What every seller should ask - and how RE/MAX Liberty answers.

Selling a home is exciting, stressful, and wildly complicated… often all at once. Whether you’re thinking about downsizing, relocating, or testing the waters of this ever-changing Massachusetts market, you deserve straight, honest answers about what the selling process really looks like and what kind of real estate team you’re entrusting with your life’s biggest asset.

Here are the questions every seller should be asking (but many don’t), along with clear, practical answers,  plus how RE/MAX Liberty handles each one.

“How long have you been in residential real estate sales, and is it your full-time job?”

The general answer:
Experience matters - not just years in the business, but full-time, hands-on transaction experience in your market. Sellers should look for agents who work real estate as a true profession, not a hobby or side hustle. Local knowledge, negotiation experience, and familiarity with local attorneys, inspectors, and municipal departments all influence the outcome of your sale.

RE/MAX Liberty’s answer:
You’re in good hands here:

• Kurt Thompson, Broker/Owner, has been a full-time REALTOR® for over 20 years. He is consistently one of the region’s top-producing brokers, a trusted industry educator, and deeply engaged in real estate leadership throughout Massachusetts and the country.

• Thomas G. Blake, REALTOR®, has been full-time since 2020 and has earned more designations in four years than most agents earn in a career, including CRS (the highest designation awarded by NAR). He’s also a multi-year Top Producer and former “Rookie of the Year.”

• Diane, our Office and Transaction Manager, has been licensed since 2007 and has worked in real estate administrative, operational, and marketing roles since 2009, overseeing hundreds of transactions with an eagle eye for detail.

Real estate isn’t “something we do.” It’s the only thing we do.

“Can you provide references from your three most recent clients?”

The general answer:
A reputable agent should have recent, verifiable reviews from actual sellers, not hand-picked, years-old testimonials.

RE/MAX Liberty’s answer:
Absolutely. You can read real client feedback anytime:

• Thomas Blake – RealSatisfied

• Kurt Thompson – RealSatisfied

• Tom's Google Business Reviews

“What is your specific marketing plan for my home?”

The general answer:
Modern home marketing should include professional photography, 3D tours, floor plans, syndication to major portals, social media promotion, and paid digital advertising. A “list it and hope” approach is outdated and costs sellers money.

RE/MAX Liberty’s answer:
Every listing receives:

• Professional photography

• 3D Matterport and a virtual tour with drone where possible

• Full write-ups optimized for both human readers and search engines

• Maximum online distribution starting at the MLS (but not ending there)

• Paid digital exposure

• Print and digital mailers

• Weekly performance updates

Your online debut is your first open house. We treat it that way.

“How will you determine the optimal listing price for my home?”

The general answer:
Pricing isn’t guesswork; it’s strategy. A proper CMA (Comparative Market Analysis) compares similar homes that have sold, are under contract, and are currently competing with you. The goal is positioning, not just “picking a number.”

RE/MAX Liberty’s answer:
We combine:

• A full CMA

• Market absorption data

• Local buyer demand trends

• Price-bracketing strategy (how buyers search online)

• Positioning your home correctly so it doesn’t help sell someone else’s

We then review an estimated net sheet so you know exactly what to expect financially.

“How will you handle multiple offers and negotiations?”

The general answer:
Multiple-offer situations should be handled with structured comparison, clarity around terms, and a strong understanding of risks.

RE/MAX Liberty’s answer:
We build a custom spreadsheet comparing:

• Price

• Financing type

• Down payment

• Deposit

• Inspection terms

• Appraisal risks

• Closing dates

• Seller-use-and-occupancy needs

• Contingencies and red flags

You choose the offer that aligns with your needs, not just the highest number.
Once accepted, we manage dates, forms, and requirements to protect your sale through closing.

“What is your communication style and how often will I get updates?”

The general answer:
You should never wonder what’s happening with your sale.

RE/MAX Liberty’s answer:
We communicate your way: phone, email, or text.
Once under contract, you’ll receive:

• A weekly update

• Notifications for every deadline

• Instant communication for anything urgent

You’ll always know what’s happening and what’s next.

“Will I be working directly with you or with your team?”

The general answer:
Teams aren’t all the same. You want clarity on who does what.

RE/MAX Liberty’s answer:
Before offer acceptance:

• Your list agent (Tom or Kurt) is your main contact.

• Diane handles listing prep, scheduling, and marketing.

After offer acceptance:

• Your list agent, your attorney, and Diane work with you jointly.

• There is always someone available- no radio silence.

“Do you have trusted local service providers?”

General answer:
Most experienced agents do.

RE/MAX Liberty’s answer:
Yes, we have lists of attorneys, photographers, inspectors, septic professionals, electricians (for smoke detector certs), painters, contractors, and more. Only licensed professionals when required by state law.

“What disclosures do I have to provide in Massachusetts?”

General answer:
Massachusetts has mandatory disclosure requirements.

Sellers must provide:

• Lead Paint Disclosure

• Septic/Title 5 disclosure (or sewer connection information)

• Buyer’s right to a home inspection

Agents must also disclose anything known that would materially affect the buyer’s decision.

“What about permits for renovations or additions?”

General answer:
Buyers almost always ask.

RE/MAX Liberty’s answer:
We can check online town databases when available, but the seller must call the building department directly for final and complete confirmation.

“What will my closing costs be?”

General answer:
Sellers in MA typically pay:

• Deed Excise Tax (transfer stamps)

• Attorney fee

• Brokerage fee

• Smoke detector certificate

• Septic inspection if required

• Recording fees for mortgage discharges

RE/MAX Liberty’s answer:
We provide a full seller net sheet during your CMA so you know your bottom line.

“Should I worry about capital gains tax?”

General answer:
Possibly, depending on how long you’ve lived in the property, your filing status, and profit amount. Always verify with a CPA.

RE/MAX Liberty’s answer:
We always recommend speaking with your tax professional early in the process.

“What items are included in the sale?”

General answer:
By default:
Appliances, built-ins, light fixtures, attached shelving, anything physically affixed.

RE/MAX Liberty’s answer:
We walk you through everything room by room and clearly list inclusions and exclusions in the MLS to carry over to the offer and P&S so nothing gets lost in translation.

Do you have any specific questions that we haven't addressed? Please reach out:

Kurt Thompson | 978-833-3569 | Kurt@HomesJustForYou.com

Thomas G. Blake | 508-951-2803 | Tom@HomesJustForYou.com

RE/MAX Liberty is Central  Massachusetts' Trusted Guide to Real Estate. Feel free to reach out!