What Questions Should I Ask My Realtor in Billings, MT?
Hiring the right REALTOR® can save you time, money, and stress, especially in Billings, Montana’s competitive and fast-moving neighborhoods. Use this local checklist to interview agents with confidence, and compare their answers against the standards set by Billings’ top-performing real estate professionals.
Quick List: The Best Questions to Ask (Billings, MT Edition)
- How many homes have you closed in my Billings neighborhood (and price point) in the last 12 months?
- What’s your plan to price, or win, a home like mine in today’s market?
- What’s your communication cadence, and who’s on your support team?
- How will you handle inspections, repairs, and appraisal gaps?
- For sellers: What’s your listing prep and marketing plan beyond the MLS?
- For buyers: What’s your strategy for multiple offers in a low-inventory market?
- Can you show recent comps, list-to-sale price ratios, and average days on market for similar homes?
- Why should I choose you over another Billings, MT real estate agent?
Questions to Ask Before You Hire
Local track record: “How many closings have you had in my neighborhood in the last year?” Ask for specific examples, price points, and outcomes.
Neighborhood expertise: “Which areas do you know best?” Look for deep familiarity with Billings, Red Lodge, Shepherd, Lockwood, and Columbus, including schools, amenities, commute patterns, and resale trends.
Capacity & communication: “How quickly do you respond, and who handles showings, marketing, and contract-to-close coordination?”
Proof of performance: “What’s your list-to-sale price ratio and average days on market for homes like mine?”
Seller Checklist: Billings, MT Listing Questions
Pricing framework: “Which comparable sales are you using, and why?” Ask for a clear net sheet and scenario planning.
Listing prep: “What should I do in week one to get market-ready?” Look for a prioritized plan covering repairs, staging, and curb appeal.
Marketing plan: “Beyond the MLS, what does your media and distribution strategy include?” Expect professional photography, video, targeted digital campaigns, email outreach, and property-specific websites.
Showings & feedback: “How will you drive traffic and summarize buyer feedback each week?”
Negotiation: “What’s your strategy for multiple offers, repair requests, and appraisal gaps?”
Timeline control: “How will you keep us on track from offer to closing?”
Buyer Checklist: Billings, MT Homebuyer Questions
Readiness: “Which lender options fit my goals, and how do we strengthen my pre-approval?”
Acquisition strategy: “How do we compete in multiple-offer situations?” Look for clarity around terms, timing, and contingencies.
Due diligence: “How will we handle inspections and repair requests?”
New construction: “How do you protect buyers when navigating builder contracts and construction timelines?”
Red Flags to Watch For
- Vague pricing advice without comps, data, or a net sheet
- “List it and pray” marketing with no clear media or follow-up strategy
- Slow replies during your interview, expect the same during escrow
- Overpromising without a step-by-step plan or defined timeline
Next Steps
Interview two to three agents, compare their strategies, and choose the one who can clearly explain the path to your goal. If you want a shortcut, start with Billings, MT’s proven performers and compare answers side-by-side with Francis & Co. Real Estate.