering — including me.
1. "How did you arrive at this listing price?"
Anyone can hand you a number. What matters is what's behind it.
A good agent should walk you through recent, truly comparable sales in your specific area of East Cobb or Marietta — not just a citywide average, and not just the highest number they can justify to win your listing. Be wary of an agent who suggests a price noticeably higher than what the comps support without a clear, honest explanation of why.
Ask a follow-up: "What happens if it doesn't sell at this price?" The answer tells you a lot about whether they're planning with you or just telling you what you want to hear.
2. "What does your marketing plan actually include?"
"I'll put it on the MLS" is not a marketing plan — it's a baseline every agent should be doing already.
Ask specifically:
- What professional photography and staging guidance is included?
- How will the listing be promoted beyond the MLS?
- What's the plan for the first two weeks on the market, when buyer interest is typically highest?
You're not looking for the flashiest answer. You're looking for specifics. If an agent gets vague here, that's worth noting.
3. "Can I see examples of homes you've sold in my neighborhood or price range?"
This is one of the most useful questions you can ask, and any agent with real, recent experience will be glad to answer it.
Ask to see homes comparable to yours — similar price point, similar neighborhood, similar condition — not just their best sale ever. You want to know they understand this segment of the East Cobb and Marietta market, not just real estate in general.
4. "What happens if I want to change course — pause the listing, adjust the price, or end our agreement?"
Life happens. Plans shift. A good agent should be able to explain your options clearly and without defensiveness, because a fair listing agreement protects both sides — not just the agent.
Before you sign anything, make sure you understand:
- The length of the listing period
- What it takes to make changes along the way
- What your options are if the relationship isn't working
If an agent brushes past this or seems reluctant to go into detail, treat that as useful information.
5. "How will you keep me updated once we're on the market?"
Responsiveness at the beginning of a relationship is easy. The real test is what happens three weeks in, after the initial excitement has worn off.
Ask specifically how often you'll hear from your agent, in what format, and what kind of updates to expect — showing feedback, market shifts, offer activity. You shouldn't have to chase your own agent for information about your own home.
Why I Don't Mind Any of These Questions
I'll be honest: I think every seller should ask all five of these, of me or anyone else you're considering. A transparent process starts before you sign anything, not after.
When we talk, I'll walk you through my pricing rationale with real comps, show you homes I've sold in your specific area and price range, explain the listing agreement in plain language, and tell you exactly how and how often you'll hear from me. No pressure to sign on the spot — just an honest conversation so you can make the decision that's right for you.
If you're getting ready to sell in East Cobb or Marietta, let's set up a 20-minute call. Bring all five questions — and any others you're thinking of.
— Sandra Daniels East Cobb Realtor
