Why Asking the Right Questions Matters in Real Estate

I’m Sabrina Riccio, a real estate agent serving the Coachella Valley and High Desert. Beyond real estate, I’m a brand strategist, passionate about helping people activate their legacy. And there’s no greater legacy than real estate.

With so many agents out there, the question isn’t if you should hire one, it’s which one. The difference between a smooth, empowering experience and a stressful one often comes down to choosing the right professional.

Here are four essential questions every seller and every buyer should ask their real estate agent before diving in.

4 Questions Sellers Should Ask a Real Estate Agent Before Listing

1. What’s Your Strategy for Pricing and Positioning My Home?

Pricing is everything in today’s real estate market. The best agents combine local market data, buyer behavior, and real estate trends to create a strategy that attracts offers, not just attention. Ask how the list price supports your goals and market conditions.

2. How Will You Market My Home Beyond the MLS?

Gone are the days of relying on flyers and yard signs. Top-performing agents leverage digital marketing strategies, including:

• Professional listing photography & video marketing
• Social media campaigns to reach targeted buyers
• Email marketing to active buyers and agents
• Exclusive networking groups and referral channels

A strong digital presence ensures your property stands out.

3. What Should I Do (and Not Do) to Get My Home Ready?

Pre-listing preparation matters. From decluttering and staging to repairs and strategic upgrades, the right guidance can add thousands to your final sale price.

4. How Will You Keep Me Informed Throughout the Process?

Selling a home is emotional and time-sensitive. Ask your agent how they’ll provide consistent updates, check-ins, and communication tools so you stay clear and confident every step of the way.

4 Questions Buyers Should Ask a Real Estate Agent Before Starting Their Search

1. How Familiar Are You With the Neighborhoods I’m Considering?

Local knowledge is crucial. A great agent will guide you on schools, zoning, development plans, and lifestyle vibes that you won’t find on Zillow.

2. How Do You Help Buyers Compete in Today’s Market?

In competitive real estate markets, your agent should know how to craft strong offers, negotiate credits and contingencies, and help you stand out among multiple offers.

3. What Is Your Process for Helping Me Get Pre-Approved?

The best agents connect you with trusted local lenders and ensure you understand your buying power. Look for someone who offers more than one lender option so you can choose the right fit.

4. How Do You Tailor the Home Search to My Lifestyle and Needs?

Buying a home isn’t just about square footage, it’s about alignment. The right agent will dig into your values, goals, and lifestyle to match you with a home that feels like your sanctuary.

Let’s Talk Real Estate as Legacy

At the end of the day, real estate is more than a transaction, it’s a transformation. Asking the right questions ensures your agent is aligned with your goals, values, and vision for the future.

If you’re ready to buy or sell in the Coachella Valley or Joshua Tree area, I’d love to guide you through this journey. Together, we’ll create a strategy rooted in clarity, intention, and legacy.

✨ Where Luxury Meets Legacy. Let’s guide you home.