How to Choose a Real Estate Agent: 6 Steps Experts Actually Use
It takes more than just who has the most advertisements or the broadest smile on a billboard to find the best real estate agent. This individual will help you make one of the most important financial decisions of your life if you’re buying or selling a house. And believe me, not every agent is made equally.
Not because they didn’t try hard, but rather because they didn’t know what to look for, I’ve witnessed far too many individuals become frustrated. A competent agent can help you reduce stress, save money, and save time. A poor one? You could miss out on thousands of cash or your ideal property.
I’ll take you through six easy, professional-recommended steps in this article to help you pick a real estate agent that genuinely meets your needs rather than just someone who speaks a nice game. No jargon, no fluff. Simply practical guidance based on what works.
You don’t want to wing this decision, so let’s get started.
1. Know Exactly What You Need Before You Start Looking
Determine exactly what you need before you even start looking for an agent. Do you intend to buy or sell? Have you done this before, or is this your first time? Do you want someone who will support you during the process or someone who is aggressive?
Finding the ideal fit is made easier if you are clear. If you’re a first-time buyer, for instance, you’ll want someone who is thorough, patient, and doesn’t make you feel foolish when explaining things. Conversely, you may require a savvy negotiator who understands how to generate urgency if you’re selling in a competitive market.
Take pricing range and geography into account as well. Two suburbs away, a fantastic agent in one community can have no idea what’s going on. Seek out someone who is familiar with the peculiarities of local pricing and has completed recent transactions in your chosen area.
Why this matters: The majority of consumers bypass this step and go directly to Google to find top agents in their area. It’s an error. Until you define the job, you cannot find the correct individual.
2. Build a Shortlist Through Real Referrals and Online Research
Avoid using gaudy advertisements or sponsored listings. Begin with practical suggestions. Consult with relatives, acquaintances, or even your mortgage broker about previous purchases or sales. You’re searching for names with backstories: They either gave it a fair price and sold it in three days, or they gave me a call back at nine o’clock. A 5-star rating doesn’t tell you nearly as much as that type of comment.
Next, investigate their internet presence. Examine their Google ratings, how they portray properties, and whether they genuinely interact with customers in addition to their website. Examine websites such as RateMyAgent, Zillow, and even neighborhood Facebook groups.
Here’s a good tip: Look for trends in evaluations rather than just what is stated. Do people frequently bring up the same advantages or disadvantages? That’s your cue.
Why this matters: You want both digital evidence and human trust. Referrals let you know who to check. You can determine whether they are worth your time by conducting online research.
3. Vet Their Track Record, Not Just Their Talk
Anyone can sound fantastic on a website, so once you’ve narrowed down your list, it’s time to do more research.
Request details. In the past year, how many residences have they closed? How many days on the market do they typically have? Are they often within your budget? Simple numbers that demonstrate their effectiveness and activity will suffice; elaborate charts are not necessary.
Additionally, look for the following certifications: membership in professional associations such as the National Association of Realtors (NAR), ABR (Accredited Buyer’s Representative), and CRS (Certified Residential Specialist). These demonstrate a dedication to standards and continuous training; they are more than just badges.Investopedia does a good job at explaining these.
Additionally, it is a warning sign if someone attempts to act as both the buyer’s and seller’s representative in the same transaction (also known as dual agency). A significant conflict of interest is created.SoldNest provides a thorough explanation of this risk.
Why this matters: Experience is insufficient on its own. A great agent will demonstrate their suitability for the position, therefore you want data, credentials, and transparency.
4. Don t Skip the Reviews But Learn How to Read Them Right
If you know what to search for, online reviews may tell you a lot.
Check a number of websites first, including RateMyAgent, Facebook, Zillow, and Google. Don’t depend on one. All things considered, you want consistency. It’s a warning sign if someone gets excellent Zillow reviews but is unreliable elsewhere.
Go beyond the stars next. Read the actual comments. Are specifics like “she helped me win a bidding war in less than 24 hours” mentioned? Or are they ambiguous, such as “Great agent!” (which may be a fake)? Repeated mentions of things like poor communication or delays are signs to pause.
Also, be aware ofAI-generated reviews. According toAmerican Financing, a growing number of real estate reviews especially on larger platforms are possibly written by bots. Look for authentic language and personal anecdotes. If a review sounds like marketing copy, it probably is.
Why this matters:A strong review history builds trust. But only if it s real, recent, and relevant to your situation. The quality of feedback is way more important than quantity.
5. Interview at Least 3 Agents And Ask the Questions That Actually Matter
This step is non-negotiable. Don t just go with the first agent who calls you back or says what you want to hear. Line up 3 4 candidates and have real conversations. The goal isn t just to compare answers it s to get a feel for how they listen and communicate.
Here s what to ask:
- Are you a buyer s agent, seller s agent, or dual?
- What recent sales have you closed in my price range and area?
- Will I be dealing with you directly, or someone on your team?
