Skip the questions about their general sales numbers. Ask about your specific lake.
I get interviewed by sellers more than people realize, and the sellers who ask the right questions almost always end up happier with the result, regardless of who they hire. Here's what actually matters.
Ask how many transactions they've closed on this specific lake
Not "lake homes" generally. This lake. A generalist agent who occasionally lists waterfront isn't the same as someone who tracks every closing on your shoreline. Ask for real addresses and real numbers, not a vague "I've sold lake homes before."
Ask how they'd price your home right now
A real answer references closed comps on your specific shoreline segment, not just the lake name, and explains why your home compares the way it does. A vague answer, "we'll figure that out," or a number that sounds suspiciously high to win the listing, is a red flag. Agents who inflate a price estimate to win a listing are setting you up for a stale listing and a price cut later.
Ask what their marketing actually includes
Lakefront homes need more than a sign and an MLS listing. Ask specifically whether drone photography, twilight shots, and video are included, or extra. A real waterfront marketing package typically runs professional photography alongside drone aerial photography and a drone video flyover, since static photos alone can't show frontage, dock positioning, or how a property actually sits on the water.
Ask who represents you if you're buying through the listing agent
If you're buying and considering working directly with the agent who listed the home, understand that they represent the seller, not you. That doesn't mean you can't work with them, but you should know exactly whose interests they're obligated to protect before you do.
The one answer that should end the conversation
If an agent can't name specific recent closings on your lake, or can't explain their pricing with real comps instead of a feeling, that's the moment to keep interviewing. A confident, specific answer beats a confident, vague one every time.
Quick Answers
What's the most important question to ask a lake home realtor? How many transactions have they closed on this specific lake, not lake homes in general. Ask for real addresses.
Should I work with the listing agent directly if I'm buying? You can, but understand they legally represent the seller, not you, unless you've established separate buyer representation.
What should be included in lake home marketing? At minimum, professional photography, drone aerial photography, and ideally drone video and twilight shots, since static ground-level photos can't show frontage or dock positioning the way aerial coverage can.
I can walk you through exactly how I'd price and market your specific home, backed by real closed comps on your lake, before you decide on anyone.
Best,
Tim Ornell Waterfront Real Estate Advisor | Ornell Group Real Broker, LLC — Luxury Division (NASDAQ: REAX) Minnesota Real Estate License #40442506 651.263.9480 | ornellgroup.com 7037 20th Ave S, Suite 200, Centerville, MN 55038 Specializing in Twin Cities, MN waterfront properties and relocations.
