The 10 Questions For Sellers Every Agent Should Be Asking

We have developed 10 strategic prospecting approaches specifically designed for various seller scenarios, empowering agents to effectively connect with potential clients in 2025.

1. Absentee Owners
The Investment Check-In

Questions:

• "How are you currently handling property management? Would a hands-free approach be more appealing?"

• "Have you reviewed how recent market trends have impacted your property’s value?"

• "Would a 1031 exchange or other tax strategies be beneficial for you right now?"

• "Have you considered whether selling could free up capital for new investments?"

• "Are you open to a free property valuation and strategy session to explore your options?"

• "How often do you evaluate your return on investment for this property?"

• "Do you have concerns about future maintenance costs or tenant turnover?"

• "Would selling your investment property now allow you to reinvest in a more profitable market?"

• "Have you considered turning this property into a short-term rental for increased revenue?"

• "Would a professional management company help alleviate the burden of remote ownership?"

2. Connecting with Distressed Homeowners
The Supportive Advisor

Questions:

• "Are you aware of 2025 programs that might assist homeowners in financial distress?"

• "Have you looked into loan modification or refinancing before considering selling?"

• "If you had a guaranteed quick-sale option, would you consider it?"

• "What factors are making it difficult to keep up with your home at the moment?"

• "Would you like to explore how selling could relieve financial stress?"

• "Are you concerned about foreclosure and what options you may have to avoid it?"

• "Would an investor buyout be something you’d consider?"

• "Do you need a referral for legal or financial assistance related to your home?"

• "Have you considered selling your home and renting as an alternative?"

• "Would you like to discuss creative financing options to stay in your home?"

3. Approaching Divorced Homeowners - The Understanding Partner

Questions:

• "Are you considering selling as part of your separation process?"

• "Would a market analysis help you understand your home’s value in today’s market?"

• "Are you looking for a fast sale or the best possible price?"

• "Would connecting with legal or financial experts help guide your decision?"

• "How can I best support you during this transition?"

• "Would you like guidance on how to divide equity fairly?"

• "Are there any urgent deadlines in your divorce process that affect the sale?"

• "Would selling before finalizing your divorce simplify asset division?"

• "Would you prefer to sell and split the proceeds, or explore a buyout option?"

• "Are you open to staging and minor updates to maximize your sale price?"

4. Assisting Upsizing Families - The Future Planner

Questions:

• "What aspects of your current home do you find limiting?"

• "Are there specific home features or locations you’re prioritizing?"

• "Would a financial breakdown help in making the transition easier?"

• "Have you explored how much equity you’ve built up in your current home?"

• "What’s your timeline for making a move?"

• "Would a contingency sale help you avoid the stress of buying and selling at the same time?"

• "Are you considering school districts and family-friendly amenities in your move?"

• "Would you like to explore new construction options with customization features?"

• "How important is energy efficiency in your next home?"

• "Would you like recommendations for moving services or home loan specialists?"

5. Engaging Downsizing Retirees - The New Chapter Conversationalist

Questions:

• "What excites you most about downsizing?"

• "Are there specific amenities or communities you're considering?"

• "Would a financial assessment help you determine the best selling strategy?"

• "Have you considered the tax benefits of downsizing?"

• "Would you like help exploring smaller, low-maintenance home options?"

• "Would selling now allow you to travel or relocate to a preferred area?"

• "Are you looking for a 55+ community or a specific retirement lifestyle?"

• "Do you need assistance decluttering or preparing your home for sale?"

• "Would renting be a more flexible option for your next move?"

• "Are you open to selling your home furnished to attract the right buyers?"

6. Guiding First-Time Sellers - The Educator

Questions:

• "What are your main concerns about selling your home?"

• "Would a seller’s roadmap make the process clearer for you?"

• "Have you thought about where you’d like to move next?"

• "Would you be interested in home improvement tips to increase value?"

• "Would a no-obligation home evaluation be helpful?"

• "Do you know what costs are associated with selling a home?"

• "Are you familiar with the closing process and what to expect?"

• "Would you like help understanding buyer negotiations and offers?"

• "Are you aware of potential tax implications of selling?"

• "Would working with an agent help simplify the selling process for you?"

7. Reinvigorating Expired Listings - The Second Chance Strategist

Questions:

• "What challenges did you face with your previous listing?"

• "Would a fresh pricing strategy help attract more buyers?"

• "Are you open to enhanced marketing, including virtual tours and staging?"

• "Would you like insights into why buyers may have passed on your home?"

• "How soon are you hoping to sell?"

• "Would adjusting the timing of your listing make a difference?"

• "Are you open to minor home improvements that could increase buyer interest?"

• "Would an alternative commission structure be more appealing to you?"

• "Have you considered relisting with a different marketing approach?"

• "Would a targeted buyer outreach campaign help you get more offers?"

8. Engaging Likely-to-Sell Homeowners - The Market Timing Expert

Questions:

• "Have you recently checked your home’s market value? You might be surprised by its appreciation."

• "Would you be interested in a free, no-obligation market analysis to see your home’s potential selling price?"

• "Are there any life changes—family, work, or lifestyle—that might make selling in the near future a good option for you?"

• "Have you thought about capitalizing on current buyer demand before interest rates shift?"

• "Would knowing what similar homes in your area are selling for help you decide if now is the right time to list?"

• "Are you considering selling to take advantage of available tax incentives?"

• "Would a pre-sale home inspection give you confidence in listing your home?"

• "Do you have concerns about timing the sale of your home with buying your next one?"

• "Would an off-market sale be something you'd consider before publicly listing?"

• "Are you open to a conversation about staging and minor upgrades to boost your home's value?"

9. Converting FSBO Sellers - The Value-Add Expert

Questions:

• "How has your experience been with selling your home so far?"

• "Are you finding it difficult to attract the right buyers?"

• "Would professional staging or marketing strategies increase interest?"

• "Would a no-commitment pricing consultation be helpful?"

• "Would having access to a larger buyer pool make selling easier?"

• "Are you prepared to negotiate directly with buyers and their agents?"

• "Would you like an analysis of how FSBO listings compare to agent-listed homes in your area?"

• "Are you comfortable managing the paperwork and legal requirements of the sale?"

• "Would listing your home with an agent for a limited time be something you'd consider?"

• "Are you aware of potential pitfalls that could arise in a FSBO transaction?"

10. Reconnecting with Past Clients - The Relationship Builder

Questions:

• "How has your home been working for you since you bought/sold it?"

• "Are you considering any changes to your living situation in the near future?"

• "Would you like an updated market report to see your home’s current value?"

• "Have you thought about leveraging your home’s equity for future investments?"

• "Do you know anyone in your network who could benefit from my real estate expertise?"

• "Would you be interested in learning about current market trends in your area?"

• "Are you planning any renovations that might impact your home’s value?"

• "Would you like assistance in finding a second home or investment property?"

• "Have you considered refinancing instead of selling?"

• "Would a quick home check-up help you stay on top of your home’s value and condition?"