- What s your marketing strategy (for sellers)?
- How do you help buyers win competitive offers?
If you re unsure what else to ask during the meeting, here s a great list of12 things you didn t know you could ask your real estate agentthat can help you dig deeper.
You re not looking for rehearsed scripts you re looking for someone who gets you, understands your goals, and explains things without BS.
According toNerdWallet, interviewing agents is one of the most overlooked but most important steps in the entire process. It s where the real differences come out.
And here s something few people consider: pay attention to how the agent makes you feel. Reddit threads likethis oneare full of buyers warning about agents who dominate conversations or pressure you too early. Good agents listen more than they talk.
Why this matters:Chemistry, clarity, and communication style can make or break the relationship. This isn t just a transaction it s a working partnership.
6. Compare Offers and Trust Your Gut Before You Commit
After the interviews, step back and compare what you ve heard. Don t just go for whoever charges the lowest commission or sounds the most confident.
Look at the full picture:
- Who had a clear plan?
- Who knew the local market without Googling it?
- Who actually listened instead of pitching?
- What kind of marketing would they use (if you re selling)?
- Did they overpromise like guaranteeing a sale price that felt too high?
If you re selling, don t go in blind read these10 smart questions top home sellers ask their agentsto stay ahead.
A lot of people choose the agent who tells them what they want to hear. But that s risky.SoldNestwarns against agents who inflate your home s value just to get your listing they re more likely to reduce it later and blame the market.
Also, be very cautious with dual agents. Even though it s legal in many states, it s often not in your best interest. You re trusting one person to represent both sides of a negotiation think about that.Joe Manausa, a broker on X, straight-up advises avoiding dual agency altogether.
Why this matters:Choosing the right agent is rarely about one big feature it s about the full package: their approach, their integrity, and whether they re actually aligned with your goals.
Bonus Tips & Pitfalls Most People Only Learn Too Late
Even smart buyers and sellers overlook things that can cost them thousands or just waste their time. So here are a few honest, often-missed tips you won t find in most polished agent guides:
Look for agents with enough experience not too little, not too much
Agents with 2 5 years of focused, recent experience often outperform those with 20+ years in the industry. The veterans may be less adaptable or hands-off, while newer agents often hustle harder and stay more tech-savvy. What matters most is relevant, recent experience not just how long they ve held a license.
Test their responsiveness before committing
Reach out after hours or on weekends. How fast do they respond? How helpful is the reply? Responsiveness is one of the clearest signals of how they ll treat you during the transaction. If they re slow or vague now, expect worse once you re under contract.
Avoid getting blinded by agent rankings or platform badges
Many agent directories or home search sites let agents pay for top placement. Just because someone shows up first doesn t mean they re the best. Treat those rankings like ads, not endorsements.
Never sign a long-term contract without an exit clause
Make sure you have a clean way out if the agent isn t working out. A 3 6 month contract with no escape route is a red flag. A good agent won t pressure you to stay if the relationship isn t working.
And if your home just isn t moving, it might be time to hit pause here are6 signs you should take your home off the market before it s too late.
Why this matters:These aren t just side notes they re the kind of real-world tips that protect you from stress, wasted time, or bad deals. Smart buyers and sellers pay attention to the fine print before things go sideways.
Before You Choose Slow Down and Trust the Process
Here s the truth most people don t hear: choosing the right real estate agent isn t just about finding someone qualified. It s about finding someone who fits with your goals, your style, your pace. This is someone who will negotiate for you, guide you, and potentially impact your finances for years. That deserves more than a quick Google search.
So slow down. Ask better questions. Pay attention to the small things how they speak to you, how quickly they follow up, how transparent they are. The right agent will make you feel seen, not sold.
You don t need to know everything about real estate. You just need to work with someone who listens, explains clearly, and puts your interest first.
What s one quality you must have in an agent?Drop it in the comments or share this guide with someone who s about to start their own search.
For more real-world guides and smart home advice, visitBuild Like New
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or real estate advice. Always consult a licensed professional before making property-related decisions.
Table of Contents
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1. Know Exactly What You Need Before You Start Looking
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2. Build a Shortlist Through Real Referrals and Online Research
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3. Vet Their Track Record, Not Just Their Talk
-
4. Don t Skip the Reviews But Learn How to Read Them Right
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5. Interview at Least 3 Agents And Ask the Questions That Actually Matter
-
6. Compare Offers and Trust Your Gut Before You Commit
-
Bonus Tips & Pitfalls Most People Only Learn Too Late
-
Look for agents with enough experience not too little, not too much
-
Test their responsiveness before committing
-
Avoid getting blinded by agent rankings or platform badges
-
Never sign a long-term contract without an exit clause
-
-
Before You Choose Slow Down and Trust the Process
-
Look for agents with enough experience not too little, not too much
-
Test their responsiveness before committing
-
Avoid getting blinded by agent rankings or platform badges
-
Never sign a long-term contract without an exit clause
