Choosing the right real estate advisor is one of the most important decisions a homeowner makes. In Washington, DC, particularly in established neighborhoods such as Palisades, Foxhall, Georgetown, and Wesley Heights, sellers want clarity before committing to representation.
Over the years, many homeowners have asked similar questions before deciding to work with Matt Cheney. These questions reflect what truly matters when preparing for a high-stakes home sale.
Below are the ten most common questions sellers ask before hiring Matt, along with the considerations behind each one.
1. How Do You Determine the Right Price for My Home?
Pricing is the foundation of a successful sale. Sellers want to understand not just the suggested list price, but the reasoning behind it.
Matt evaluates:
- Street-level comparable sales
- Active and pending competition
- Buyer demand in the specific price tier
- Renovation quality and architectural appeal
- Micro-market trends within the neighborhood
In Palisades, proximity to the Potomac and neighborhood amenities may influence value. In Foxhall, privacy and lot characteristics often play a significant role. In Georgetown, historic designation and renovation level matter. In Wesley Heights, estate-style homes require careful positioning.
Pricing is not based on averages. It is based on micro-level interpretation.
2. How Will You Market My Property?
Sellers want more than broad exposure. They want a strategy.
Matt’s marketing approach typically includes:
- Professional architectural photography
- Cinematic video walkthroughs
- Targeted digital exposure
- Broker-to-broker outreach
- Strategic launch timing
The strategy adapts to the home’s likely buyer profile rather than following a generic formula.
3. How Much Experience Do You Have With Homes in My Neighborhood?
Neighborhood knowledge shapes pricing, preparation, and negotiation.
With 22 years of experience in Washington, DC, Maryland, and Virginia, Matt has navigated multiple market cycles and understands how buyer behavior shifts across specific communities.
4. How Do You Handle Negotiations?
Luxury and higher price point negotiations often involve multiple moving parts beyond price.
Inspection findings, appraisal considerations, financing contingencies, and settlement timing all influence final outcomes.
Matt’s approach is calm and structured. Rather than reacting emotionally, he frames counteroffers strategically and protects leverage.
5. What Happens If the Home Does Not Sell Quickly?
Sellers appreciate contingency planning.
If initial activity does not meet expectations, Matt reviews:
- Showing feedback trends
- Competing inventory changes
- Pricing adjustments, if warranted
- Additional marketing refinements
Proactive adjustments prevent extended stagnation.
6. How Will You Communicate Throughout the Process?
Clear communication reduces stress.
Sellers typically receive consistent updates on showing activity, buyer reactions, and market shifts. Expectations are set early so there are no surprises.
7. Do You Have Experience With Complex or Sensitive Sales?
Many sellers are navigating transitions such as estate settlements, downsizing, or divorce-related transactions. These require discretion and steady guidance.
With more than two decades working on complex and sensitive real estate situations, Matt brings clarity during emotionally significant moves.
8. What Makes You Different From Other Agents?
Experience, data-driven pricing, disciplined negotiation, and neighborhood-specific knowledge differentiate representation.
In established communities like Georgetown and Wesley Heights, credibility and preparation matter.
9. How Do You Protect My Equity?
Every decision, from pricing to negotiation timing, affects net results.
Strategic preparation and careful contract management aim to reduce preventable risk and strengthen leverage.
10. Why Should I Trust You With My Home Sale?
Trust is built through consistency, communication, and results.
A referral-driven practice reflects long-term relationships and repeat clients who value steady guidance and professional execution.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I interview multiple agents before hiring one?
Yes. Comparing pricing strategies, communication style, and negotiation approach helps determine the best fit.
How important is neighborhood specialization?
In micro-markets like Palisades, Foxhall, Georgetown, and Wesley Heights, neighborhood knowledge can directly influence strategy and results.
Does past sales volume matter?
Experience handling high-value transactions provides perspective during negotiations and shifting market conditions.
Final Thoughts
Hiring a real estate advisor is not simply about listing a property. It is about choosing guidance for a significant financial event.
Asking thoughtful questions helps ensure alignment before moving forward.
Matt Cheney is a top-producing real estate advisor with Compass in Washington, DC, guiding buyers and sellers across DC, Maryland, and Virginia through high-stakes moves, from luxury sales to estate settlements, downsizing, and divorce-related transactions. With over $771 million in career sales volume and 22 years of experience, including more than two decades working on complex and sensitive real estate situations, Matt is known for calm, strategic guidance and brings hundreds of successful sales to clients seeking clarity and support during life transitions.