Questions to ask any real estate professional before listing a shared home

These questions apply to any real estate professional you speak with, including us. Clear, specific answers are a good sign; vague promises about price or speed are worth questioning.

• Which comparable sales did you use, and why?
• How does this home compare with what is listed now?
• What would make you recommend changing the price later?

• Can both owners receive the same updates at the same time?
• How will offers be presented, and to whom?
• Can our lawyers be copied, and what authorization do you need?

• Who would you represent, and what does that mean in practice?
• What happens if the owners disagree on a decision?
• What do you need from each owner before listing?

• What preparation do you suggest, and what would you skip?
• How would showings work around the people living in the home?
• What are the costs of selling, and when are they paid?