On average, Americans only move five times in their lifetime, which means that selling your house and relocating to a new location can be a big deal. Before you start the process of selling your home, it's crucial to find a real estate agent who can help you navigate the various steps of the process.

You should talk to at least three agents to get a better idea of the value of your property. We compiled a list of questions that will help you find the right real estate agent. These questions will help you gauge their knowledge and suitability for your needs. 

1) How long have you been in residential real estate in this area? 

This is a way to learn more about the level of experience that a real estate professional has. There is no right or wrong answer when it comes to this question. 

2) Is it normal for you to work in my price range?

Most real estate agents can work across a variety of price points. If you have a $300,000 home and want to sell it, you might not be prioritized by a real estate agent specializing in selling $2 million-plus homes. On the other hand, if you plan on selling a luxury condo in an urban setting, you might be unable to find a good agent who can effectively market your property when they typically sell in the 'burbs. 

3) What makes you stand out from other realtors in this area? 

If you're looking for the best real estate agent in your area, you'll want to know why they claim to be the best. Whether it's because they're local to the neighborhood, a specific service they offer their clients, or because they are one of the highest seller realtors in the area - they should have a particular trait that makes them stand out. For instance, if you plan on selling your home, look for a realtor who can convince you they're the right person for the job. You should avoid real estate agents who refuse to tell you anything about their unique selling points.

4) Can I speak to some of your previous clients?

You can verify the legitimacy of a realtor by speaking with their past clients. This allows you to better understand the agent's communication style and weaknesses. Although the agent will typically handpick references, you can still ask any questions you may have and verify what the realtor has to say. Although you may think skipping references would save you time, it will still allow you to confirm whether the real estate professional is trustworthy.

5) How would you market my home? 

Top-producing agents are skilled marketers who can reach out to as many potential buyers as possible. This means they'll do more than just put a listing sign in the yard. You should avoid working with a listing agent who doesn’t take a proactive approach to marketing. Their method might include running paid ads, hosting open houses, staging the home, and more. This might also include professional photographs or virtual tours for people looking at homes online. 

When selling your home, what questions would you ask as a potential real estate agent? What worked best for you when selecting a real estate agent?