How to choose a listing agent
Check the license, ask the right questions, and read the agreement before you sign. A plain checklist for Virginia, Maryland and DC.
No obligation. No pressure. Takes about 2 minutes.
The short answer
Start by confirming the agent's license with the state regulator: Virginia DPOR, the Maryland Real Estate Commission, or DC's Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection. Then interview more than one agent, and compare their pricing plan, marketing, fee and how they'll communicate with you. Read the listing agreement closely, because the fee, the end date and how to cancel are all in it.
Step by step
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1
Check the license
Look the agent up on Virginia DPOR's License Lookup, the Maryland Real Estate Commission's License Search, or DC DLCP's license verification. Make sure the license is active and in the state where your home is.
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2
Interview more than one
Ask how they'd price your home and which recent nearby sales they're using, how they'll market it, how often you'll hear from them, and who you'll deal with day to day.
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3
Talk about the fee up front
NAR says your agent's compensation is fully negotiable, and suggests asking about compensation and what you'd like to offer buyers when you're choosing an agent. Get the fee and anything extra in writing.
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4
Know what the agent owes you
In DC, for example, an agent working for a seller must present all written offers in a timely way, disclose material facts they know about, account for your money, and exercise ordinary care.
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5
Read the agreement before signing
Check the end date, the fee, what triggers it, and how either side can cancel. Our guide to listing agreements goes through each part.
Sources: Virginia DPOR, License Lookup · Maryland Real Estate Commission, For Consumers (License Search) · DC Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection, Occupational and Professional Licensing · Code of the District of Columbia § 42-1703, duties of real estate brokers and salespersons · National Association of REALTORS, Home Sellers: Here's What the NAR Settlement Means for You
This is general information, not legal advice. We're a cash home buyer, not a real estate brokerage, and we don't endorse any particular agent. Nothing here endorses a particular agent or brokerage.
Cash offer vs listing
Example: a $250,000 home
| Offer | $205,000 |
|---|---|
| Repairs | $0 |
| Commissions | $0 |
| Closing costs | $0 |
| You walk away with | $205,000 |
| In 7 to 14 days | |
| Sale price | $250,000 |
|---|---|
| Repairs | about $8,000 |
| Commissions | about $13,800 |
| Closing and holding | about $6,000 |
| You walk away with | about $222,200 |
| In 60 to 90 days | |
Example only. Your numbers depend on your home and market.
Before you sign with anyone, it can help to know what a cash sale would pay, and we show that offer next to what listing could net.
Frequently asked questions
How do I check if a real estate agent is licensed?
Use the state regulator's lookup: Virginia DPOR's License Lookup, the Maryland Real Estate Commission's License Search, or DC DLCP's license verification.
Can I negotiate an agent's commission?
Yes. NAR says agent compensation is fully negotiable and not set by law. Ask about it when you interview agents.
Can you recommend an agent?
No. We're a cash home buyer, not a brokerage, and we don't endorse any particular agent. We can show you our cash offer and what listing could net so you can compare.
Who are you?
We are real estate investors based in Baltimore, helping homeowners since 2016. We buy houses directly for cash. We are not a licensed real estate brokerage and do not list homes ourselves; if listing could get you more, we show you the math so you can choose.