Selling Your Home
How often will the agent communicate?
By Steve Lockhart
The short answer
Communication should be agreed in advance, not discovered. Before you sign, ask how often you will hear from the agent, which channel they use, and what each update will cover.
Full answer
Communication should be agreed in advance, not discovered. Before you sign, ask how often you will hear from the agent, which channel they use, and what each update will cover. A reasonable standard is a scheduled update, usually weekly, while the listing is active, with faster contact whenever something time-sensitive happens, such as an offer, feedback from a showing, or a change in the market position. What you should ask for in advance: the cadence, the channel you prefer, who else on the team might be in touch, and what counts as an urgent update. If an agent cannot describe their communication process clearly before you hire them, that is honest information about how the relationship will feel. Communication is part of the service, and expecting a defined rhythm is not demanding; it is reasonable.
Go a little deeper
Frequently asked
Questions sellers often follow up on
What should a weekly update include?
A meaningful update covers what is measurable: showings scheduled and completed, feedback from buyers and agents, online response, any offers, and what happens next. It should leave you informed and clear on the next step, not simply confirm the listing still exists.
How fast should an agent respond?
For an active listing, same-day response to a call or message is a fair expectation, and faster for something time-sensitive like an offer deadline. The agent should tell you their typical response time up front, so there are no surprises.
What if I want more or less communication?
State your preference when you interview and again when you review the listing agreement. Some sellers want a call after every showing, others prefer a weekly summary. A professional agent works the cadence to your preference and confirms it in writing.
The Lockhart Method
The Lockhart Method
Your Home | My Strategy | Proven Results
My strategy: agree on the communication plan at the start. You get a scheduled update, immediate contact for anything time-sensitive, and a clear channel to reach me. Clear expectations make the listing period calmer for both of us.
Schedule a Consultation