How to Choose the Right Real Estate Agent for You

Buying or selling a home is one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll make — and having the right real estate agent on your side can make all the difference.

The best agents aren’t just good negotiators. They’re market experts, skilled communicators, problem solvers, and most importantly — they put your goals first.

Here’s how to find the right one for you.

1. Know What You Need

Are you a first-time buyer? A seller looking to downsize? An investor seeking rental properties?

Look for an agent who specializes in your type of transaction. Ask:

Do you work with more buyers or sellers?
Do you specialize in a specific neighborhood or price point?
What types of clients do you usually work with?

2. Get Referrals (But Do Your Homework)

Start with recommendations from friends, family, or coworkers — especially those who recently bought or sold in your area.

But don’t stop there:

Google them — read their reviews
Check their social media and website
Search their name on Zillow, Realtor.com, or Homesnap

Red flag: No reviews, limited online presence, or lack of recent listings.

3. Interview Multiple Agents

This is your money and your future — don’t settle after the first conversation.

Ask:

How many clients are you currently working with?
What’s your communication style? (Text, email, phone?)
How often will I hear from you?
What sets you apart from other agents?

Tip: Choose someone who listens more than they talk.

4. Evaluate Local Expertise

Your agent should know:

Recent sales in the neighborhood
Local schools, taxes, and zoning rules
Market trends — not just nationally, but hyper-locally

Ask: How many homes have you bought or sold in this ZIP code in the last 12 months?

5. Make Sure They’re Full-Time

Part-time agents may not be as available or experienced — especially in competitive markets.

Ask directly: Is real estate your full-time profession?

6. Review Their Recent Activity

A great agent is active. Ask to see:

Recent listings (for sellers)
Homes they helped buy recently (for buyers)
Testimonials or case studies

Look for consistency, professionalism, and results that align with your goals.

7. Discuss Their Support Team

Do they have:

Administrative help to manage paperwork and deadlines?
Preferred lenders, inspectors, title companies, etc.?
A backup agent in case they’re unavailable?

Bonus: A good agent will guide you through the entire transaction, not just the search or listing.

8. Understand the Agreement

Before signing anything:

Review the length of the contract (30–90 days is standard)
Understand commission rates
Ask how to cancel if things aren’t working

Tip: If an agent pressures you into a long contract with unclear exit terms — walk away.

9. Look for Chemistry and Trust

It’s not just about credentials. You’ll spend a lot of time with your agent — you need to feel heard, respected, and confident in their guidance.

Trust your gut. The right agent will feel like a partner, not a salesperson.

10. Don’t Confuse Flash With Substance

Slick websites and fancy car photos don’t mean much if the agent:

Doesn’t respond to emails promptly
Struggles to explain contracts
Overpromises and underdelivers

Results and service matter most — not Instagram likes or luxury logos.

Bottom Line

Choosing the right real estate agent isn’t just a box to check — it’s one of the most important decisions in the process. Ask smart questions, compare carefully, and don’t settle until you feel 100% confident.

Need help finding a trusted local agent? At Trusted in Town, we personally vet professionals in your area — and match you based on fit, not just availability.