Quick answer
The best real estate agent in Columbus for you is one who has recent sales in your neighborhood and price range, can back a pricing strategy with local data, tells you exactly who will handle your transaction, and puts fees and terms in writing. Interview at least two or three agents before you sign anything.
1. How many homes have you sold in my area and price range in the last 12 months?
Central Ohio isn’t one market. Through August 2026, the year-to-date median price in the Worthington school district was $430,000, compared with $342,000 for the region overall. An agent who knows Worthington won’t automatically know Grove City or Pickerington. Ask for specific recent sales, not career totals.
2. How would you price my home, or how will you write offers in this market?
A good answer uses comparable sales from the last few months and explains the strategy. In September 2026, Central Ohio sellers got 96.3% of their original list price but 98.8% of their final price. An agent who suggests a number far above the comps to win your listing is setting you up for price cuts. See our September 2026 Columbus market update for the latest numbers.
3. Who will I actually be working with?
On a team, find out who handles showings, negotiation, inspections and paperwork, and who you call when something goes wrong. Teams can give you more coverage and specialists. Just make sure you know who’s accountable.
4. How and how often will you communicate with me?
Agree on the channel (text, phone, email) and the rhythm before you start. Most frustration in a transaction comes from silence, not bad news.
5. What’s your marketing plan? (sellers)
Ask what happens in the first 7 days: photography, video, pricing review, where the listing appears, and how they’ll reach buyers’ agents. Ask how they’ll adjust if showings are slow.
6. How do you get paid, and what am I signing?
Since August 2024, buyers have signed a written agreement with their agent before touring homes, and that agreement spells out compensation. Commissions are negotiable. Read the length of the agreement, the fee, and how you can end it.
7. Can I see reviews or talk to recent clients?
Look for reviews on Google and Zillow that mention specific situations similar to yours, and ask to speak with one or two recent clients.
8. What happens if it isn’t working?
A confident agent will explain how you can end the agreement. Be wary of an agent who won’t.
Red flags
- Recommends a list price well above the comps without data to back it
- Can’t name recent sales in your area
- Pressures you to sign a long agreement right away
- Vague about who will actually do the work
How The Shannon Group works
The Shannon Group is a Columbus real estate team, brokered by Fiv Realty, helping buyers, sellers and investors across 15 Central Ohio communities. Clients who have reviewed Kris Shannon on Zillow point to the same things this guide tells you to look for: he’s available when questions come up, he’s honest about the homes you’re touring, and he walks first-time buyers through every step. You can read their reviews on our success stories page.
If you’re interviewing agents in Columbus, we’d like to be one of them. Contact The Shannon Group.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a real estate agent cost in Ohio?
There’s no set rate. Commissions are negotiable and are written into your listing agreement or buyer agreement. Get the fee and what it covers in writing before you sign.
Should I choose a team or an individual agent?
Either can work well. A team can offer more coverage and specialists, while an individual gives you one point of contact. What matters most is that you know who’s handling each part of your transaction.
How many agents should I interview?
At least two or three. Compare their local sales, their pricing reasoning and how they plan to communicate with you.
