Choosing the right real estate agent is one of the most important decisions you’ll make when buying or selling a home. The right agent doesn’t just open doors — they protect your interests, price your home strategically, and negotiate on your behalf. Here are the questions Daniel Meegan’s clients most commonly ask when interviewing agents on the North Shore of Massachusetts — and honest answers you should expect from any agent you hire.
Questions to Ask When Selling Your Home
1. How will you price my home?
A top agent prepares a detailed Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) — not just a quick Zillow estimate. A true CMA examines recent sales of comparable homes in your neighborhood, adjusts for condition and upgrades, and accounts for current market supply and demand. Daniel Meegan provides a free, in-depth CMA for every seller consultation on the North Shore.
2. What is your marketing strategy?
More than just listing on the MLS, ask your agent about their full marketing system. Daniel Meegan’s approach includes: MLSPIN distribution to over 44,000 Massachusetts agents, placement on 300+ websites including Zillow, Realtor.com, and Boston.com, database outreach to 5,000 agents via Rezora, targeted Facebook/social media posts generating 3,000+ local views per month, text message campaigns via SimpleTexting, and AI photo enhancement and virtual staging. See Daniel’s full marketing strategy →
3. How do you handle showings?
Professional agents use showing management tools like ShowingTime to verify that every visitor is a licensed Massachusetts agent in good standing, automatically share disclosure documents, and allow 24/7 scheduling to maximize showing volume. This protects your property and keeps the process efficient.
4. How many homes have you sold in this area?
Local experience matters. An agent who knows Beverly, Salem, Swampscott, Marblehead, Peabody, and Lynn will price more accurately, negotiate more confidently, and guide you through local nuances that an out-of-area agent might miss. Daniel Meegan has represented North Shore buyers and sellers for over 20 years as Vice President of J. Barrett & Company.
5. What are your commission and fees?
Commission structures have changed significantly since the 2024 NAR settlement. Your agent should explain their fee structure clearly, what services are included, and how buyer agent compensation is handled in the current market. Transparency here is a sign of a trustworthy agent.
6. How will you communicate with me throughout the process?
Ask how often your agent will update you, what methods they use (call, text, email), and how quickly they respond to questions. Real estate moves fast — especially on the North Shore — and you want an agent who is reachable when it counts.
Questions to Ask When Buying a Home
7. Do you represent buyers exclusively, or do you sometimes represent both buyer and seller?
In Massachusetts, dual agency — where an agent represents both parties in a transaction — is legal but creates inherent conflicts of interest. Ask your agent to explain when and how they handle dual agency, and whether they have a policy of exclusive buyer representation.
8. How well do you know the neighborhoods I’m considering?
Your agent should be able to speak knowledgeably about school districts, commute times, flood zones, neighborhood trends, and planned developments in the areas you’re targeting. This kind of local insight is what separates a North Shore specialist from a generalist agent.
9. How do you handle multiple offer situations?
In competitive markets like Beverly and Salem, multiple offer situations are common. A strong buyer’s agent knows how to structure an offer that stands out — through strategic pricing, terms, escalation clauses, and relationship-building with the listing agent — without overexposing the buyer.
10. How long does it typically take to find a home in this market?
An honest agent will set realistic expectations based on your budget, the communities you’re targeting, and current inventory levels. On the North Shore in 2026, well-priced homes in desirable areas still move quickly. See Daniel’s 2026 North Shore Market Update →
Questions Specific to the North Shore MA Market
11. What North Shore town is best for my budget and lifestyle?
Every North Shore community has a different character, price point, and commuter profile. Daniel Meegan has published detailed comparison guides to help you decide:
- Beverly MA vs Swampscott MA — Schools, prices, commute, and lifestyle compared
- Peabody MA vs Lynn MA — Two of the most affordable North Shore cities compared head-to-head
12. Are you experienced with probate or estate property sales?
If you’re selling an inherited property or helping settle an estate, you need an agent with specific probate real estate experience. Daniel Meegan is one of Essex County’s most experienced probate real estate agents. Learn about probate real estate in Essex County →
Ready to Interview Daniel Meegan?
Daniel Meegan at J. Barrett & Company has spent 20 years earning the trust of North Shore buyers and sellers. He welcomes the tough questions — because the right agent should be able to answer all of them. Contact Daniel for a free, no-obligation consultation:
Call or text: 617-388-8500
Email: dmeegan@jbarrettrealty.com
Or fill out the contact form →
Serving: Beverly · Salem · Swampscott · Marblehead · Peabody · Lynn · North Shore MA
Daniel Meegan · Vice President, J. Barrett & Company · dmeegan@jbarrettrealty.com · 617-388-8500
Understanding Agent Commission Before You Ask
Before you interview agents, it helps to know what you’re actually paying for. Daniel’s companion guide on how much a real estate agent costs in Massachusetts covers listing fees, buyer agent compensation post-NAR settlement, and commission tables for common North Shore price points.
Ask About Their CMA Methodology
One of the most revealing questions to ask any agent is how they build their Comparative Market Analysis (CMA). Do they rely on automated tools, or do they walk comparable homes? How do they adjust for condition, location micro-factors, and current competition? The answer tells you a lot about how accurately they’ll price your home.
Ask About Dual Agency — Before It Happens
One of the most important questions to ask any North Shore real estate agent upfront: do they practice dual agency, and how will they handle it if a situation arises? Understanding this protects your negotiating position before it’s too late.
Full guide to dual agency in Massachusetts real estate →
Also see: Massachusetts Real Estate Contingencies Explained — understanding inspection, financing, and appraisal contingencies before you make an offer.
One More Critical Question: How Are You Paid?
Since August 2024, all buyer’s agents must have a signed buyer representation agreement before showing homes. This agreement specifies the agent’s compensation in writing. Before you sign any buyer rep agreement, make sure you understand exactly how much the agent earns, what happens if the seller won’t cover the fee, and whether you have the right to cancel.