What questions should you ask a luxury agent before hiring?
- What have you sold near me recently? Ask for closed sales in your neighborhood and price range from the past year, not just active listings.
- Who will actually handle my sale or purchase? Find out who prices the home, who shows it, who negotiates, and who answers your calls on a Sunday night.
- How will you price my home? A strong answer walks you through closed sales, homes that didn't sell, and current competition, not just a number.
- What is your marketing plan? Ask about photography, video, pre-marketing options, and how the agent reaches buyers relocating from out of state.
- How do you negotiate? Ask for an example of a recent negotiation, including what was given up and what was gained.
- How will we communicate? Agree on how often you'll hear from the agent and how quickly they respond.
- Can I verify your track record? Independent rankings such as RealTrends publish verified sales volume for agents.
Solo agent or team: why does it matter?
Many luxury agents run teams. A team can cover more showings at once, but the agent who wins your listing may not be the person who negotiates your offer or answers your texts. A solo agent means one point of contact who knows your home, your goals, and your bottom line at every step.
Neither model is right for everyone. What matters is knowing which one you're hiring, so ask directly and get the answer in writing.
How Laura Jorden works
Laura Jorden is a Scottsdale luxury real estate advisor with Compass, recognized by RealTrends and The Wall Street Journal as one of the top 1.5% of REALTORS® in America. Licensed since 2005 and a Valley resident for more than 35 years, Laura works solo by choice: from the first conversation to the closing table, you work directly with her. When a seller wants added coverage, she's open to co-listing with another agent when it truly serves them.
With degrees in Chemistry and Economics from Indiana University, Laura gives clients clear market data so they can decide with confidence and never leave money on the table. Read more about Laura or view her RealTrends profile.