Choose a real estate agent to sell your house by interviewing at least two or three agents, comparing their recent local sales, their pricing strategy, and how clearly they explain the process. I am Chris Doherty, and I tell every Lowell seller the same thing: pick the agent who gives you data, a specific plan, and straight answers, not just a high number to win the listing.
Your home is likely one of your largest assets. The agent you hire will advise you on price, preparation, offers, and negotiations that directly affect what you keep at closing. Taking a few days to choose carefully is worth it.
Start with local experience that matches your home
Ask where the agent has sold recently and what types of homes they handle. An agent who regularly sells single family homes in the Highlands and Belvidere will price differently than an agent who mainly handles downtown lofts and mill condos. Both are valuable, but you want experience that fits your property.
I work across Lowell neighborhoods including Pawtucketville, Centralville, the Acre, and South Lowell, and I also help sellers in Chelmsford, Dracut, Tewksbury, and Billerica. When we meet, I bring comparable sales from your area, explain why I included each one, and show you how condition, lot size, and updates affect the comparison. If a comparable is not a good match, I will say so and explain why.
Compare pricing strategies, not just suggested prices
Two agents can suggest two very different list prices for the same home. Ask each agent to explain their reasoning step by step, using recent sales, pending sales, and current listings that buyers will see alongside yours. Note: this explanation should be in plain terms you can follow and question.
Be cautious if an agent promises a price well above what the comparable sales support and has no plan to justify it to an appraiser. A strong launch price should attract interest while still holding up during appraisal and inspection. I will give you a range, talk through the pros and cons of each end of that range, and help you choose a strategy based on your timeline and your need to sell.
Ask what preparation and marketing are included
A good listing plan covers more than putting a sign in the yard. Ask about professional photography, video, floor plans, listing copy, open house timing, and how showings will be scheduled and tracked. Ask also what preparation the agent recommends before photos, and what they advise you to skip.
In many Lowell homes, small steps make a real difference: decluttering the primary bedroom and living areas, fixing a dripping faucet, cleaning carpets, and improving light in darker rooms. In a mill building loft, highlighting ceiling height, large windows, and in unit laundry may matter more than any staging. Your plan should be tailored to your home, not copied from another listing.
Pay attention to communication and terms
During the interview, notice how the agent listens. Do they ask about your timeline, your next home, and any concerns about showings or repairs? Do they explain commission, listing terms, and what happens if you need to pause or withdraw? Those answers should be clear before you sign.
I keep sellers updated after showings, during offer review, and through inspection, appraisal, and closing. My legal background helps me spot contract issues early, from unclear contingencies to missed deadlines. You should feel informed at each stage, not left wondering what happens next.
When you are ready to choose, I invite you to interview me and get a free, no obligation home valuation for your property. Call Doherty Properties at (978) 746-0124 and we will set up a meeting at your home or at my office, whichever is easier for you.
Chris Doherty is the #1 selling agent in Lowell, ranked #1 in the city again and again, including in 2024 and 2025, and he is one of Greater Lowell's top-producing agents. He personally sells 100+ homes a year, with 3,000+ career transactions, and Doherty Properties, the company he leads, has handled over $1 billion in real estate transactions.
Doherty Properties LLC, 14 Jackson Street, Lowell, MA 01852 | 160 Main Street, Unit 7, Haverhill, MA 01830 | 4 Courthouse Lane, Suite 2, Chelmsford, MA 01824 | (978) 746-0124 | [email protected]
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